Chaweng is a beach on the east coast of Ko Samui, Thailand.

Understand

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The largest and most popular of Samui's beaches, Chaweng is usually divided into three sections: North Chaweng, Central Chaweng, and Chaweng Noi (Little Chaweng) around a headland to the south. Chaweng Beach is longest beach located on Samui Island's east coast. The beach is beautiful here, and local developers are finally cleaning up some of the trashy area on the island. It attracts many young travelers and families alike, and remains good value for the money.

The beach is approximately 7 km long, with powdery white sand. It is bordered by emerald-blue waters and a coral reef where waves break, leaving the bay quite peaceful. Not far from the beach, there are two small islands near the reef. After swimming, you can explore the nearest one by walking through shallow water or go for snorkeling and kayaking at the second island which is further out and larger.

The central part of the beach is a bit more crowded than the quieter north. Many vendors pass by offering beverages, fruit, ice cream and local Thai food for the more daring. A variety of local crafts and Thai souvenirs are also available.

The beach itself is usually accessed through the hotels, as there are no beach roads to disturb the peacefulness of the area. It is very relaxing but noticeably more touristy during the high season. The water is clean, with usual temperatures between 25-28 degrees Celsius.

Parallel to the beach, clustered in the middle of the strip, lies Samui's greatest concentration of restaurants, bars, souvenir shops and of course, fast food and convenience stores.

Get in

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Chaweng is just a few minutes from the airport. Taxis are readily available or book a transfer with your hotel.

Do

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Most Samui dive shops are based in Chaweng and can arrange trips to Ko Tao and the Angthong National Marine Park.

Bobby's Dive World, tel. +66-77414221, . One of many operators, with quality Scubapro gear. Figure on 9000 baht for a PADI Open Water Diver course (although you'll want to pony a few thousand extra for doing your dives outside Samui!) or 2700 baht for a two-dive trip to Ko Tao (plus 500 baht gear rental).

Searobin Dive Center, tel. +66-1-535-7768, offers a full range of PADI training courses - personal attention - dive in small groups on a good selection of boats.

Eat

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Ninja, across the street from Baan Samui Resort and Chaweng Buri Resort. A nice family owned traditional Thai place with very reasonable prices. Don't expect a fancy interior, but very tasty food at cheap prices.

Sea Food Centre, about half a kilometre inland from Coco Blues Bar is a set of about 5 sea food restaurants. Whole fried snapper about 240 baht, try fried red snapper in chilli sauce.

Drink

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Samui's main nightclub, the main tourist spot.

Lively dance venue in Soi Mango.

Chaweng institution, but don't be fooled by the name: some nights are more techno than Marley, however this area does tend to be more laid back.

Nice staff and owner, with a nice crowd. Tuesday pool competition brings a large and fun crowd.

Sports bar dedicated to all things Portsmouth, shows most televised sports with up to 3 games simultaneously

Large mainly outdoor club that opens 2am till sunrise, has 2 dance floors and about 6 pool tables.

Sleep

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Budget

Chaweng Pearl Cabana, north side of the beach, has some of the cheapest rooms in Chaweng. A double or twin with a fan will run you 400 while a similar place with air conditioning costs about 500. This place is a dump and the staff are very, very unfriendly. Be prepared to argue with them about things like sheets and towels. Some rooms do not have working lights, fans, showers, etc. You are much better going a bit farther down the beach and paying 500 or so for a place.

The Cock and Pullet in south-central Chaweng is a nice bar with clean rooms and communal bathroom/shower above, built mid-late 2006. 400 baht for small two-bed room with a fan and bedside table.

Mid-range

Lakeside Residence Located in the heart of Chaweng beach where many restaurants, popular pubs, bars, and shopping places are situated. One minute walk to the entertainment and bargain shopping area, 5 minutes away from the Airport by car and 2 minutes (About 100 Meter) walk to Chaweng Beach.

Splurge

Amari Palm Reef Resort and Spa (at the northern end of the beach)

Nora Beach Resort and Spa A spectacular hillside setting, overlooking a secluded bay just north of Chaweng Beach.

Get out

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Bang Ruk

Bophut

Choeng Mon

Lamai

Mae Nam

Nathon

South Coast