Chaweng provides
everything within a short distance.
A choice of restaurants, a great
beach, some interesting shops,
and a the best nightlife in Samui.
During the day, life revolves
around the beach. You can relax,
walk to the nearest offshore island
at low tide, go canoeing, go sailing,
have a Thai massage or a pedicure,
eat a wonderful lunch overlooking
the beach, or simply snack on
your beach mat with some fried
chicken. It's relaxing and friendly,
which attracts families, singles
and couples year after year.
Although rapidly
developing with the old rustic
charm of a few years ago replaced
with McDonalds, Boots (the Chemists)
Starbucks and the like, Chaweng
still retains its local flavour.
Lots of excellent restaurants,
small shops to browse, and of
course, seven kilometres of white
sand beach.
Many hotels are located directly
on the beach, along with restaurants
and small bars, some independent,
some attached to the hotels. So
once you've settled in your spot,
you don't have to walk very far
to eat or drink. If you really
don't want to move, there are
vendors serving fruit, fried chicken,
ice cream and drinks. You can
also buy your sarong, and souvenirs!
Although it gets busy during the
high season especially in August,
along this long sandy beach, there's
room for everyone. The water is
clean, with average temperatures
between 25-28 degrees Celsius.....
Just offshore
from the beach is a reef and a
some small islands close by. The
nearest one can easily be accessed
by walking through the shallow
water. The second island, further
out and larger, provides the perfect
venue for snorkeling and kayaking.
Bring shoes if you plan to walk
around the islands, as they are
made of sharp coral sands.
Where to stay
Chaweng has
a wide range of accommodation
from basic bungalows to luxury
resorts. Many of the hotels are
located literally on the beach,
with no roads to cross, so you
can step out of your room and
have breakfast by the sea. Most
other accommodation is situated
within easy walking distance of
the of the beach.
Daytime
activities
Kayak rentals
can be found in front of many
hotels at reasonable rates. Paddle
to the islands near the reef with
or without a guide, and don't
forget your snorkeling gear.
Windsurfing
and Sailing in catamarans is also
on offer. The wind is at its best
from December to February. Chaweng
is an excellent place for beginners
as the bay is quite shallow and
you can always just walk back
to the beach. Lessons are available
for around 800B per hour. For
advanced windsurfers, it's better
outside the reef and in the early
morning when the winds are stronger.
If you really
want to relax, why not treat yourself
to a Thai massage which can be
found almost everywhere on the
beach, under a shady tree, or
in a little open air wooden pavilion.
Also on offer are manicures, pedicures,
hair braiding and other body treatments
which will leave you both relaxed
and refreshed.
Nightlife
Chaweng has
the best in Samui. The main entertainment
area can be found around in the
centre of town around the Green
Mango disco, which draws partygoers
every night with its excellent
DJ's and live bands. Outside are
lots of smaller outdoor bars,
offering an alternative scene
to the Green Mango.
Chaweng also
has a number of smaller bars and
music clubs where you can chill
out to jazz, rock and reggae.
The well-known Reggae Pub, established
more than 14 years ago, is still
popular, especially after midnight.
New government regulations for
all venues have not managed to
dampen the party atmosphere, despite
2am closing.
Chaweng has
lots of Songtaews, which run regularly
through the night. These converted
pickups are very cheap and an
excellent way to travel to your
hotel after a night's partying.
Much better than a motorbike....
Shopping
Travel and
tour offices can be found all
along the main street, as well
as Internet cafes. There are plenty
of vendors selling everything
from imitation sunglasses to watches
and Louis Vuttion (as spelled
on the bags). Many CDs, DVDs and
video games can be found at amazingly
cheap prices, but be aware that
some movies are actually shot
with a standard video camera directly
in the cinema, don't be surprised
if you see the silhouettes of
the audience at the bottom of
the screen
Chaweng also
has some very trendy handicraft
and fashion boutiques, with new
shops opening all the time. A
3 storey shop on the south end
of Chaweng has all the Thai handicrafts
you could wish for, but it can
be more expensive than smaller
shops.
As everywhere
in Thailand, Tailor shops are
flourishing absolutely everywhere,
mainly run by the local Indian
community. Armani suit or a Chanel
dress? Made in 24 Hours. Results
vary. You'll get better results
if you take an original item to
copy which will usually be fine.
Tailored items seem to come out
better than more fluid designs,
so choose your style and material
carefully. Better expect 48 hours
and don't hesitate to ask for
adjustments (and discount) if
not satisfied with the first result.
Eating
Out
Chaweng offers
a tantalizing variety of local
specialties and continental menus.
Most of the hotels serve a wide
selection of local dishes, some
of them while sitting in your
own pavilion directly on the beach
with a relaxing view of the bay.
Unless you specifically ask for
your dish to be spicy, most restaurants
will serve your food milder than
the locals prefer it.
Probably one
of the most unique features of
Koh Samui evenings, is the dinner
right on the beach, bordered by
the quiet waters of the lagoon.
Many bars have cushions with mats
to end the evening with a romantic
cocktail... but don't forget mosquito
repellent.
On both sides
of the main street there's a huge
choice of restaurants. Samui Seafood
offers a menu featuring delicacies
from the sea in an original setting,
reclined on cushions Thai-style,
for a real tropical feeling. Excellent
Italian dinners await you at Juzz'a
Pizza in the Green Mango Square.
And of course, if you feel a need
for western fast food there's
always Burger King and Pizza Hut.
Some Recommended
Restaurants:
Budsaba
- Thai and Asian cuisine - Muang
Kulay Pan Hotel, Chaweng north
end- 077 422 305
The Islander
- Good International and
Thai food at reasonable prices
Andaluz
- Tapas Bar with authentic
food. Run by the same folks
as Budsaba
Poppies
- Beach dining at its best.
Juzz'a
Pizza - Italian specialties
- Green Mango Square - A must
try!
Betelnut
- California/Thai fusion - south
part of Chaweng - 077 413 370
Upstairs
- Smooth dining and stylish
interior - Chaweng South 077
413370,
Chaweng
Villa - Thai and Seafood,
right on the beach
For reviews and more information
about eating out, please click here
How
to Get around
Songtaew, covered
pick-up trucks which hoot their
horn about every 10 metres are
an excellent taxi service. Prices
can vary depending on the mood
of the driver, but it should be
around 20 Baht/person within the
Chaweng area. You can also use
a motorbike taxi, easily recognized
by the drivers' colored vests,
for 10-20 Baht depending on the
distance.
If you rent
a car and are not familiar with
Thai style driving, you will realize
that driving and parking here
can be difficult. While renting
a motorbike is the easiest way
to get around the island, it is
also the most dangerous. Don't
forget to carry your driver's
licence and wear a helmet as the
number of bike accidents is high.
Also be aware that insurance is
minimal - in some cases you are
not insured at all when you hire
a motorbike. Big bikes can also
be found in Chaweng, though only
experienced riders should consider
renting them given the dangerous
driving conditions. Prices vary
depending on the model and your
bargaining skills.
