If you want to be in the centre of things while on holiday then Chaweng is for you! Offering a wide range of resorts, from some of Koh Samui's top hotels to budget bungalows suitable for the lowliest backpacker, this gem provides the party animal with the best nightlife scene on the island.
Numerous bars, clubs and restaurants crowd the streets, and the shopping here undoubtedly delight the avid consumer as it boasts the widest variety on the island. Ranging from cheap and cheerful tourist baubles that probably won’t last until you reach the airport, through illegally pirated music cds and movie dvd’s at rock bottom prices, to brilliantly copied Warhol and Picasso paintings knocked out by talented young artists in ‘showrooms’ surrounded by ‘boutiques’ stuffed to the rafters with ripped off branded clothing, and Indian tailors unashamedly proclaiming themselves as ‘Armani’!
The more discerning traveler will appreciate the opportunity to collect a genuine piece of Asia by purchasing some intricately crafted Traditional Thai artisan pieces from one of several high end outlets, or even a stunningly vivid oversized iconic landscape photograph from Samui’s exclusive fine art Gallery.
But revelers wishing to hit the beach don’t miss out on a thing! The white powder sand is fringed with coconut trees with yet more clubs, restaurants and hotel resorts nestling within. Guests can dance into the night at beach parties pulsating to the latest club sounds while enjoying the spectacle of jugglers twirling flaming sticks as glowing lanterns (kratong) float aloft and fireworks glitter in the night sky. Every night is party time, and – if you want to experience Chaweng on steroids – then visit the beach on New Year’s Eve. They really know how to party here!
During daylight hours sunworshippers can top up their tans while recovering from their exertions from the night before, while those who prefer seeking shade can relax on a beach bed under a sunbrella – as provided by most hotels on the beach. Snooze away, read a book, be tempted by the delicious aroma of Thai food being prepared nearby or take advantage of the turquoise playground infront of you…
Visitors to the 6 kilometres long Chaweng Beach won’t get bored. The classier beachfront hotels have their own speedboats and offer watersports such as waterskiing and cruises just a step away from guests’ rooms. In addition a number of private operators hire jetski's, kayaks, surfboards, sailing dinghies and speedboat rides, enabling everyone to thrill to Samui’s fun in the sun.
Vendors
Chaweng is by far the busiest of all the beaches on the island and therefore may not be everyone’s idea of a perfect holiday location. Be warned that you may be pestered at times by beach vendors – the shopping will come to you even if you have no plans to buy anything – and try to smile as you refuse their offerings! These locals are hawking everything from roasted corn cobs and barbequed chicken (delicious – ‘a-roy’ in Thai) through tacky lighters and useless but impressive laser lights, to the highly decorative traditional northern style hats that make the wearer look like a very colourful Thai Womble!
As the day wears on and alcohol works its magic, don’t be surprised to find you have purchased such an item that, on sober reflection, was not worth the money and certainly not worth suitcase space! One of the joys of a holiday in Samui…
Peace and quiet?
If you are looking for somewhere less lively for your hotel resort, yet want to stay close to Chaweng – the throbbing commercial heart of Samui – then you would be best to choose accommodation in picturesque Bhoput (Fishermen’s Village), Bangrak’s Big Buddha Beach, or the golden stretch of sand at Maenam, each of which have marvelous views across the 12km of sparkling water that separates the island from Koh Phangan. In any of these locations you will still find plenty of entertainment on offer, but at a much less frenetic pace, yet you are no more than 10 to 20 minutes by taxi ride from the abundant nightlife of Chaweng.
For holidaymakers who want to get away from it all they will be assured proper peace and quiet by choosing hotel resorts in the south and west of the island.
To find out more on Chaweng visit our Koh Samui Travel website!
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