Chaweng is the largest resort town on Koh Samui, with all the attractions and disadvantages of a large highly popular beach resort. Chaweng developed because the 7km long beach, which lies to the north east of the island and is considered the best on Koh Samui with fine white coral sand, dropping palm trees and spectacularly clear sea with an abundance of aquatic life.

But Chaweng has developed and the beach front is back to back hotel complexes with the main road a mass of bars, western restaurants and tourist gimmicky shops, the true Thailand experience will never be discovered in Chaweng.

Chaweng, depending on the type of holiday you are after and the style of traveler that you are, can be paradise or hell. If your idea of the perfect holiday is to lie on the beach, eat food similar to home, drink and party in the evenings and have no great interest in culture, few people could go wrong with Chaweng. If this is your idea of hell think about staying at Lamai beach 10km south from Chaweng.

Chaweng beach and sea are fantastic, just a little busy during the height of the season, the sea is calm and warm the perfect combination for swimming snorkeling or floating about on. Beach vendors all day wander the beach selling items but this can be convenient for a cool drink or random snack. Chaweng's hotels are designed for package tourist and all are at a very high standard. The range of food caters from vegans through to English fried breakfasts and, though not the cheapest on the island, is still much better value than back at home. There are many good places to spend the evenings either socially drinking or partying like there is no tomorrow but nights in Chaweng are not late as the police enforce the closing time of 2am.

Chaweng is a place either loved or hated and really depends on the style of traveler or holidaymaker that you are. The best idea is to try it for the first night if arriving in Thailand from the Koh Samui's international airport as there is the most accommodation options here, then either decide to stay or move on.

Chaweng Beaches and Districts

Chaweng beach is divided into three sections with the aptly named Central Chaweng the most lively and with the greatest cluster of hotels bars and shops. The beach and resorts quieten out towards the northern end this is known section of the beach is referred to as North Chaweng and is the better area for families who wish to be slightly away from the main central area. The third section is Chaweng Noi which is south from Central Chaweng around the rocky head land. Chaweng Noi is the quietest of the three areas but sometimes can feel distant if your are wanting a beach/party/drinking holiday.

The calm sea is one of the main draws of the resort, with sea temperatures between 25-28°C all year round snorkeling is a favourite day time activity. There is coral close to the coast but much of it is dead due to reckless tourists, but fish are bountiful. There are two islands the first can be either walked or swam to while the second makes for a great target for canoeing or kayaking.