Hugging the east coast of Ko Samui, Chaweng is a palm-lined beach and one of the most popular resort areas on the island. At its heart is a party-oriented strip of sand that appeals to backpackers while quieter stretches can be found to the north and south.
You can while away your days sunbathing and swimming at Chaweng Beach, which offers magnificent views across the Gulf of Thailand towards the tiny island of Ko Mat Lang. Traditional Thai snacks, tropical fruits and ice creams are available from the beachside vendors, alongside local handicrafts and souvenirs. Backing the beach is a bustling strip lined with restaurants, bars and massage parlours.
Chaweng is home to an abundance of dive shops offering day excursions to nearby Ko Tao and Angthong National Marine Park. Nestled behind the beach is picturesque Chaweng Lake, which is a popular destination for strolling in the daytime and hosts the Chaweng Night Market after dark.
Getting there
Chaweng is around 10 minutes’ drive from the terminal buildings of Samui International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Asia. Taxis are readily available for getting to Chaweng and motorbikes can easily be rented for getting around.