Chaweng is the busiest and largest village in Koh Samui. The 7 kilometre Chaweng Beach stretch is the most popular area to be on the island.
North of Chaweng beach appears to be the liveliest part of the beach except for our hotel Casa de Mar located by the lagoon. It was the perfect spot for us.
If you have not been to Koh Samui, please consider it for your next trip. Flights and spending money on land are economical.
Hotel
Casa de Mar has a jaw-dropping ocean view that will make you feel like you are in paradise. Directly in front of the resort is a beautiful lagoon where depending on the tide you can walk further out and lay on the soft silky sand cay.
Bars and restaurants are within 15 -20 minutes walking distance. If you do not like walking, Tuk Tuks frequent on the main street. No need for a taxi.
The beachfront villa has a King size bed and a separate outdoor area with a gorgeous ocean view. My only disappointment is that there is no stair access from the balcony to the beach or sun lounges. Looking at the hotel website you get the impression that you can but be aware of trick photography.
http://www.casademarsamui.com/
Dining
Casa de Mar – The food here is delicious and definitely worth having lunch and dinner at least once or twice. My only negative is the staff seem quite blase or perhaps do not understand English.
http://www.casademarsamui.com/restaurant/The-Journey-Terrace
Drink Gallery – I highly recommend dining at this modern outdoor tapas restaurant on the main strip. We have frequented Drink Gallery Tapas bar many times, the service and food always impeccable. The cocktails are perfect and presented with love. $99.00 Thai baht per tapas.
http://www.thelibrarysamui.com/drink-gallery/
Khaw Glong Thai – Side street restaurant discovered on this holiday. Very busy restaurant, make sure to book to avoid disappointment. The food is delicious and service good. We dined here a couple of times, I highly recommend you enjoy its cuisine.
KC Beach Club – A last-minute choice to dine here and do not recommend it. Service and the quality of the food were unsatisfactory. Being served took too long and our burgers were not made with love. On the positive side, nice location on Chaweng beach with a pool facing the ocean and dance music pumping.
Coast Bar and Restaurant – Love this coastal setting on Chaweng beach south located at Centara Grand Beach Resort. Another favourite of mine to enjoy a late lunch or early dinner whilst watching the sunset. The host is always polite and attentive.
Bars
Ark Bar and Beach Resort – This bar seems to be a favourite with the young tourist. House Music plays from 2 pm to 2 am daily.
We stopped by one evening for an after-dinner drink and listened to live music. The beach party was alive and the drummer in his element.
Beaches
Lamai Beach – Located south of Chaweng and is the 2nd largest beach on the island. Before sunset at the Night markets, we walked over to the beach but my impression of Lamai beach was tampered due to some construction work taking place. I will return next year with a better outlook and pictures.
South Chaweng Beach – The southern end of the beach is quieter than the party zone further up the north end. Here you will find 4 to 5-star hotels with boutiques and a handful of restaurants in the vicinity. Tuk-tuks and taxis are the best transportation to Central and Northern Chaweng, however, like me on occasions, you may prefer walking.
The walk from Casa de Mar resort (north) to Centara Grand Resort and Spa (south) return is 2.5 hours. I suggest wearing your swimwear and bringing a towel to enjoy a swim in the ocean along the way.
Central Chaweng Beach – This is the party zone area of Chaweng, no wild parties just tourist and locals enjoying great music on beachfront properties and along the beach at particular times later in the day. Besides a late-night stop at Ark Bar, I am yet to enjoy entertainment in Chaweng.
North Chaweng Beach – The gorgeous clear water lagoon is the highlight for this area especially when the tides come in and you can walk along the sand cays. It is a nice quiet area of Chaweng where I used my flamingo floatie on flat water versus the huge currents you can experience in South Chaweng.
Chaweng Beach Sunsets – The sunsets are stunning along Chaweng Beach, you do not want to miss it. If you do not have accommodation along the beach, make sure to plan a sunset walk or drinks at Kevin’s bar in close proximity to Centara Grand Beach Resort & Spa.
Shopping
Central Plaza – The largest 3 storey level shopping centre in Koh Samui where you will find an array of restaurants and a food market place downstairs. Restaurants, cafes and bars are also located on the street entrance of the mall. Not hard to miss this shopping mall in the heart of Chaweng.
Opening Hours: 11:00 am – 23:00 pm
http://www.kosamui.com/shopping/central-festival-samui.htm
Fisherman’s Village Wharf – An area in Bophut that you will be entertained by more than once. The day time is quiet and evenings come alive. The night markets operate Monday’s from 5pm to 10.30 pm, Wednesday’s from 5 pm to 12 am and Friday’s from 5 pm to 11 pm. Some great bargains to be had at the night markets ranging from jewellery, t-shirts, selfie sticks, handbags, wet bags, toys, clothing, swimwear, shoes, sunglasses, electronics and more.
I recommend you come early to enjoy the markets and take in a beautiful sunset by a beach bar or restaurant. Or you may just want to enjoy BBQ skewers, gyozas, spring rolls, pad thai, curries and much more at the market’s food stalls.
Lamai Night Market – The Lamai night markets only operate on Sunday’s from 5 pm to 10 pm. I bought a couple of bronze one-piece swimwear and can not wait to buy more next year. You may find similar stalls as Fishermans Village Night markets, however, I still suggest heading south to see.
The markets are close to Lamai beach, perhaps you could start your day there first.
http://www.kosamui.com/lamai-shopping/lamai-night-plaza.htm
Events
Pool Party at Kc Beach Club – Saturday 30th September we happened to stop at the beach club for lunch when the End of Season Pool Party was on. Not much of a crowd as low season but still gave me a feeling that this would be a fun place during high season in November to March.
https://www.kchotelsresorts.com/contact-us.html
Chaweng Festival – A huge and impressive annual festival from 25th – 30 September located at Central Plaza and Chaweng Beach at night.
- Central Festival Plaza – One of the biggest markets I have ever seen with practically anything you can think of is here. Items you can buy range from make-up, bags, jewellery, clothing, shoes, fresh produce and so many food stalls.
2. Chaweng Beach – Here the festival graciously provides a 2 kilometre array of free food and entertainment for locals and tourist to enjoy including pad thai and sliders. Thailand really knows how to put on a festival.
The Central Festival was a perfect way to end our trip in Koh Samui. What a lovely send-off. Thanks, Koh Samui. Another enjoyable experience and already booked to return next year with family. If you want a relaxing destination, book now!
christinetravels 