Travelers will find plenty of fun in the sun at Chaweng Beach. Dive operators run tours from here, and there are a range of water sports to try, from windsurfing to water skiing. Plus, guided snorkeling tours of Koh Samui stop at Chaweng.
Here you can also dine right on the sand as the sun sets over the sea, or grab ice cream, fruit, grilled sweet corn, and Thai papaya salad, along with jewelry and sarongs, from the army of vendors. This is also where you’ll find most of the island’s nightclubs and bars.
Chaweng Beach is located on Koh Samui’s east coast. You can grab a taxi from your hotel or, if you’re feeling adventurous, hop on a songthaew: the Thai version of a bus that’s really a truck with a converted bed lined with seats. These vehicles run along routes, but check with the driver before you pay since you can’t always trust the destination signage posted in the window.
Chaweng Beach is Koh Samui’s most popular beach, so expect it to be packed with locals and tourists alike, especially during peak season (December, January, July, and August). Also, keep in mind that the busiest time for a beach massage is between 4pm and 6pm, so you might want to book ahead.
Most of the island’s dive shops are based in Chaweng, and from here you can book a scuba diving excursion to Koh Tan, which takes about an hour to reach via high-speed boat. This sleepy island is geared more toward divers, kayakers, and snorkelers, as opposed to the party-goers in Chaweng.