The island's lively heart — Chaweng, with Samui's longest and busiest white-sand beach, a strip of bars, clubs, restaurants, shops and beach parties behind it, and every kind of resort from cheap to five-star. Buzzy, central and up-for-it, the hub of the island's nightlife and action; the base for travellers who want the main beach, the shops and a proper night out on their doorstep. Samui at its most full-on. Lively and convenient.
A look around
What you’ll be living next to. Swipe through.
€65–160
typical per night in Thailand
The sensible middle
Typical prices for Koh Samui — neither steal nor splurge.
Where it sits
The circle is Chaweng and roughly a 10-minute walk around it.
How far is everything?
From the middle of this area to the city's headline sights — pick your own on the city page and these become your list.
- The Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)12 min taxi4.0 km
- A spa day & Thai massage13 min taxi4.2 km
- Bophut Fisherman's Village14 min taxi4.5 km
- Wat Plai Laem14 min taxi4.6 km
- Lamai Beach & the Hin Ta Hin Yai rocks23 min taxi7.6 km
- Lamai (beach)23 min taxi7.7 km
- Fresh Samui seafood25 min taxi8.3 km
- Na Muang Waterfalls35 min taxi11.8 km
- Ang Thong National Marine Park128 min taxi42.8 km
On your doorstep
What you’re living next to if you stay here.
- 3.Chaweng Beach — The island's most famous beach — Chaweng, a long, glorious sweep of soft white sand and clear, calm turquoise water, backed by the buzzing resort strip. It's the liveliest beach on Samui, with loungers, water sports, beach bars and restaurants, and it's the hub of the island's action; swim, sunbathe, try a jet-ski or paddleboard, and stay for a sunset drink and the nightlife behind it. Busy and commercial, but a genuinely beautiful beach. A quintessential Samui beach day. Lovely and full of life.
- 8.Chaweng nightlife — Samui's nightlife centres on Chaweng, and it's a proper night out — from the legendary Ark Bar beach party (fire shows and DJs on the sand) to the clubs and bars of the Green Mango and Soi Solo strips, plus buzzing beer bars and cabaret. It's lively and fun without Patong's full-on intensity; dance on the beach, bar-hop the strip, and see where the night takes you. For something wilder, the Full Moon Party on neighbouring Koh Phangan is a boat ride away. A fun, energetic night out. Lively and easygoing.
When are you staying?
Booking.com & Airbnb open searched to Chaweng; flights via Google Flights.