Samui Thailand, island attractions, beach and Samui travel

Choeng Mon
To the east of Big Buddha Beach and on the northeast corner of Koh Samui lies Choeng Mon Beach. Choeng Mon beach is actually on the eastern side of the island and therefore enjoys calmer water on its one kilometer long, sandy beach.

Because this beach is so remote, it is very peaceful and quiet here. Accommodation here is mainly large resorts, with some water sports. Several small shops line the main road.

Chaweng Beach
Chaweng Beach is located on the eastern side of Koh Samui, directly across the island from Nathon. Without a doubt, Chaweng Beach is the most popular place for people to stay on Koh Samui. Chaweng Beach is an international tourist destination and here you will find accommodation to suit every budget.

Chaweng is also the nightlife capital of Koh Samui. There are many different bars, pubs, cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, beerbars, shopping, whatever you are looking for, Chaweng has it all! As Chaweng Beach is an international destination, you will find wonderful restaurants with delicious food from all over the world.

The beach at Chaweng has beautiful, soft, white sand and is over seven kilometers long. The water here is clean and clear, not too deep and is ideal for swimming. As with any popular spot, Chaweng Beach offers many different types of water sports; wave runners, para-sailing, canoes, and catamarans are but some of the activities offered. Chaweng has the most dive shops on Koh Samui, most catering to all levels.

The main road in Chaweng runs parallel with the beach and is lined on both sides with hotels, bungalows, shop, restaurants, cafes and bars. Heading north on the Chaweng Beach road will take you directly to the airport. Despite all of the activity here, there are still many places you can turn to for peace and quiet in this neat little town.

Lamai
Lamai Beach is situated on the east side of the island, south of Chaweng Beach. Though not as popular as Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach offers nearly everything that Chaweng does, on a scaled down version.
Lamai Beach is a growing town in transition. Here you will find people that have been coming to Koh Samui for years (before there was much development) meeting, greeting and getting to know families that are here for their first time. As Lamai Beach grows it will become more international, like Chaweng Beach.

Lamai Beach is a good location for couples, and the single crowd alike. There are many reasonably priced bars and restaurants, some situated overlooking the beach. Along the main section of the beach road (accessed via the highway) are many shops, Internet cafes, bars, restaurants, travel agents and hotels. There is even a gym offering Thai boxing lessons (Muay Thai)! And of course, your choice of dive shops.

The beach at Lamai is five kilometers of beautiful, crescent shaped, white sand. The beach is lined with palm trees. Lamai beach is the second longest beach on Koh Samui and the water here is deeper, clearer and sometimes rougher than Chaweng.

There are some interesting rock formations at the southern end of the beach. These rock formations are a natural point of interest in themselves and are known at Hin Ta and Hin Yai (Grandfather and Grandmother rock).

Lamai Beach is home to a number of health spas where you can go to pamper and treat yourself for the day. Also, there is a neat little monastery with a small museum that is worth a look.

Hua Thanon
Hua Thanon is an interesting little fishing village located about 5 minutes south of Lamai, on the island ring road. There are many old wooden shophouses lining the ring road, in addition to other shops and restaurants. Wat Sila Ngu (Wat rock snake) is close by and is an interesting place.

Coming from Lamai, the ring road makes a sharp right turn. If you do not take the turn, but instead go straight ahead onto the small, rough road, you will find yourself in the heart of the local market. This market is very colorful and here you can purchase some of the freshest and cheapest seafood on the island.

Hua Thanon is predominately a Muslim village. Once you go past the market you will see where the locals live. This is known as Baan Hua Thanon, (house at the head of the road). This is a neat place and worth the trip if you are traveling around the island.