Chaweng is the most popular area to stay in Koh Samui, especially for first-timers and party lovers. This town is the tourist hub of the island, known for its lively nightlife scene, great shopping opportunities, and a relatively central location for sightseeing.
In this article, I’ll get into the details of the best places to stay in Chaweng, including the best areas and best hotels. If you’re looking for where to stay in Chaweng Beach, keep reading.
I stayed in several areas in Koh Samui and rented a scooter to explore the island. I’ve also traveled extensively throughout Thailand, so I hope to share some great recommendations based on my first-hand experience.
See more:
- Where to Stay in Koh Samui: All Areas
- 30 Things to Do in Koh Samui
- My 3-5 Days In Koh Samui Itinerary
Where is Chaweng Beach?
Chaweng Beach is located on the north eastern coast of Koh Samui. It is just 3 km south of Samui International Airport, and is 13 km north of Lamai. It is also close to several major piers on the island such as Bang Rak, Pralarn, and Nai Thon Piers.
Compared to other areas on Samui like Lamai and Bophut, Chaweng has a pretty central location, which is convenient for exploring the whole island. It is close to the airport, the piers, and some major attractions like Fishermen Village, Big Buddha, and Overlap Stones.
Why Should You Stay in Chaweng Beach?
In my opinion, Chaweng is a good area to stay in Koh Samui because it has a relatively central location, good nightlife, a stunning beach, and a wide range of tourist amenities for all budgets.
1. Central Location
I prefer to stay in Chaweng because it has a very convenient location, close to the airport, the port, and major points of interest in both the north and south side of Koh Samui. Staying in Chaweng is a good idea if you have an early departure or late arrival, both on airplanes and boats.
I also find its location is convenient for sightseeing and exploring different parts of the island. It is a short ride to popular points of interest in the north like the Big Buddha, Fisherman Village, Bo Phut, Choeng Mon, and Maenam Beach.
Famous sights on the island’s south side like Lamai Beach, Coral Cove Beach, Overlap Stones, Hin Yai Hin Ta, and Na Muang Waterfalls are also not far from Chaweng.
Staying in the central area like Chaweng can help you reduce travel times and cost of transportation. Taxis in Samui are generally more expensive than in other parts of Thailand.
2. Vibrant Nightlife
Chaweng is the party capital of Koh Samui. The central area of Chaweng is the hub of the island. It has many big bars and night clubs like ARKbar and Elephant Beach clubs, which host fire shows and DJs.
The area also has a wide range of restaurants, night markets, and live music spots for all styles and budgets. If you’re after a vibrant nightlife, Chaweng is the place to go.
Don’t worry if you’re looking for a quieter atmosphere, you can consider moving a bit north or south from the central Chaweng area.
3. Beautiful Beach
Chaweng Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. It has long stretches of white sand, clean water, and is lined with palm trees. The beach has all amenities for tourists like beach vendors, restaurants, bars, umbrellas, and sunbeds for rent.
It is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying watersport activities such as jet skiing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. The beach has a lively atmosphere both day and night.
4. Wide range of shops, restaurants, bars, hotels for all budgets
As the tourist hub of the island, Chaweng has a wide range of amenities for all preferences. You can easily find a huge range of food options, everything from street food to fine dining.
There are also lots of shopping opportunities at the night markets and modern Central Samui Shopping Mall. It also has a wide range of accommodations for all budgets, including backpacker hostels, mid-range options, to 5-star resorts.
Downside of staying in Chaweng Beach
While Chaweng has many positives, it also has drawbacks, including crowds, noise, and a very touristy atmosphere (especially in the central zone).
Central Chaweng is packed with beach bars, nightclubs, and traffic can go on until late at night. If you’re a light sleeper or looking for tranquility, the noise and crowd can be a deal-breaker.
Chaweng Beach Road can get congested, especially in the evening. It has limited parking and walking along the narrow sidewalks can feel hectic.
As the tourist center of Samui, this resort town is a bit too built-up with chain restaurants, and loud beach bars. The beachfront is lined with hotels, resorts, and restaurants.
Chaweng has limited public access to the beach, which can be difficult for those not staying at a beachfront resort who want to access the beach.
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Best areas to Stay in Chaweng Beach
Chaweng is the area around the 6km coastline from the area near Koh Mat Lang in the north down to Chaweng Noi Beach in the south.
I can divide Chaweng into 4 different areas based on their location and atmosphere. These areas include The central area, the northern area, the southern area, and Chaweng Noi Beach.
The central area of Chaweng is the area near Central Samui Mall. This area is the nightlife hub of the area, so if you want to stay in the heart of the action this place is the best place to stay. Some big bars and nightclubs in this area are Soi Green Mango and the Ark Bar.
The northern area of Chaweng is the area opposite Koh Mat Lang island. The southern area is the area around Centara Reserve resort. These areas are ideal for families and couples looking for a quieter atmosphere but still close to the nightlife.
Chaweng Noi Beach is located a bit further south, and is separated from Chaweng Beach by a rocky headland. This area is home to numerous luxury resorts and hotels. If you are looking for tranquility, this beach is a good choice.
My top hotel picks in Chaweng:
- Luxury: Centara Reserve Samui
- Mid-range: La Vida Samui
- Budget: Chaweng Cove Beach Resort
12 Best Places to stay in Chaweng Beach
Here are my hand picks for 10 best hotels in Chaweng, including luxury, mid-range, and budget options. I also choose hotels in each location like central, northern, southern Chaweng Beach, and Chaweng Noi. I chose these hotels based on my experiences and their overall good reviews from booking websites.
1. Chaweng Regent Beach Resort
This 5-star beachfront hotel is located in a prime location in Central Chaweng Beach. It is close to everything, restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, night markets, and central Samui mall. It is in the middle of the action, but you can still enjoy the quiet atmosphere within the hotel’s grounds.
You can have direct access to the beach. It also has a nice swimming pool area right next to the sea. There are sunbeds and umbrellas around the pool and on the beachfront for the guests.
The Regent hotel has spacious rooms with Thai-style architecture and all modern amenities like mini-fridge, a safe, and bathtub. For the best experience, you can choose a beachfront room.
2. SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort
This 5-star seafront hotel is located in the Northern area of Chaweng. It is in the quiet part of Chaweng, but still within easy distance to the main strip of the area for nightlife. You can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere at the hotel.
The hotel has good breakfast with lots of different dishes. It also has very well-kept grounds and nicely designed rooms. Other facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, and a spa.
The hotel has multiple restaurants, including an open-air Tent Restaurant where you can try a variety of both Thai and international cuisine right on the beachfront.
3. Centara Reserve Samui
This is a 5-star luxury resort located in the southern area of Chaweng Beach. It is in a good quiet location, out of the hustle and bustle, but still close to a range of tourist amenities like restaurants and the Haven shopping mall.
Like many other hotels in Chaweng and Koh Samui, Centara Reserve has an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the sea. It also has a fitness center, spa services, in-house restaurants, and spacious rooms with comfortable beds.
4. Sheraton Samui Resort
This is a 5-star high-end hotel located along Chaweng Noi Beach. If you enjoy staying in a beautiful and quiet place (a bit isolated) and you don’t mind taking a taxi and renting a scooter to get to the main area of Chaweng and other parts of the island, this hotel is a great choice.
The hotel has a nice pool and a private beach area. The beach is a calm, relaxing place to swim and sunbathe. The hotel has golf cart services to help you to get around its ground. There are a 7-Eleven, several small restaurants, a pharmacy, and massage shops near the hotel.
5. La Vida Samui
This is a good 4-star mid-range hotel located in a pretty central location near the main strip of Chaweng. If you want quiet but close to the action, Lavida is a great choice.
The hotel is located right on the beach. The beachfront at the hotel has calm and clear water with no waves due to the reef. It is a great place for swimming and relaxing. The hotel provides sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach.
La Vida has spacious and clean rooms. It has all necessary amenities for a comfortable stay such as an onsite restaurant, pool, and fitness center.
6. Casa De Mar – Koh Samui
This popular 4-star hotel is located in the northern part of Chaweng, close to the offshore island Koh Mat Lang. It is out of the busty area of Chaweng, but you can still walk 20-30 minutes or take a short songthaew/ Grab taxi to the center area.
The beach at Casa De Mar has golden sands and clear shallow water. It is a great place to take a lovely walk along the shore. It also has a nice pool area, a fitness center, and a good range of food for breakfast.
7. Mercure Samui Chaweng Tana
This 4-star hotel is set on the southern part of Chaweng, not far away from the main area where night markets, shopping malls, bars, and restaurants are located. If you want to be away from noisy night life but still easily accessible by a short taxi ride, this mid-range hotel is an excellent choice.
The hotel has a Well maintained ground with onsite pool, gym, and restaurant. The beach at the hotel has nice white sand and clean water, good for swimming.
8. The Fair House Beach Resort & Hotel
This is a 4-star mid-range hotel located in Chaweng Noi beach. The hotel is right on the beach, which is convenient for swimming and sunbathing. There are sun chairs and umbrellas on the beach. It also has a beachfront restaurant with happy hours.
Getting around the hotel’s ground involved some steep hills, but they provided golf carts to get around. It is overall a good base for those who want to stay in a quiet area near the center area of Chaweng.
9. Chaweng Garden Beach Resort
This is a popular 3-star budget-friendly family-run hotel located in prime location in the Central Chaweng Beach. It is just a short walk away from Chaweng Night Market, Central Samui Mall, and a range of other tourist amenities. You will be in the middle of everything.
You can have direct access to the beach, enjoy the meal at its beachside restaurant, or a relaxing massage on the beach. The hotel’s grounds are packed with greenery. It is a quiet and relaxing palace to stay in the heart of Chaweng and Samui.
10. Chaweng Cove Beach Resort
This budget-friendly hotel is located in the southern part of Chaweng Beach, around 15 minutes walk from the main strip. It has spacious rooms with comfortable beds, an outdoor swimming pool, a beach restaurant/bar with ocean views.
11. Samui Natien Resort
This 3-star simple hotel is a good base for those who want to stay in a quiet area but still close to the action. It is just a few minutes walk to the Main Street with restaurants, bars, massage shops. Some amenities at the hotel include basic, delicious breakfast, well-maintained garden, and clean rooms.
12. First Bungalow Beach Resort
If you are looking for a budget-friendly hotel in Chaweng Noi, the First Bungalow Resort is an excellent choice. The hotel is right on the beach. It also has a large swimming pool area, great garden, and a lovely beachside restaurant. The rooms are clean with comfortable beds and all necessary amenities.
See more:
- Is it Better to Stay in Lamai or Bophut?
- Is it Better to Stay in Lamai or Chaweng?
- Is it better to Stay in Chaweng or Bophut?
So, there you have it, my list of the best hotels in Chaweng for all budgets. Overall, if you want to stay in the heart of the nightlife, stay in the central area of Chawng around the Beach Road and Central Samui. If you want a bit quieter atmosphere but still close to the action, head to the northern and southern part of Chaweng.