| Koh Samui, what do those words evoke? Perhaps | | | | You can pick up t-shirts, cheap jewelry and other |
| lying on a deckchair with the sun beating down and | | | | knick knacks, along with kitschy soap carvings, tie die |
| the air fragrant with coconut and sun cream oil. | | | | clothes, flower power bags, sandals and hats. It's also |
| Voices, music and the distant buzz of a jet ski fill the | | | | the domain of tailors from the sub-continent who can |
| air. And as the sun begins to slip to the horizon, your | | | | rustle you up a suit with all the extras in 24 hours. |
| thoughts begin to turn to the evening's agenda - a | | | | But let's get back to the beach. Other than swimming |
| sundowner cocktail overlooking the beach, a meal of | | | | and sunbathing, one of Chaweng's great pleasures is |
| grilled lobster fresh from the ocean, and then a | | | | to sip the juice from fresh coconuts. Vendors will |
| leisurely amble through the local nightspots. This is the | | | | hack them open in front of your eyes. Just plop in a |
| life, you think to yourself. | | | | straw and that sweet fluid will quench the hardest |
| Whoever coined the phrase 'life's a beach' must have | | | | thirst. |
| had Chaweng Beach on the Thai isle of Koh Samui in | | | | The other great Chaweng beach pleasure is an oil or |
| mind. For when you spend your holiday on Chaweng | | | | foot massage. Masseuses rove the beach offering |
| Beach, you get that feeling of total bliss that 'life's a | | | | this highly relaxing service either in shaded spots or |
| beach' evokes. | | | | at your recliner. Don't forget to agree the price |
| Chaweng Beach stretches for six glorious kilometres | | | | before beginning. |
| of white sand in the north eastern part of Koh Samui. | | | | In fact vendors for all kinds of goods and services |
| It's now the island's most popular tourist area and | | | | cruise the beach for custom. If you want an ice |
| consequently the most developed. Here's you'll find | | | | cream or a beer, no need to go looking for it, it will |
| everything you need for the perfect vacation in the | | | | come to you. Plus you can choose from henna |
| tropical sun - water sports, a wide array of dining | | | | tattoos and hair braiding. |
| options, and Koh Samui's most pulsating nightlife | | | | If you're feeling active, there's plenty to do. You can |
| scene. | | | | go jet-skiing, banana boat riding, water skiing, |
| But if you want the quiet life, you can find that, too. | | | | windsurfing and parasailing. Or if you're more |
| Away from the tourist bars, fast food restaurants | | | | ambitious, you can sign up at a diving school and learn |
| and shops hawking souvenirs, you'll come across | | | | scuba from qualified instructors. You can also learn |
| quiet spots free from the noise of music and water | | | | Thai boxing if you dare. |
| scooters. The beach is lined with hotels and resorts | | | | The other great plus for Chaweng is the range of |
| but at the north and south ends you'll find a more | | | | Koh Samui hotels available there. Accommodation |
| peaceful ambience. South of Chaweng Beach lies | | | | wise, Chaweng offers everything from simple |
| Chaweng Noi (little Chaweng), a shorter beach with a | | | | fan-cooled beachfront huts to the opulent 5-star |
| few hotels and restaurants. If you find Chaweng too | | | | resorts. Popular nowadays are boutique hotels |
| noisy or crowded, this is a great alternative. | | | | offering a distinctive decor and a high level of |
| The epicenter of Chaweng is Beach Road, home to | | | | personal service, and spa resorts which offer a range |
| most of the pubs, clubs, restaurants, and shops in | | | | of spa and beauty packages along with luxury |
| the area. In the daytime the area drowses in the | | | | accommodation. |
| heat. Most of the tourists are on the beach or on | | | | Some people might lament Chaweng's transformation |
| excursions. Then, as evening falls, the area is | | | | from a sleepy cove to a bustling tourist town. But |
| transformed into a neon-lit pleasure zone. You can sip | | | | tourists need facilities and the range of options |
| a latte at Starbucks or dine simply at a roadside food | | | | available now is amazing. Chaweng Beach offers |
| stall. You can walk around and enjoy the buzz or go | | | | everything you want for a great holiday, and Koh |
| clubbing in some chic nightspots. The choices are | | | | Samui Thailand travel is quick and convenient either |
| endless. | | | | by ferry or airplane. |
| Beach Road is also the place to do your shopping. | | | | |