Surat Thani is a province in the south of Thailand where the location of the Buddhism holy site “Wat Suan Mokkh” where was the dwelling of the world-famous Buddhist monk “Buddhadasa Bhikkhu”. Besides, Surat Thani is plenty of its tourism properties that the reputation of their beauty spread over in worldwide including “Samui Island” which is another dream destination among the tourists both Thai and foreigners. The island features the visitors with its stunning beauty of the natural resource, and lovely beaches included “Chaweng Beach” which is a flawless soft sandy beach and clear water with the friendly atmosphere. It is claimed as one of the top 10 Best Beaches in Thailand.
About Chaweng Beach
Chaweng Beach nestles in the east of the renowned Samui Island. It is the longest and the most magnificent beach of Samui. The beach lines along the coast from the north to the south about 6 kilometers in its length and divided into 4 sections which are North Chaweng, Central Chaweng, South Chaweng, and Chaweng Noi (Little Chaweng).
The beach is favorite for the tourists resulted from its white sandy beach and transparent water that is not too much deep. Specifically, Chaweng Noi Beach which is in the south is a very much lovely beach with the broad sandy space. And on the waxing moon night when the moonlight shines over the beach reflecting the glittering sand that is such a fantastic scene to imprint in your memory.
Charming of Chaweng Beach
Chaweng Beach, so-called the most beautiful beach on Samui Island presents its charm with the duvet-touch white sand and the rows of the coconut trees that line along the coast. The beach provides the broad space at the front allowing the visitors to enjoy the beach activities. The clear azure water is perfect for you to play and swim, and along the rock ridge, there are many diving spots to explore the underwater world including the coral reef and sea fish and also the scuba diving location, as well.
And for the sunrise hunters, Chaweng Beach is another location you should not miss since the beach locates in the east. So that you can witness the heart-taking scene of the sun ascends from the line of the sea clearly and beautifully.
It could say that if you visit Samui, the paradise island in the Gulf of Thailand, so you have not been the location, yet if you miss Chaweng Beach. Why? Because the Chaweng Beach is the heart of this remarkable island.
Nightlife at Chaweng Beach
Similarly, as the popular tourist attraction, Chaweng Beach is not only the natural properties that bring about its reputation. But this beach is the center of the accommodations which vary in price and style. The nightlife at Chaweng is so vibrant with the numerous of people. All along the beach is plenty of the restaurants, liquor kiosks, nightclub & bars, shops, and more to entertain the tourists who are the party lovers.
Moreover, there is the beach performing shows included the famous fire club show. It could say that Chaweng Beach is the capital of the entertainment of Samui Island with lots of discotheque, pub, restaurant, and bar to welcome the tourists who enjoy the nightlife.
At night time, the shops at Chaweng Beach play the music both lives and records merrily. The tourist can check-in wherever the place to fit your taste – rocks, reggae, string, etc. And the array of the kinds of seafood shops are at the beach that mostly is opened 24 hours. Plus, the fast food restaurant like McDonald, KFC, and Burger Kings. So-called the nightlife at Chaweng Beach is an ideal place that you can enjoy all night long until the breaking dawn.
Green Mango Club
In particularly, Green Mango Alley which is the center of the nightlight at Samui on this Chaweng Beach. This street, in the daytime, is quiet, on the other hand, the location turns to be the vibrant street with lights and music from the restaurants, pubs, bars, and nightclubs line along both sides of the block. And it is recommended for the party animal to check-in at “Green Mango Club” the pioneer nightclub of Samui. This largest club on the street is trendy among the tourists both local and abroad. Nevertheless, the place is not reserved for only the revelers, but there are lots of restaurants for one who would love to sit and dine with the live music at the side street as well.
Safety on Chaweng Beach and Koh Samui
How to save your pocket for the journey to Samui?
As other dream destination for the tourists worldwide, travelling at Samui may not be friendly with your pocket if you don’t plan the trip properly. However, it doesn’t mean you have to put the plan into your drawer. Herewith some tips that you can save your budget for the touring at Samui.
Accommodation on Chaweng Beach:
One of the reputation of Samui of which it is the location of many luxury resorts and top-class hideaway destinations. It can’t help that many travellers have to set it as the priority to worry about. In fact, the accommodation in Samui is varying in price and style. So, you can save your money by choosing somewhere that is not too expensive, instead right location is a key. The area to stay is supposed to be close to the beach, tourist attraction, restaurant, and shop.
Even though that location is maybe the hustle and bustle but it will save many costs of the trip especially transportation and food. In case that you stay at the place that is far from the community, you may need to pay for the transportation service every time you go out especially the hotel one. And almost all meals, you may need to rely on the restaurant at the hotel that is indeed more expensive than the restaurant outside the hotel.
Eat at the local restaurant
Saving your budget by eating at the local restaurants. And in case that your accommodation included breakfast, so it is the right thing to wake up in the morning to have breakfast at the hotel before you go out. This can save the money. And during the day that you go out for the tour, you can switch between the famous restaurant and simple local street food. It does not only save your pocket but also you can learn the local culture and life indirectly.
Avoid making the trip during the high season
So-called the high season of Samui is between January – May which is the period that the sea is peaceful. However, the specific period of the high season that you should avoid is from March to June and late December when the location is full with the tourists. Consequently, the price of flight ticket, transportation, accommodation, and food at Samui up priced. Furthermore, the accommodation is no vacancy, busy restaurant, traffic, the crowded beach of those can cause you the nightmare trip.
Travel to Chaweng Beach (Samui Island)
From Bangkok to Seatran Ferry Donsak
By Car:
Bangkok-Surat Thani uses the route Thonburi-Pak Tho or the road number 35 and then number 4 through Petchaburi, Chumphon, and Prachuap Khikhan. Then, enters to the highway number 41 to Surat Thani. The total distance is 644 km approximate.
The price of the bus to go to Donsak from Surat Thani is THB211 for the regular and THB295 for air-conditioned. It is approximately 60 km from Surat Thani to Seatran Ferry Donsak.
By Plane:
The direct flight Bangkok-Samui by Bangkok Airway operates daily which is about 1 hour and 15 minutes of the trip duration.
By Train:
Since there is no any train station at Surat Thani, thus the tourist who would like to travel to Surat Thani by train needs to get off from the train at Poon Pin Station that is about 12 km from Surat Thani city town. The train provides the services to the passengers with regular and air-conditioned seat and sleeper train. There are 10 trips per day with the duration time is 12 hours. It is recommended to the tourist to book the trip that related to the ferry schedule to save your time. For example,
Bangkok-Surat Thani:
- the train number 167 (the express Bangkok- Kantang) departs from Hua Lamphong Station at 6.20pm and arrives at Surat Thani at 6.10am on the next day.
- The train number 85 (the express Bangkok-Nakhon Si Thammarat) leaves Hua Lamphong Station at 7.15pm and arrives at Surat Thani at 7.09am on the next day.
Surat Thani-Bangkok:
- The train number 168 (the express Kantang-Bangkok) leaves Poon Pin Station, Surat Thani at 5.37pm and arrives at Hua Lamphong Station at 6.05am on the next morning.
- The train number 86 (the express Nakhon Si Thammarat-Bangko) departs Poon Pin Station at 6.20pm and destines to Hua Lamphong at 7.15am on the next morning.
By Bus:
The bus service Bangkok-Samui that boarding the ferry with the passengers (the passengers transit to the ferry and get back to the bus). There are 2 operators which are;
- The Transport Company Limited, there are 2 trips per day are at 7.00pm and 8.00pm, and the trip back from Samui is 3.30pm and 6.30pm.
- Sombat Tour, there is only one trip daily which is 8.00pm from Bangkok and 3.30pm from Samui.
Ferry to Samui Island
- Seatran Ferry Donsak to Samui
The ferry departs from the pier hourly from 6.00am to 4.00pm. The duration of the trip is 1 hour and 30 minutes approximate.
- Khanom Ferry Pier, Nakhon Si Thammarat to Samui
- Ban Don Pier, Surat Thani (ship)
Departure from Surat Thani at 11.00pm and arrives at Samui at 5.00am on the next morning. And the trip back from Samui leaves at 9.00pm and arrives at Surat Thani at 4.00am on the following day.
Transportation around Samui
The tourist can get the pick-up truck service that travels to the beaches on Samui including Chaweng Beach, and the fee is between THB30-60. Otherwise, renting the motorbike is more convenient to go around the island with the rental price is between THB200-250 that mostly is available at the accommodation. And also, you can hire the car.
