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