Is Chaweng good for couples?

Chaweng: busy, lively and built for nightlife

Chaweng is the island's busiest area and very popular for nightlife. If you're up for a party, this is the place to be. The beach is long, white sand and very pretty, but in the central areas it is very busy. The further north or south you go, the quieter it gets. Chaweng is extremely tourist focused, which is both a good and a bad thing, and it is well positioned for exploring the rest of the island.

Chaweng: who it suits, and where to look if it doesn't

If Chaweng isn't quite right:

• Want a calm base? Try Choeng Mon.
• Want more choice in the evenings, without the party? Try Fisherman's Village / Bo Phut.
• Not sure which area suits you? See which area of Koh Samui is best for couples.

Where to stay in Chaweng: north Chaweng and design-led

Anantara Lawana sits on the quieter north end of Chaweng Beach, and The Library is a design-led stay right on the beach. Both are excellent for couples.

Eating, drinking and beach clubs in Chaweng: a treetop dinner and a beach club that isn't a party

There is plenty of choice in Chaweng. Tree Tops, at Anantara Lawana, is the special occasion pick, Day and Night is a good restaurant for couples, and Kapi Sator, at Central, is listed in the Michelin Guide. For a beach club, Cabanas at Marasca is the one we'd recommend. It isn't a party venue, children are welcome, it is on the more expensive side, and the music volume changes through the day.

Beyond the beach in Chaweng: Central, a market, the pagoda and a spa day

Central Samui is a small shopping mall and a good option on a rainy day, with plenty of places to eat. Beach Eats, a modern take on a Thai food court, is very reasonably priced. White Umbrella Market is a good evening out, and it feels more balanced between locals and tourists than some of the island's other markets, with great food options. Khao Hua Jook Pagoda is a viewpoint over Chaweng Lake, and Chaweng Lake itself is the best place on the island to run, with a flat, traffic free, lit loop of about 5 km. For a spa day, ARNA Spa is a good pick for couples, and Zense Spa is our pick for a calmer, more aesthetic massage, and good value for the treatment.

Getting around Chaweng: walkable, Grab and songthaews

Getting around Chaweng is extremely easy. The area is walkable, Grab is easy and convenient, and songthaews run along the main road. It is about 10 minutes from the airport.