Is Choeng Mon good for couples?

Choeng Mon: a popular area with a calmer feel

Choeng Mon is a popular area on the island's north coast, but it has a calmer feel than some of the others. That's the appeal for couples: a calm base, but not far from the main attractions in Samui. The beach is a soft-sand cove, there are some very private places to stay, and there's no strip of bars competing for attention.

The trade off is the evenings. Nightlife in Choeng Mon is subdued. There are occasional fire shows on the beach, but there isn't really a bar scene where you'd go from place to place, so more choice in the evening means a short trip to Bophut Fisherman's Village, which isn't far to travel. What you get in return is a relaxed base with a calmer feel than the busier parts of the island.

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

If Choeng Mon isn't quite right:

• Want evenings out, restaurants and atmosphere? Try Fisherman's Village / Bo Phut.
• Want a more remote island feel, with memorable sunset views over five islands? Try Lipa Noi and Taling Ngam.
• Not sure which area suits you? See which area of Koh Samui is best for couples.

Where to stay in Choeng Mon: two very private places

Sala Samui and Cape Fahn are two very private places to stay in Choeng Mon, and they suit different kinds of couple. Sala is a beachfront resort where most rooms have their own private pool, with a separate adults-only pool alongside the main one. Cape Fahn is the one for total privacy, on its own private island just off Choeng Mon, with a private pool in every villa.

For the full breakdown, see our guide to where couples should stay in Choeng Mon.

Eating in Choeng Mon: a special dinner, authentic Thai and a beach club

Siam Kitchen is the one for dinner and for trying authentic Thai food, with the traditional Thai flavours kept alive. It's popular, so definitely book ahead.

Pi Beach Club, further along the peninsula, is the one for time on the beach, by day or in the evening. Expect a DJ or live violin on a given night, good food, and a spot right on the sand. It's popular enough to be worth booking ahead, or arriving early.

Dining on the Rocks, at Six Senses Samui, is the special meal. It starts with a golf buggy ride down from reception, then welcome drinks and sunset at the bar, before you're taken across to the dining platform: just a handful of tables, with an outstanding view over the water. It's a tasting menu, with the option to add a wine flight.

Beyond the beach in Choeng Mon: temples, massages and sunset

Two temples make an easy half day out. Wat Plai Laem and the Big Buddha aren't in Choeng Mon itself, but they're close by, and close to each other. Wat Plai Laem is about ten minutes by car.

For a massage, Nakee Massage is very small but good value. For something more luxurious, Sala Spa Choeng Mon is at the Sala hotel.

For sunset, head over to the Big Buddha and Bangrak side of the island. See our guide to the best sunset spots near Big Buddha.

For a quieter beach, Thongson Bay is more remote, but not far away.

Getting around Choeng Mon: Grab or a songthaew

Choeng Mon itself is walkable. For an evening out, Grab or a songthaew will get you to Fisherman's Village in around 15 minutes, and it can take longer on night market nights.