Raphael Fitzherbert
As Koh Samui's coveted retail hub and resort heartland Chaweng is a must-explore highlights in the island. From sandy beaches to historic temples the town's top attractions are as follows.
Tipped to be one of the most sacred religious institutions in Chaweng the Wat Khao Hua Jook temple lies off the beaten track away from the tourist hubs in the resort town. Believed to contain the holy foot print of Lord Buddha the locale is perched atop a scenic hill towering 90m above the surrounding landscape. Taking the route upwards from the Samui incarnation of Q Bar the road leading to Wat Khao Hua Jook is as picturesque as the site itself. Home to a golden stupa the venue also boasts a plethora of stunning sculptures and also offers visitors panoramic views across Samui from its unique vantage point. The venue is especially magical during sunset while it is also deemed the ideal place in Samui for meditation and reflection.
As Chaweng's chief highlight Chaweng Beach does not disappoint. Stretching across a vast expanse the white, sandy confines of Chaweng beach are deemed the finest in Koh Samui for a good reason. Sprawled across 5km the beach is fringed by rocky promontories on both sides. Housing a vibrant reef in the immediate vicinity of its shores visitors can also take a boat tour to the nearby island of Koh Matlam located northward from the beach. Ideal for swimming activities and for engaging in a wide range of water sports the beach is a relaxing and tranquil piece of paradise in sun-kissed Samui. Visitors based in Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort & Spa or any other well situated Samui beach resort will enjoy easy access to this popular beach.
As a sporting activity that is fast gaining popularity around the world there's no finer venue to engage in an unforgettable game of footie-golf than at the iconic Samui Football Golf Club. Combining the gaming elements of two of the most popular sports in the world-football and golf the game involves steering the ball with one's feet to one of the 18 holes in the course in as fewer moves as possible. Located in a breathtaking coconut plantation the Samui Football Golf Club is ideal for novice and seasoned football golf players while those who wish to simply soak up the atmosphere can take a turn around the idyllic plantation laden with a tropical garden.
Players however will face obstacles along the course in the form of bunkers, trees and, ditches, logs and shells on their way to the holes while a commemorative key tag with one's score awaits each player at the end of the game.
Conveniently located within a stone's throw from Chaweng Lake Soi Reggae is a one of kind entertainment and nightlife hub in Chaweng. Spread out across 500m the venue is home to a wide range of night time distractions ranging from Muay Thai boxing rings to drinking holes. The heart of Soi Reggae is occupies by not one but two strips of cozy beer bars with billiard tables and other entertainment options. The Reggae Pub is a veritable institution among these drinking holes as the venue lends the soi its name. A party capital in Samui since time immemorial The Reggae Pub is synonymous with its massive dance floor and live acts blasting out originals and covers using a sound system that can only be described as stupendous.
No visit to Chaweng would be complete without witnessing the thrills and spills of an authentic Muay Thai boxing encounter at Petchbuncha Boxing Stadium. As the national sport of Thailand the high contact sporting activity takes centre stage three nights a week from 11pm onwards at this iconic stadium.
