Koh Samui, Thailand – Guide to Cheong Mon Beach and Town

by

Jen Johnston

Koh Samui is a dazzlingly beautiful tropical island in Thailand’s Gulf which has risen in popularity to become the number two island destination for visiting tourists. The main tourist areas of Samui are in the north east of the island in the towns of Chaweng and Bophut. The less known area of Cheong Mon, located between Chaweng and Bophut, on the tip of the island’s north eastern peninsular has steadily risen in popularity in recent times with visitors enjoying an idyllic beach and fantastic views only a few minutes drive to the hustle and bustle of the surrounding towns of Bophut and Chaweng.

Without a doubt, the heart of Cheong Mon is the beach. A gorgeous stretch of golden sands with clear, shallow waters that curves around from rocky outcrops to the tiny island of Koh Fan Noi. The sands are clean and soft with fantastic swimming and a good selection of sun beds. The eastern end of the beach also offers cooler spots to enjoy the tropical surroundings under large, shady trees. The island of Koh Fan Noi is connected to the beach at low tide and can be easily explored. Choeng Mon beach has a reasonable choice of Thai and European restaurants and bars, a dive shop, several massage pavilions, a tattoo studio and a tailor. At night, most of the beach restaurants offer comfortable seating and candlelit dining on the beach with many offering seafood BBQ and buffet combinations. There are a few jet skis available for rent and other water sport activities including water skiing, wake boarding, kayaking and windsurfing. The beach offers a good choice of low to mid-range budget bungalow resorts such as the White House and Samui Honey Bungalows and a few luxury hotels including the well-known Imperial Boat House Hotel and the stunning Sala Samui Resort and Spa.

The beach road also offers a reasonable choice of both Thai and International cuisine with several bars including The Lords, the largest bar on the street, where you can enjoy sport fixtures on large screen TVs. If youre looking for something a little more physical, the Choeng Mon Mini-golf course is nearby or you can try your hand at the Football Golf (a cross between football and golf) course.

Although Cheong Mon sees its share of visiting tourists, the town retains a feeling of serenity and peacefulness while the seas and sands retain an untouched, virgin quality not to be found in the busy tourist towns. Chaweng, Bophut and Samui International Airport are within 10 minutes drive of the town though there is no public transport so visitors need to depend on taxis, rented cars and scooters to get around.

Jen Johnston is Director of Samui Holiday Villa Rental, a

Samui villas

and holiday rental portal based on the island. Check out our

Koh Samui map

and interactive Villa Guide. Read more

things to do in Koh Samui

including local Thai restaurant reviews.

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Koh Samui, Thailand – Guide to Cheong Mon Beach and Town}