Chaweng — the main beach and nightlife hub

Chaweng, on the east coast, is Samui's largest and busiest beach town: a long white-sand bay with calm, swimmable water (a reef breaks the waves), backed by a dense strip of hotels, malls, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. It is the island's nightlife centre and the most commercial, walkable area, with the highest concentration of shops and services. Expect crowds, traffic on the single main road, and street touts. Chaweng Noi, just south over a headland, is a smaller, quieter cove. A good base for first-timers and partygoers who want everything in walking distance; less ideal for those seeking calm.