Choeng Mon sits in the northern region of Samui, nestled in between Chaweng and Mae Nam. It’s made up of several stretches of white sand coasts that are thankfully neither overcrowded nor overdeveloped. The vibes here are quiet and laid back, which explains Choeng Mon’s appeal to couples, honeymooners and families.
With dining venues, lifestyle establishments and tourist attractions peppered within and around the town, you won’t have to travel far to enjoy scrumptious beachfront dinners, shop for necessities at the local stores, browse through a lively night market or visit widely-known sites. It’s a destination that encourages relaxation, yet offers easy accessibility for dining out and sightseeing.
Don’t know where to start? We’ve rounded up the must-sees, must-dos, must-eats and must-stays in town. Check out our travel guide below, and have fun exploring!
With a gently sloping, powdery white sand coast, plenty of activities and dining options to choose from and clean amenities, Choeng Mon Beach is a popular attraction among couples, honeymooners and families.
Massage huts, restaurants and beach bungalows are scattered along the beachfront, lending the venue an inviting, personal feel. From the beach, you’re just a skip away from the high street, where you’ll easily find shops and local amenities. While the beach is suitable for swimming, beach-goers will need to exercise caution and keep a lookout for jet-skiers in the vicinity.
Every Wednesday, the main road in town comes alive with a weekly night market. It’s the island’s smallest night market, so visitors won’t have to battle the crowds often found at the more popular walking streets of Mae Nam or Bophut. However, if exploring a vibrant, bustling walking street is right up your alley, Fisherman’s Village Walking Street is a great option. It’s just 17 minutes’ drive away from Choeng Mon Night Market.
Thai massages, which incorporate acupressure, stretches and assisted yoga poses may not be the most relaxing of therapies – yet it never fails to leave one feeling stretched out and rejuvenated after.
For a top-notch experience, head over to Six Senses Spa, where treatments take place in private venues overlooking a rock-fringed coast. Take your pick from a range of wellness therapies, massages (including treatments using Thai herbal compresses or hot stones) and energy therapies like Reiki and chakra balancing treatments. There’s also the option of enjoying in-villa massages – just let your villa manager know, and he or she will make the necessary arrangements.
There’s something for every fitness enthusiast in Samui – whether you prefer nourishing, meditative exercises or something that’s fast-paced and action-packed.
Start off your mornings on a rejuvenating note at The Yogarden Samui. Soak up its relaxed, serene vibes as you stretch out on the mat in an open-air yoga pavilion. The on-site Garden Cafe is a great place for fuelling up for a post-yoga, since the menu lists a variety of nutritious options, including smoothies, juices and vegetarian dishes.
Or work up a sweat at Yodyut Muaythai Gym. Group and private training sessions are available here, and the venue stands out with its modern amenities, professional trainers and a spacious, airy setting.
You’ll likely crave flavourful Thai food once you’re back home after your vacation – and instead of settling for unspectacular take-outs, why not whip up your favourite dishes using fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques?
Island Organics is a good option if you’re looking for group classes. It’s a treat cooking in the well-appointed kitchen, and the course also involves a tour of the on-site eco-friendly farm and touches on eco-garden topics. Educational and interactive, it’s an activity that both kids and adults will enjoy. Alternatively, you may opt to have private cooking sessions conducted at your villa.
From your villa, you’re easily within reach to Samui’s most famous landmark – the Big Buddha. Located within the compounds of Wat Phra Yai, the glittering, golden Buddha statue stands at a height of 12 metres and is visible from miles away. Ascend up the viewing platform for breathtaking views over the coastline. Come in the early evening to enjoy the spectacular sunset scenery; alternatively, visit during the morning to avoid the sweltering mid-day heat.
While you’re in the vicinity, make a stop by at Wat Plai Laem. Located just a skip away from the Big Buddha, the temple complex boasts traditional Thai and Chinese design elements, eye-catching sculptures and a striking 18-arm Guanyin statue.
Credit: The Mother Restaurant Facebook page
This family owned restaurant is known among tourists for its authentic Thai cuisines including the desserts and highly recommended fresh seafoods. But here, you can find American and Asian dishes as well. With its friendly staff and vast choices of dishes, this restaurant is the right place for dining with your family.
The Mother Restaurant, Moo 5 Bo Phut, Koh Samui, +66828142550, open daily 8AM – 11PM
Without a doubt, Supattra Thai Dining dishes out some of the tastiest plates of Thai fare on the island; in fact, it’s so popular that you’re unlikely to get a table without making reservations in advance. The venue also boasts modern interiors, friendly service and a good selection of cocktails and wines.
Supattra Thai Dining, 32/6 Moo 4 Sanam Bin Road, Bophut, Ko Samui, p. +66 93 282 8777. Open Tue-Sat 6pm – 11pm. Closed on Sun – Mon.
Hankering for Italian fare? You can’t go wrong with dinner at Pepenero, where you’ll enjoy dishes like a starter of mozzarella and Parma ham, spaghetti with grilled tomatoes and Nduja sausages, braised lamb shank or homemade bigoli with Italian sausage ragu, red wine and fennel seeds. Each dish is lightly seasoned, so you can appreciate the fresh flavours of the ingredients. Beyond the food, what makes this family-run establishment stand out is its warm, personable service.
Pepenero, 59/17 Moo 6 Tambon, Bophut, Ko Samui, p. +66 77 963 353. Open Mon-Sat 6pm – 10pm. Closed on Sun.
Like Pepenero, Salefino serves up sumptuous plates of Italian fare. What differs is the setting, as Salefino enjoys a prime beachfront location overlooking the sea.
Salefino, 16/8 Moo 5, T. Bophut, Ko Samui, p. +66 91 825 2190. Open Mon-Fri 1pm – 9pm, Sat 5pm – 10:30pm. Closed on Sun.
This restaurant is a go-to for the complete selections of authentic Thai dishes. Known for the energetic and friendly owner, you’ll find all of the Thai menus you can name– Spicy Mango Salad, Pad Thai, Yellow Curry, or Spring Rolls. The place is also a good bang for your buck, as it’s often recommended for travelers on a budget.
Mr Eung Seafood, H3FH+954 district Koh Samui, +66 89 589 2523, open daily 11AM – 10PM
If you want something more exotic, pop to Akbar for its selection of Indian foods. The tiny shop has authentic Indian dishes you might have heard such as Vindaloo, Samosa, and the recommended Chicken Tikka Masala. The staff is known to be helpful and will assist to introduce you to their house recommendations, if you’re not familiar with Indian cuisine.
Akbar, H3CH+FVX, Bo Put, Koh Samui, +66 84 304 2665, open daily 11AM – 11PM
SALA Samui Restaurant offers a date-worthy experience with its prime beachfront location, elegant setting and attentive service. The menu features Thai and international fare, as well as a comprehensive wine selection.
SALA Samui Restaurant, Sala Samui Choengmon Beach Resort, 10/9 Moo 5, Bann Plai Laem, Ko Samui, p. +66-77-245-888.
Just as its name suggests, the Big Buddha Coffee Shop is located just next to the Big Buddha. It’s a great place for a stopover when you’re out sightseeing in the vicinity – try out the cafe’s excellent coffees or smoothies and soak up the breezy vibes and coastal scenery.
The Big Buddha Coffee Shop, Big Buddha Temple, Ko Samui, p. +66 89 027 3827. Open Mon-Sat, 8:30am – 4pm.
For a luxury dining with view, Tree Tops Sky Dining & Bar offers a perfect relaxing ambience. The restaurant nestled high between the tree tops and has a scenic sea view with a gentle cool breeze. For the menu, it offers European, contemporary, International, and fusion cuisine with a fine dining setting.
Tree Tops Sky Dining & Bar, 92 / 1 Moo 2 Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort, Chaweng, Bophut, Koh Samui, +6677960333, open Thursday – Tuesday 6PM – 10PM, close Wednesday
Craving for authentic Italian pizza while in Koh Samu? Head to Pecore Nere for your Italian fix. The restaurant is owned by a native Italian hailing straight from Venice and it stays true to selections of Mediterranean and Italian cuisines, as well as the famous wood fire pizza that are the talk between locals and tourists alike.
Pecore Nere, Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand, +66875544831, open Thursday-Tuesday 5PM – 10:30PM, close Tuesday & Wednesday
Featuring a spacious, sparkling infinity pool, uninterrupted sea vistas and a well-manicured garden, Baan Bon Khao is a property that checks off all the right boxes as a luxury retreat.
The interiors are modern and elegant, with a limited palette featuring mainly whites and neutrals – a great choice, since it further draws attention to the villa’s postcard-perfect surroundings. Highlights include an entertainment room with a billiard table, a breezy alfresco dining area and sunshine-drenched terrace. A total of 12 guests are comfortably accommodated in six bedrooms.
Around Baan Bon Khao Villa
Baan Bon Khao is about 10 minutes’ drive away from Choeng Mon Beach. Other nearby attractions include the iconic Big Buddha (10 minutes’ drive), Wat Plai Laem (seven minutes’ drive), Choeng Mon Night Market (five minutes’ drive) and Fisherman’s Village (15 minutes’ drive). There’re heaps of restaurants and bars to choose from, including seafront options along Choeng Mon Beach, as well as a range of upscale dining establishments at Fisherman’s Village.
Key features
Uninterrupted sea views | Infinity pool | Located within proximity to cultural attractions, restaurants and the beach | Spacious, modern interiors
Motsamot Villa is a great bet for vacationers who appreciate properties with traditional Thai design elements and a cosy, inviting vibe. Spread out across beautifully landscaped grounds, the living pavilions feature Thai-style roofs, wood-clad interiors and Asian accents. With two living areas, two kitchens and three dining areas, guests are guaranteed plenty of space for mingling in groups or unwinding quietly. The villa accommodates 10 guests in five bedrooms.
Around Motsamot Villa
Motsamot Villa is five minutes’ drive from Choeng Mon Beach. You’ll enjoy easy access to key cultural attractions like the Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem, as well as Choeng Mon Night Market, Fisherman’s Village, yoga studios and Muay Thai training camps. Choeng Mon Beach offers excellent beachfront dining options, and you’ll also find a good variety of high-end restaurants and bars at Fisherman’s Village in Bophut.
Key features
Traditional Thai-style decor | Beautifully landscaped grounds | Multiple living and dining spaces | Cosy ambience
The state-of-art villa has a sleek contemporary design that draws the eye of city folks who are looking for an exclusive all-tropical retreat. Perched on the hilltop of Samrong Bay, the villa offers an impeccable view of the island’s lush vegetation and turquoise sea water, as well as cool sea breeze. A private infinity swimming pool adorns the backyard, while inside you can enjoy the free wi-fi. The villa offers first-class services and modern amenities like private parking, housekeeper and maid service, and even security. You can even request for an in-villa chef that specializes in local delights. Ideal for smaller groups, Villa Beach Haven accommodates six guests in three bedrooms with all rooms facilitated with air-conditioning.
Around Villa Beach Haven
Villa Beach Haven is within walking distance to Samrong beach and Plai Laem beach. Guests can visit the nearby spa at Six Senses Spa, nearby cafes, and restaurants that have the best sunset spots on the island.
Key Features
Sea view | Free Wi-fi | Infinity pool | Private Parking | In-Villa chef
Related: Traveller’s Guide to Samui’s Night Market
See our villas in Choeng Mon. Inspected and selected by Villa-Finder.com.
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There is one more 100% vegan place on Koh Samui (in Lamai area, just in 120 meters from Lamai Veggie which is the last one in this listing) — Yoga House & Spa (http://house-yoga.com/en/vegan-cafe). It is inside the yoga studio, just opened (July 2016), is cozy & nicely decorated, offers (mostly) European dishes & desserts from Monday to Saturday (11 AM — 7 PM).
Thank you for sharing about your vegan cafe Dmitry!
Thank you! Such articles are very useful. Would be twice great if you can add some info about Yoga House to your article… ;-) Photos and details are available by the link I've provided (or I can answer any questions you have).
Koh Samui photographers are really amazing photographers. They make the moment memorable for the rest of our life. Recently I attend my friend's marriage party, it was beautifully designed and maintained until the end. Thanks to Magic Day Co. Ltd Wedding planner to make her marriage memorable.
The boudoir was created by isabel and stephane in 2007.
Greenlight Cafe in Fisherman's Village !
Yes :)
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