When talking about the best island destinations in Thailand – and arguably around the world – the first destination that comes to mind is Phuket. But on the northeastern coast of Thailand lies Koh Samui, a lesser-known yet equally alluring tropical paradise that has been charming countless visitors that come to its shores.
One of the most popular areas in Koh Samui is Choeng Mon on its northern end. Providing the perfect blend of tranquility and convenience, Choeng Mon is home to a fantastic white-sand beach that offers chill and laid-back vibes that couples, honeymooners, and families find captivating.
Choeng Mon has plenty of exciting and memorable experiences to offer. From must-visits to must-eats, here are things that tourists should check out in and around the Choeng Mon area.
A Quiet and Charming Beach Ambiance
Famous for its powdery white sand, laid-back ambiance, and beach huts that line up the shore, the charm of Choeng Mon Beach is one of Koh Samui’s more well-known secrets. Tourists can swim, stroll, and chill to their hearts’ content because this area rarely gets crowded despite being only 10 minutes away from the more bustling Chaweng Beach.
The beach has a gentle slope and calm waters which make it great for swimming for families with kids. A wide variety of water activities such as snorkeling, jet skiing and banana boat rides, are available in Choeng Mon Beach. Visitors can also kayak, or even walk during low tide, to the nearby islet of Ko Farn Noi.
Beach dining from one of the numerous cafes and restaurants or getting a soothing Thai massage by the beach are also popular activities in Choeng Mon Beach. Visitors who choose to stay until late in the afternoon will be greeted by one of the most incredible sunsets on the island.
Overall, Choeng Mon Beach strikes a balance between offering a peaceful “tucked away” vibe without feeling deserted.
Read: Beaches of Koh Samui
Delightful Dining Choices
No trip is complete without checking out the most sought-after restaurants in the location. When it comes to dining options offering local Thai meals and international favorites, Choeng Mon certainly does not disappoint.
One of the most lavish restaurants in Choeng Mon is the Sala Samui Restaurant which offers the freshest seafood dishes, timeless international favorites, and gourmet options complemented by a sophisticated and stylish ambiance along the beach.
For a unique dining experience, visitors can check out Dining on the Rocks, an award-winning al fresco restaurant located in Six Senses Samui. With its innovative food concepts and unique location on the tip of a headland, it offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that will delight the palate and tickle the senses.
To taste some of the best authentic Thai dishes, Supattra Thai Dining is one of the best choices in the area. They specialize and take pride in their use of the freshest local seafood. Meat, vegetarian dishes and an excellent selection of international wine are also available at Supattra. Diners are recommended to make reservations in advance to secure a table due to the restaurant’s popularity.
Read: 10 Must-try Thai Food When in Thailand
Wellness Pursuits Aplenty
After indulging in filling meals and checking out the activities around town, tourists may opt to get a relaxing massage in one of the exquisite wellness hubs in and around Choeng Mon.
Located in a secluded hillside area, Absolute Sanctuary is a premier spa resort that offers massages, yoga, pilates, and detox programs. It even comes with a mini-theater, perfect for some downtime after getting a rejuvenating pamper session.
Six Senses Samui is also home to one of the best spas in town, offering a relaxing spa experience overlooking the majestic coastline. Customers can choose from a wide variety of massages, signature treatments and therapies, facials, yoga sessions, and vitality retreats.
On the other hand, SAii Koh Samui’s Lèn Spa offers a unique twist to relaxation. Lèn translates to “play” in Thai, highlighting the spa’s vision of creating a cheerful ambiance for its patrons, elevating their well-being through playful experiences.
Exuberant Accommodation Options
Choeng Mon offers a variety of accommodation options ranging from affordable to lavish. For utmost luxury and exclusivity, private villas for rent in Koh Samui offer the most exuberant getaway fit even for the most discerning travelers.
There’s Villa Anavaya, a 6-bedroom villa that offers a scenic view paired with modern facilities that ooze with sophistication. The crown of its outdoor amenities is an L-shaped infinity pool with a jacuzzi and stylishly luxurious pool bar.
Another villa in the Choeng Mon area is Villa Hin, one of the most unique and sought-after luxury homes in Koh Samui. Fondly called The Rock House, this 5-bedroom villa is perched atop natural rock formations, expertly incorporating the beauty of nature into its aesthetics.
For those looking for a perfect respite for a family getaway, Villa Sangkachai is one of the best options in Koh Samui. This 4-bedroom villa can fit up to 10 guests, offering various facilities that the whole family can enjoy – from entertainment and cinema areas to its signature L-shaped infinity pool that looks over the sparkling turquoise ocean.
For travelers who prefer to stay in hotels and resorts, this region is also home to several. Located near Choeng Mon Beach are The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui, SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort, and Melati Beach Resort & Spa. Another well-known hotel in the area is Tongsai Bay, a family-owned hotel that has been around since 1987.
Other Nearby Attractions
Completing the Choeng Mon and Koh Samui experience, tourists can drop by one (or more) of the Koh Samui’s majestic temples to glimpse Thailand’s culture and religious beliefs as well as to marvel at the elaborate architecture and Buddhist art pieces.
One of the most popular attractions in Koh Samui is Wat Phra Yai, which is home to the Big Buddha, a 12-meter high golden statue that dates back to 1972. Another Buddhist temple, Wat Plai Laem, also houses another imposing structure of an 18-armed statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion. This lakeside temple, located near Wat Phra Yai, is an active temple where Buddhists pay homage to Guanyin and Buddha.
Night owls will be delighted to know that Choeng Mon also has a night market. Locals and visitors flock to Choeng Mon’s walking street to shop for local favorites and specialties on Wednesday nights. This night market is relatively smaller compared to its counterparts in nearby towns, but shoppers won’t have to worry about huge crowds and will enjoy shopping more freely.
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The Luxury Signature represents and manages reservations of the finest villa rentals in Southeast Asia, specializing in some of the most stunning destinations including the islands of Phuket and Samui in Thailand, and Bali, Indonesia.
