20 miles from ao Nathon, Samui
The main tourist bay on Samui, Ao Chaweng is separated by a rock formation into two beaches: Chaweng Noi (south) and Chaweng Yai (north). The gradually sloping sandy bottom permits anchorage in 5-10 metres anywhere in the bay. In the southwest season, even in quite strong prevailing westerlies, a ground swell from the east can make this anchorage uncomfortable.
Major hotels, resorts, bungalows, restaurants, shops and discos sprawl along the road behind the beach. The main part of town is at the northern end. Towards the southern end of Chaweng Yai, the red roofs of the Centara Samui Resort can be clearly seen. Transport can be arranged by local bus or taxi from the road behind; Nathon is about 45 minutes away.