A rocky stretch of coast backed by steep cliffs divides Samui's eastern and northern beaches. Choeng Mon beach sits in a deep bay that cuts into the rocky coastline, its soft sands considered some of the island's finest and the shallow waters ideal for year-round swimming and sunbathing. The beach here is lined with restaurants and boutique hotels. Inland, the small tourist town of Choeng Mon has developed along the main road with tailor's shops, restaurants, bars and supermarkets serving visitors. Chaweng, the island’s most developed tourist area, is around five kilometres south of Choeng Mon, reached via a long hilly stretch of cliffs and bays. Once you get there, the choices for food, entertainment and shopping are vast: the main strip lined with stalls selling copy goods and souvenirs, interspersed with restaurants, bars, boutiques, opticians and pharmacies.