Chaweng Beach on the east side of Ko Samui was protected from the prevailing westerly winds. The beach was over a mile long with lovely sand and resorts of all types. On the land side of the resorts was a busy street lined with restaurants and shops including many well-known international brands such as Starbucks and Baskin-Robbins. There were many vacationers on the beach enjoying the sea and sun. Speedboats and jetskis zoomed in and out. There were many vendors walking right on the beach to sell ice cream, batiks, jewelry, knitted hats and all sorts of other stuff. We didn't enjoy the crowds so didn't spend much time there.