This afternoon, I went for a walk in the Chaweng Beach area. This was probably once the busiest tourist area on Samui and due to the closing of borders it is now very much a ghost town. I just want to tweet a few of my thoughts about this in a thread. Feel free to comment 👇 
Chaweng was hit the hardest as it catered almost exclusively for the foreign market. All of its eggs were in one basket. Beach resorts such as Bangsaen and Hua Hin are surviving as they attracted a mainly Thai market. Hotels on Samui are adapting to that market to survive.
Not every restaurant, shop and hotel in Chaweng is closed. But I would say about 90% are shuttered. I saw at least five 7-11s stores that were closed. But every now and then there was a massage shop, a beachwear shop, a restaurant, a motorcycle rental shop and yes, a Family Mart.
Chaweng is not only a ghost town, but it’s an eyesore. Who is going to spend money to fly around the world to come to a place that is so run down? It’s a Catch 22 situation. They won’t re-open until tourists come. Tourists won’t come until they re-open. So no money to do it up.
When borders are finally opened, it won’t be like opening the floodgates. There will only be a trickle of tourists for several years. Not enough to re-open expensive restaurants that catered only for foreigners. Those days are gone. It has to be back to family run restaurants.
If you’re staying in a resort, then you will be fine as they have all the services onsite that you need. The only convenience stores I saw open were opposite these resorts. If you’re in a small hotel, then you will find it harder to find a bar or restaurant. But not impossible.
I’m not saying don’t come to Chaweng. Someone has to be first! Anyway, this road is not the town. If you venture away from the beach, to where the Thais live, then you’ll find more things open. I only suggest that you rent a car or motorcycle and you will be fine. But drive safe!
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