Yes, it's the same beach, just under "different conditions". I stayed in low-season when the water on Samui is rather "low". The water just came back a little bit in the early mornings. The afternoons, the water was just like on the photos... made it almost impossible to swim in the afternoons. The situation usually becomes much better end of October. So better don't stay in June/July/August.

Chawaeng is some kilos away, but you can grab a songtaew (collective taxi) or rent a small motorbike (or a car of course).