Chaweng Beach
Samui's longest and most famous beach — a ~6 km stretch of white sand with clear water, backed by the island's busiest strip of hotels, bars and restaurants.
- Category
- Beaches
- Entrance fee
- Free (public beach)
- Hours
- Open 24 hours
- Best time
- Early morning for calm water and space before the beach clubs fill up
- Time needed
- Half a day or more
About Chaweng Beach
This is the big one, the long stretch of white sand that put Samui on the map. The sand really is lovely and the water is clear, so on looks alone it delivers. What you're trading for that is peace and quiet: this is the busiest, most built-up beach on the island, backed wall to wall by hotels, bars and restaurants.
If you want facilities, food, nightlife and people-watching all in one place, Chaweng is perfect. If you're after seclusion, this is not your beach, and you'll be happier heading north or south. Expect vendors, jet-skis and a fair bit of noise once the day gets going.
Get down early and you can enjoy calm water and open sand before the beach clubs crank up. That first hour is when Chaweng is at its best.
Highlights
- Roughly 6 km of white sand, the island's longest beach
- Clear water and a lively swimming scene
- Every facility, bar and restaurant you could want
- Central location, walkable from most Chaweng hotels
Tips
- Arrive early for calm water and space before the crowds
- Expect vendors, jet-skis and nightlife noise later on
- Great for facilities, poor for seclusion
- Head north or south if you want a quieter beach
How to get there
This is the main hub — the beach fronts central Chaweng; walkable from most Chaweng hotels