Chaweng is Koh Samui's longest and liveliest beach, around 7 km of soft white sand on the east coast, backed by the island's biggest choice of hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. It is where most first-time visitors stay, and for good reason: the beach is beautiful, everything is within walking distance, and the airport is only around 15 minutes away. It is also busy, so it helps to know which part of Chaweng suits you.
Chaweng at a glance
- Where: East coast of Koh Samui, between Choeng Mon and Lamai
- Best for: First-time visitors, nightlife, shopping, choice of restaurants and hotels
- The beach: Around 7 km of soft white sand, the longest on the island
- Nearby: Choeng Mon, Coral Cove, Silver Beach, Lamai, the airport
North Chaweng, Central Chaweng and Chaweng Noi
Chaweng is really three areas in one:
- North Chaweng: quieter and more upmarket, with resorts set along a broad stretch of sand and shallow, calm water.
- Central Chaweng: the busy heart of the beach, with beach clubs, bars, restaurants and shops just behind the sand. Best if you want everything on your doorstep.
- Chaweng Noi: a smaller, calmer bay to the south, separated from the main beach by a rocky headland, with a handful of resorts and a more relaxed feel.
The beach: swimming and seasons
From January to September the sea at Chaweng is usually calm and clear, and the soft sand and gently shelving water make it one of the best swimming beaches on the island, especially in the middle and southern parts of the bay. During the rainy season, from October to December, the east coast can get bigger waves and stronger currents, so swim where others are swimming and respect the red flags. For more on the seasons, see our guide to Koh Samui weather and the best time to visit.
Jet skis, parasailing, kayaks and paddleboards are all available along the beach.
Night markets and local food
Chaweng is known for its international restaurants, but some of its best food is Thai and very good value. A few local favourites:
- Si Khao Night Market: a busy night market in the heart of Chaweng, easy to spot by its white tents, open every evening. Wander through and try whatever looks good, from kanom jeen curry noodles to roti.
- Chaweng Night Market: the market by Chaweng Lake, opposite Central Samui, held from Thursday to Saturday evenings, with plenty of street food and new vendors coming and going.
- Chai Si: a small, easy-to-miss shop on the main road at the edge of Chaweng, open late, serving excellent stewed pork leg over rice and chicken noodle soup.
Smaller local places are often cash only, and opening hours can change, so it is worth checking before you go.
Nightlife
Chaweng has Koh Samui's biggest nightlife scene, from beach clubs and bars on the sand to busy nightclubs along the main road. For something more local, Thaweerat is a relaxed bar tucked away behind Chaweng Lake, often with live Thai music. Chaweng also has Muay Thai stadiums where you can watch live Thai boxing.
Shopping
Central Samui, the island's biggest shopping mall, sits on the main road through Chaweng, with shops, a supermarket, restaurants and a cinema. Along the beach road you'll find everything from tailors and souvenir stalls to beachwear and pharmacies.
Nearby beaches
If Chaweng feels too busy, quieter beaches are close by. Choeng Mon is around 10 to 15 minutes north, and on the coast road south towards Lamai are the small, pretty bays of Coral Cove and Silver Beach, good for snorkelling on calm days.
Where to stay in Chaweng
Chaweng has the widest range of accommodation on Koh Samui, from budget hotels and guesthouses to boutique hotels and luxury beachfront resorts. Stay in Central Chaweng to be in the middle of everything, North Chaweng for a quieter, more upmarket beach, or Chaweng Noi for a calmer bay that is still a short ride from the action.
How to get to Chaweng
Chaweng is around 15 minutes by car from Samui International Airport. Lamai is around 15 to 20 minutes south, and Bophut and Fisherman's Village around 15 minutes north-west. Songthaews (shared pick-up trucks) run along the main roads during the day. If you book a tour with us, return transfers from your accommodation are included on most trips.
Things to do from Chaweng
- Ang Thong National Marine Park tours: 42 islands, the Emerald Lake and kayaking
- Luxury longtail tours: a relaxed private day to Pig Island and Koh Taen
- Quad bike and waterfall tours: into the jungle in the hills behind the coast
- Jungle zip line: the Tree Bridge canopy course and Tan Rua Waterfall
Frequently asked questions
Where is Chaweng in Koh Samui?
Chaweng is on Koh Samui's east coast, between Choeng Mon and Lamai, around 15 minutes from the airport.
Is Chaweng the best beach in Koh Samui?
Chaweng is the longest and most popular beach on Koh Samui, with soft white sand and clear water for most of the year. If you want somewhere quieter, Choeng Mon, Lamai or Bophut may suit you better.
Which part of Chaweng is best to stay in?
Central Chaweng is best for nightlife and having everything on your doorstep. North Chaweng is quieter and more upmarket, and Chaweng Noi, to the south, is a calmer bay that is still close to the action.
Is Chaweng good for swimming?
Yes, from January to September the sea is usually calm and clear. From October to December the east coast can have bigger waves and stronger currents, so check the flags and swim where others are swimming.
Is Chaweng good for families?
Yes, especially North Chaweng and Chaweng Noi, which are quieter than the centre. Families wanting a calmer base often also look at Choeng Mon or Bophut.
Where are the night markets in Chaweng?
Si Khao Night Market is in the heart of Chaweng and opens every evening, and the Chaweng Night Market by Chaweng Lake, opposite Central Samui, runs from Thursday to Saturday evenings.