Choeng Mon is a curved, sheltered bay on Koh Samui's north-east tip, with soft sand, calm water and a small island just offshore. It is one of the best swimming beaches on the island and one of the most relaxed, close to the airport, the Big Buddha and Chaweng without any of Chaweng's bustle. If you are travelling with children, or simply want a peaceful beach to come back to each day, it is hard to beat.
Choeng Mon at a glance
- Where: North-east tip of Koh Samui, between Plai Laem and North Chaweng
- Best for: Families, couples, calm swimming, a quiet upmarket base
- The beach: A horseshoe-shaped bay of soft sand, gently shelving and usually calm
- Nearby: Wat Plai Laem, the Big Buddha, Chaweng, the airport
What Choeng Mon is like
Choeng Mon feels more like a resort village than a town. The bay is lined with hotels and low-key beach restaurants, with a short strip of shops, cafes and massage places on the road behind. Evenings are quiet: dinner on the sand, perhaps a drink at a beach bar, and an early night. For nightlife, Chaweng is around 10 to 15 minutes away by car.
It suits families, couples and anyone who wants a calm, comfortable base with good access to the rest of the island.
The beach and Koh Fan Noi
The main bay is around a kilometre and a half of pale sand, protected by headlands at either end, so the water is usually calm and gently shelving. That makes it one of the best beaches on Koh Samui for young children and confident beginners alike. Kayaks and paddleboards are often available to rent on the beach.
Just offshore sits Koh Fan Noi, a small rocky island you can wade or swim out to when the tide is low. Take water shoes for the rocks, and keep an eye on the tide so you are not caught out on the way back.
Around the headlands are smaller, quieter coves, including Thongson Bay and Samrong Bay towards Plai Laem, which are worth exploring if you want a beach almost to yourself.
Temples and sights nearby
Two of Koh Samui's best-known temples are a short drive west. Wat Plai Laem, with its colourful 18-armed statue of Guanyin set in a lake, is around 5 to 10 minutes away, and the golden Big Buddha at Wat Phra Yai is just beyond it. Both are active temples, so cover your shoulders and knees. Our private cultural tour visits both with your own guide.
When to visit Choeng Mon
Choeng Mon is at its best from January to September, when the sea is calm and clear. Because it faces north-east, the bay can see more wind and waves during the rainy season from October to December. For more on the seasons, see our guide to Koh Samui weather and the best time to visit.
Where to eat and drink
Most dining in Choeng Mon is along the beach itself, where restaurants set tables on the sand in the evening, and in the hotel restaurants around the bay. The road behind the beach has a handful of simple Thai restaurants and cafes that are good value. For more choice, Fisherman's Village in Bophut and the restaurants of Chaweng are both a short drive away.
Prefer to stay in? A private chef or in-villa Thai cooking class works especially well in Choeng Mon's villas.
Where to stay in Choeng Mon
Choeng Mon has some of Koh Samui's most upmarket resorts, along with private pool villas in the hills behind the bay and a smaller number of mid-range hotels. Prices are generally higher than in Lamai or Maenam, but you get a quieter beach and one of the island's best swimming bays on your doorstep.
How to get to Choeng Mon
Choeng Mon is around 10 minutes by car or taxi from Samui International Airport, and around 10 to 15 minutes from Chaweng. It sits on a loop road off the main ring road, so it feels tucked away while still being close to everything. If you book a tour with us, return transfers from your accommodation are included on most trips.
Things to do from Choeng Mon
- Luxury longtail tours: a relaxed private day to Pig Island and Koh Taen
- Ang Thong National Marine Park tours: 42 islands, the Emerald Lake and kayaking
- Private cultural tour: the Big Buddha, Wat Plai Laem and more
- Private speedboat charters: the whole boat for your group
Frequently asked questions
Where is Choeng Mon in Koh Samui?
Choeng Mon is on Koh Samui's north-east tip, between Plai Laem and North Chaweng, around 10 minutes from the airport.
Is Choeng Mon good for swimming?
Yes. It is one of the best swimming beaches on Koh Samui, with a sheltered, gently shelving bay that is usually calm, especially from January to September.
Is Choeng Mon good for families?
Very. The calm, shallow water, quiet atmosphere and family-friendly resorts make Choeng Mon one of the best areas on Koh Samui for children.
Can you walk to Koh Fan Noi?
At low tide you can usually wade or swim out to Koh Fan Noi, the small island just off the beach. Wear water shoes and check the tide before you go.
How far is Choeng Mon from Chaweng?
Around 10 to 15 minutes by car. Choeng Mon is close enough for an evening in Chaweng but far enough away to stay quiet.
Is Choeng Mon a good place to stay?
Choeng Mon suits families, couples and anyone who wants a calm beach and a quieter, more upmarket base. If you want nightlife on your doorstep, Chaweng or Lamai may suit you better.
