Chaweng Beach from end to end

Samui's longest and busiest beach, best discovered on a slow barefoot walk from the quiet north to the lively centre.

Area

East coast

Start from

Chaweng

Distance

about 6 km of beach

Time needed

Half a day

Best season

January – September

Difficulty

Easy

Transport

On foot

Tickets & rules

None

Why go

Chaweng is the beach that made Samui famous: a long curve of soft white sand and clear water on the east coast. The centre is lively with bars, restaurants and resorts, but the northern end, near Chaweng Noi and the lagoon, is noticeably calmer.

Walking the full length is one of the simplest pleasures on the island. You pass fishermen mending nets, couples on honeymoon, families building sandcastles and the odd stray dog sleeping in the shade.

In the evening, Chaweng's restaurants put tables on the sand, and some resorts light fire shows.

The story

In the 1970s, Chaweng had only a handful of bungalows and no proper road. Travellers arrived by boat and stayed for weeks in palm-leaf huts. Many older islanders say they never imagined the beach would become so famous.

The lagoon behind North Chaweng was once a quiet area of mangroves and fishponds. Today it's surrounded by houses, but in the early morning you can still see herons hunting in the shallows.

Even in the busy centre, local families come to the beach on Sundays for picnics, which tells you it's still their beach too.

Getting there

Chaweng is easy to reach from anywhere by taxi or songthaew. Access points to the beach run between the hotels from the main road.

A suggested plan

1. MorningStart at the northern end for a swim in calm water.
2. MiddayWalk south along the sand to the centre; stop for a fruit shake.
3. AfternoonRest under a tree, or continue to Chaweng Noi for a quieter swim.

Where to stay

Chaweng has everything, from backpacker hostels to luxury resorts. North Chaweng is quieter.

Good to know

• Swim in the morning when the sea is calmest.
• Bring reef shoes if you plan to walk the rocky parts.
• Sunset isn't over the sea here (east coast), but the sky still glows.