Samui Guide
Chaweng Beach
Chaweng is the longest beach on Ko Samui — about 7 km of white sand on the island's east coast, which means the sun rises over the water. It is the busiest beach on the island, with restaurants, bars and Central Festival Samui along the road behind it. The northern end is livelier; the middle, where Chaweng Buri sits on 80 m of it, is calmer. Swimming is good most of the year, and the water is shallow and clear.
Chaweng runs down the east coast, which is the useful thing to know about it: the sun comes up over the sea. If you are an early riser, the beach at 6am is worth the alarm — flat light, almost nobody about, and the fishing boats heading out.
What is along it
Behind the sand runs Chaweng Beach Road, and behind that, Central Festival Samui. You can eat well and cheaply within a ten-minute walk of the resort: som tam and grilled fish at the simpler places, and a great deal of Italian and Japanese if you want a break from Thai food.
The water
Shallow, clear, and safe for children along most of its length. There is occasional seaweed after a storm, and the far northern end gets shallow enough at low tide that swimming is awkward. In front of the resort it is fine.
When to come
January to March is the driest and busiest. April and May are hot. June to September is quieter, greener and still mostly sunny. October to December is the rainy season on this coast — it usually rains hard for an hour rather than all day, and hotel rates are at their lowest.
Quick answers
How long is Chaweng Beach?
About 7 km, the longest on Ko Samui.
Is Chaweng Beach good for swimming?
Yes. The water is shallow and clear for most of its length, and calmest from January to September.
Which end of Chaweng is quieter?
The southern and middle stretches. The far north, near the lake, is where most of the nightlife is.
Last checked 28 August 2026.
Check your dates
Book direct for the best rate, and tell us where in the garden you would like to be — no booking site can pass that on.