Six kilometres
White sand and turquoise water.
Vyacheslav Argenberg — CC BY 4.0 · Damian Moore — CC BY-SA 2.0 · No machine-readable author provided. Dwells3 assumed (based on copyright claims). — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy — CC BY 2.0
Samui's longest and best-known beach, on the island's east coast, stretching some six kilometres of soft white sand and clear turquoise water shaded by coconut palms. It is the island's tourist centre, with hotels, resorts, restaurants and shopping. The northern part is quieter, with shallow water suitable for children; the middle is the liveliest, with water sports; and the southern end, Chaweng Noi, is calmer and framed by rocks. Behind the beach, Chaweng's main road is lined with shops and restaurants, including halal and Arab ones known to visitors. The beach is free and always open, with umbrellas and loungers for hire. Swimming is pleasant most of the year, but waves build in the rainy season from October to December, so follow the flags. A note for families: parts of Chaweng's main road turn into a bar and club zone at night, so choose a hotel at the quieter northern or southern end. Early morning on the beach is the finest time.
White sand and turquoise water.
Shallow water for children.
On Chaweng's main road.
East coast of Koh Samui
Chaweng is prettier with more services but louder; Lamai is calmer and simpler. For a family, Chaweng's northern end or Lamai both suit.