Chaweng Noi Beach is situated right next to its big brother Chaweng and resembles it in both sea and sand. Chaweng Noi stretches for about 0.7 miles (1.1 km), while the beach width varies from 33 to 131 feet (10 to 40 meters) in different areas. Not only does the width change, but also the shoreline itself; you’ll come across spots where waves have created small sandy cliffs, quite similar to the southern, rocky part of Lamai.
Beach Overview
The sand at Chaweng Noi is almost snow-white, not monotone. In places, coarse yellow sand has washed up, in others you’ll find dunes of very coarse sand, large flat stones appear here and there, but the main surface is covered with fine white sand. The beach is kept clean throughout its entire length, including the unattractive bit of shoreline near the dried-up mouth of a smelly stream and the rocks separating Chaweng Noi from Chaweng.
Chaweng Noi is always packed with people, except during the low season. It’s a popular, well-established spot with good amenities, lovely sea and truly magnificent ocean views.
In case anyone’s interested in reading about other locations, I’ve written a brief overview of all Samui beaches to help you decide which beach to choose.
Swimming
On the map, Chaweng Noi runs from north to south. About 650 feet (200 m) in the south is shallow water with an unpleasant entry, where the bottom is covered with stones and corals, silt and marine creatures. The shallow area ends near the territory of Impiana Resort Chaweng Noi, Koh Samui.
From there, all the way to The Imperial Samui Beach Resort and the rocks opposite it, the water entry is completely clean and free of stones.
After Imperial Samui Resort begins the part of Chaweng Noi where the shore changes not only in width but also in height. Near the rocks separating Chaweng Noi from Chaweng there are seaweed colonies.
Low tides have minimal impact on the beach characteristics, thanks to its deep waters. Just ten steps from the shore, the depth reaches from 3 to 5 and a (1-1.5 metres). In front of some hotels, the water area is marked with buoys, a subtle attempt to claim rights to the water in front of their property.
Sunbeds and Shade
At Chaweng Noi, you can rent a sunbed and umbrella. Prices start from 50 baht per item of pleasure. But if you don’t fancy spending money, you can easily find yourself a spot in the shade of one of the many spreading trees on the beach. All mature trees grow far from the water and on hotel grounds, so at peak tourist times, you’ll have to elbow your way to find some shade.
Beach Photos
Amenities
Chaweng Noi runs along the Ring Road, which passes in such a way that between the shore and the asphalt surface remains a triangle where all the beach hotels are located. On the other side of the road stands a mountain. All the beach infrastructure is contained in this triangle, with no shops or conveniences of civilisation within 1.2 miles (2 km). They’re all located at Chaweng. Among the attractions closest to Chaweng Noi are:
- Elephant Rock;
- The viewpoint of The Cliff restaurant.
The beach itself offers many types of water activities, kayak rentals, jet skis, boat trips and snorkelling. There are hotel restaurants and separate, private restaurants and bars on the shore. One of the coolest beach options is Samui Beach Bar, a large establishment with its own car park and approach to the sea. It has a bar, shower and all beach conveniences.
Accommodation
As mentioned, all of Chaweng Noi’s infrastructure is contained within hotels that provide all sorts of services to their guests. More than a dozen large hotels and resorts are located on the shore, with no private houses. Beyond the Ring Road are several resorts and villas built in the mountains, but there’s nothing for independent travellers here as everything is very expensive. You’ll have to look for houses near Chaweng.
In recent years, territories on the upper slopes of the hills at Chaweng Noi have been actively developed. And on such a scale that soon there will be a full-fledged Rio de Janeiro for wealthy people. When choosing Chaweng Noi for your holiday, be sure to pester your estate agent to go and personally make sure that construction hasn’t started on the other side of the fence from your villa.
There aren’t too many hotels on the beach. Among them are:
- Vana Belle, A Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui 5
- Fair House Villas & SPA, Koh Samui – Sha Extra Plus 5
- New Star Beach Resort 4
- Sheraton Samui Resort – Sha Extra Plus 5
How to Get to the Beach
You can access Chaweng Noi beach through the grounds of any hotel, as there are no free approaches to the water; everything is built up. The most convenient could be Impiana Resort Chaweng Noi, Koh Samui which has a huge car park for motorbikes and staff who aren’t particularly fussy.
After walking through the lobby, the inner courtyard with the swimming pool and reaching the beach, it would be better if you turn left and walk for another five minutes. There’s shade there, and you’ll move away from the shallow water to a decent distance. And if you’re not too lazy and walk to the hotel
Vana Belle, A Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui 5, or try to pass through its territory from the beginning, you’ll find the flattest and cleanest beach at Chaweng Noi there.
But the most hassle-free option to reach the sea is Beach Bar Samui, which I wrote about just above. Free parking, free shower, sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, its own access to the sea, bar and restaurant, loads of hammocks, a swimming pool and full beach infrastructure. And no chats with administrators.
