North Chaweng, Nora Beach Resort, Chaweng Yai – these are all names for the same beach located north of the main Chaweng area. Chaweng Yai is nearly 2.5 miles (4 km) long and can be roughly divided into two halves. The first stretches from Muang Samui Spa Resort to Cape Laem Song and the satellite islet of Matlang (Koh Matlang). The second runs from Matlang islet to Kanda Residence hotel.
Beach Overview
The differences between these sections are so striking that it would make sense to split Chaweng Yai into two separate beaches, but you can’t argue with geography. So some sections in this Chaweng Yai description will be presented in two parts.
From Muang Samui SPA Resort to Matlang Island
The sand on this beach has a very fine, loose consistency, mixed with light yellow sand and shells. Closer to the island, the sand becomes coarser and darker. This section is 1.2 miles (2 km) long, with the beach width varying from 65 to 130 feet (20 to 40 meters). Cleanliness isn’t maintained everywhere; the water contains lots of rubbish trapped in rocks and sand, seaweed, and plastic bags.
Its proximity to Chaweng means this half of Chaweng Yai is always busy, and you’ll often see entire families holidaying here.
From Matlang Island to Kanda Residence hotel
The sand here is very coarse, dark brown, with stones and coral fragments. There are many boulders with sharp edges. This beach section is 1.2 miles (2 km) long, with a width from 16 to 50 feet (5 to 15 meters). The beach suffers from seaweed that grows close to shore and is constantly washed up by waves. Closer to Matlang islet, the beach is crossed by neat piles of stones concealing drainage pipes.
Some of these leak, leaving parts of the sand polluted with black sludge. The isolation of this beach and its characteristics make this half of Chaweng Yai rather quiet. It’s favoured by fishermen and naturists, who can find hiding spots between the rocks and changing terrain of Cape Laem Song.
Swimming
From Muang Samui SPA Resort to Matlang Island
Getting into the water is difficult due to rocks, muddy bottom and rubbish. The sea is barely suitable for swimming, and a hundred metres from shore the depth hardly reaches 3 feet (1 m). During low tides, the sea becomes very shallow. Walking on the seabed holds many unpleasant surprises in the form of coral fragments and marine creatures, but these are still decent conditions compared to what was here ten years ago.
Along the entire Chaweng Yai, the horizon is marred by a stone ridge, the result of numerous Thai workers who spent several years manually clearing the seabed. Now you can move around somewhat, and this section of Chaweng Yai is never troubled by waves.
From Matlang Island to Kanda Residence hotel
This half of North Chaweng is overgrown with seaweed. The depth here is greater than “around the corner”, but entering the water is made difficult by grass and stones, which are also plentiful here. During low tides, the sea recedes 10 to 16 feet (3-5 meters), leaving heaps of brown leaves. Judging by the seafront’s solid reinforcement with stone parapets, waves reach the very edge of the beach in bad weather. On normal days, large waves aren’t observed.
Sunbeds and Shade
Both halves of Chaweng Yai have well-developed beach infrastructure. There’s more variety in the shallow section, but sunbeds and umbrellas are available everywhere. You can even rent them for a pretty penny. Shade exists only in the shallow areas; this entire shore of Chaweng Yai is covered with deciduous trees and palms. On the other half, the shore is bare, and all plantings are on hotel property.
Beach Photos
From Muang Samui SPA Resort to Matlang Island
From Matlang Island to Kanda Residence
Amenities
Both halves of Chaweng Yai are on the outskirts of Chaweng but within five minutes of all its conveniences. There are no large discos and clubs, noisy entertainment or crowds, making it attractive for families, elderly or wealthy people. Along the road you’ll find mini-markets and occasional shops, laundries and bottle refill stations.
The second largest hospital on Samui Island, Samui International Hospital, is also located here, and the airport is not far from Chaweng Yai. Nearby attractions include:
- Chaweng Lake (reservoir);
- Phra Phuttabat Chamlong Khao Hua Chuk Pagoda;
- Samui Crocodile Farm.
Accommodation
From Muang Samui SPA Resort to Matlang Island
This entire coastline is built up with luxury hotels and resorts. Across the Chaweng-Chongmon Road, there’s a wide selection of rental accommodation. This isn’t the deserted Taling Ngam; here you’ll find plenty of places to suit any budget and requirements.
Right on the beach, several hotels with good reviews stand out:
- Muang Samui SPA Resort 5.
- Iyara Beach Hotel & Plaza 4
- Papillon Resort 3
From Matlang Island to Kanda Residence hotel
This less populated part of the island is partially occupied by mountains. It’s mainly built up with expensive hotels and villas. Rental houses are easier to find closer to Chong Mon.
- Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort 5
- Coral Bay Resort Bo Phut 3
- Pawanthorn Samui 4
How to Find the Beach
To reach the virtual boundary between both halves of Chaweng Yai, drive along the entire Chaweng on Chaweng-Chongmon Road to a sudden and inconspicuous turn onto a small lane. This will lead you straight to a shady clearing near a fishermen’s shelter. You can leave your vehicle here and walk out to Cape Laem Song to decide which part of Chaweng Yai interests you more. It’s right here that you’ll find the most breathtaking bounty-views of all Chaweng.
