Chong Mon Beach stretches along one kilometer (0.6 miles) of coastline on the island of Koh Samui. This relatively enclosed bay is located on the northern part of the island’s appendage, which is one of the most densely populated areas of Samui.
Beach Overview
From west to east, the width of the beach varies from 30 to 160 feet (10 to 50 meters). Along its entire length, the beach maintains consistent sand quality and infrastructure.
The sand at Chong Mon Beach is grayish and very fine. When wet, it turns into a mushy texture, but within the surf zone, it’s compacted so tightly by the waves that you could ride a motorcycle on it.
Cleanliness on the beach is well-maintained where it borders the coastal hotels. However, the charm of Chong Mon lies in the few sections without flashy hotels, where private Thai restaurants and massage parlors have set up shop, and they don’t particularly prioritize the beach’s cleanliness.
While you won’t find garbage piles, there are often small plastic items and paper scattered around. Chong Mon is one of the most popular and crowded beaches on Samui, and it’s almost the only decent beach in the area where you can freely swim comfortably.
To the left of Chong Mon, if you’re facing the sea, are Tong Sai and Samrong — nice beaches, but they are on the closed properties of hotel monopolies. Plai Laem, located on the other side of the peninsula, is ten minutes away from Chong Mon. It’s quite wild and shallow, making it unsuitable for swimming.
Chaweng Yai, to the right of Chong Mon, is overgrown with seaweed. This leaves only a smaller version of Chong Mon — Tong Son Bay, which is also easily accessible. If you’re interested in other places, I have a brief overview of all the beaches on Samui to help you choose the best one for you.
Swimming
The middle section of Chong Mon Beach, between the Imperial Boat House Beach Resort and Sala Samui Chaweng Beach Resort, offers a clean entry into the water, free from rocks and coral debris.
In other parts of Chong Mon, entering the water can be more challenging due to rocks and coral near the shore, which can hinder swimming.
The water depth allows adults to swim about 100 feet (30 meters) from the shore without touching the bottom. After low tide, the sea recedes closer to the underwater obstacles by about 30 feet (10 meters), requiring careful foot placement upon entry. The water can be somewhat murky, but during low tide, the shallow water is perfect for preschoolers.
However, older swimmers need to venture out an additional 100-160 feet (30-50 meters). At peak low tide, in water about 160 feet (50 meters) from the shore, the depth reaches an adult’s waist. Chong Mon Beach rarely experiences large waves, and there are no seasonal underwater currents like those found at Lamai Beach.
Sunbeds and Shade
At Chong Mon Beach, there are plenty of spots where you can rent a sunbed with a plastic table for 50 baht. Natural shade is also abundant, with many large trees lining the shore. Some trees even have swings and hammocks, providing a perfect place to relax out of the sun.
Beach Photos
Beach Photos Opposite Koh Fan Islands
Amenities
Chong Mon Beach offers a range of amenities including kayak and jet ski rentals, massage parlors, and restaurants. For fans of active leisure, there is a volleyball net set up. Within walking distance from Chong Mon is a small satellite island, Farn Noi, which can be reached on foot through knee-deep water.
If you are staying in one of the hotels along Chong Mon, each has access to Road 4171. The section of this road that passes through Chong Mon is similar to the one-way road in Lamai.
Here, you’ll find mini-marts, tourist shops, travel agencies, equipment rentals, bottle refill stations, cafes, restaurants, laundries, massage parlors, and a market. There are also banks, ATMs, bars, workshops, and more.
In the evenings, the area turns into a pedestrian street, and on Wednesdays, night markets are held. These markets only pop up in the busiest places on the island: Maenam, Bo Phut, Chong Mon, Chaweng, and Lamai.
Chong Mon has excellent infrastructure, providing everything necessary for a complete vacation and comfortable living. Nearby attractions for those staying in the Chong Mon area include:
- Plai Laem Sor Temple
- Wan Nuam Naran Temple
- Big Buddha
Samui Island Airport is located five kilometers (3 miles) from Chong Mon. The planes are not audible on the beach, so there is no discomfort from this proximity. Planes usually take off or land over Bang Rak and Chaweng beaches. Additionally, the taxi fare to the airport is quite low.
Accommodation
Along the shoreline of Chong Mon Beach, there are about a dozen hotels of various calibers. Despite the beach’s popularity and relatively small size, there is still a section with jungles and open land opposite the satellite island.
Along Road 4171, there are several private resorts offering houses for rent. Surprisingly, the area is not densely built up. About 1,000 feet (300 meters) from the luxurious Muang Samui Spa Resort, in the jungle, stand the humble homes of low-income island residents.
In the central part of the beach is the Sala Samui Chaweng Beach Resort, a premium hotel with Thai-inspired architecture and interiors.
Also centrally located is the Choeng Mon Beach Hotel, offering both simply decorated rooms and bungalows. If you want to book a hotel in advance or look for accommodation on other beaches, I have a selection of highly-rated hotels on Samui with good reviews.
How to Find the Beach
To reach Chong Mon Beach without dealing with hotel administration or security, follow these directions: Drive to the Big Buddha, pass it, and continue on the road for about ten minutes until you reach a sharp 90° turn near the Imperial Boat House Beach Resort.
At this point, take the exit onto a cement road that runs along the fence of the Muang Samui Spa Resort. When the cement road turns right, continue straight and veer slightly left onto a winding dirt road. This road will lead you to a parking area near Chong Mon Beach.
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