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We visited Chaloklum Beach during a beach-hopping day in the north of Koh Phangan — after checking out quiet little Haad Khom and before ending the day at Mae Haad, our favorite beach for snorkeling.
We didn’t expect much from this place at first, but it turned out to be one of the biggest surprises of the day.
What we loved most was the calm, local vibe. Chaloklum Beach still feels like a real fishing village — longtail boats on the sand, mountain views in the distance, and seafood restaurants facing the bay.
It’s quiet, relaxed, and doesn’t feel like it’s been taken over by tourism, which we really appreciated.
If you’re looking for a beach that’s laid-back, local, and easy to enjoy without a plan, this is a great stop. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect, how to get there, where to stay, and why this peaceful northern bay might just surprise you too.
Key Highlights
⭐️ Best time to visit: December to April for sunny weather and calm sea.
🏖️ Beach type: Soft golden sand with some longtail boats and a few rocky areas near the edges.
💰 Entrance fee: Free.
🅿️ Parking: Easy and free parking along the main road or beside beachside restaurants.
🚿 Facilities: Beach bars, seafood restaurants, and a few convenience stores.
👍🏼 Good for: Swimming, paddleboarding, walking, relaxing, and enjoying quiet sunrises and sunsets.
👥 Crowd levels: Low to medium — rarely busy, even in high season.
At a glance
Chaloklum Beach has this quiet charm that hits you as soon as you step onto the sand — it’s one of the most peaceful beaches we visited on Koh Phangan.
The setting feels genuinely local, giving a feeling that it’s a little different from the rest of the island.
The sand is soft and golden, and the water stays shallow and calm for quite a stretch, making it great for swimming or just floating around. You won’t find much in the way of beach clubs or upscale resorts here, but that’s part of why we recommend it — it still feels like a real village, not a tourist zone.
It looks quiet in the photos, and it really is — but what we didn’t expect was how much we’d enjoy just slowing down here.
Why we think it’s worth it
The combination of peaceful water, mountain views, and slow village life gives it a completely different energy than most beaches on the island.
If you’re deciding between beaches in the north, Mae Haad is better for snorkeling, and Haad Khom is more secluded, but Chaloklum Beach is the one we’d return to for an easy, no-stress beach day. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a cold drink, sit under a tree, and just let the day pass.
Don’t come expecting trendy cafes or beach clubs — there aren’t any. But if you’re in the mood for space, quiet, and fresh seafood by the sea, it’s one of the best places to spend a lazy afternoon.
Where is Chaloklum Beach
Chaloklum Beach is located on the northern coast of Koh Phangan, in a wide bay tucked between the more remote Haad Khom to the east and the popular Mae Haad Beach to the west.
From Thong Sala, the island’s main port town, it’s about a 25-minute drive through winding roads and lush green hills.
How to Get There
Chaloklum Beach is easy enough to reach once you know how, but it’s far from the main tourist areas, which is probably why it stays so quiet. Here’s how to get there depending on how you’re getting around the island.
By Scooter
We rented a scooter for our entire stay on Koh Phangan, and honestly, it was the best decision. Chaloklum is about a 25-minute ride from Thong Sala, and the drive is beautiful — quiet roads, jungle views, and barely any traffic once you get out of the main town.
Scooter rentals usually cost around 200–250 THB per day, depending on the shop and how long you rent for.
It gave us full freedom to visit places like Salad Beach, Mae Haad Beach, and Bottle Beach without having to rely on anyone else. Parking at the beach is super easy, with lots of space near the beach and the restaurants.
By Songthaew
If you’re not riding a scooter, your only real public transport option is a songthaew — the red pickup trucks that work like shared taxis.
You can catch one from bigger villages, but you’ll need to be patient. They don’t follow a fixed schedule, and often wait until they have enough people before leaving.
The price will depend on where you’re coming from. It works, but it’s not always the most reliable if you’re on a schedule.
Entrance & parking fees
There’s no entrance fee, and parking is completely free. You can leave your scooter or car right near the beach or next to one of the local restaurants — no barriers, no tickets, no hassle. It’s super easy, and another reason why we loved visiting.
What to expect
What we loved about the beach is how peaceful and easygoing it felt from the moment we arrived. It’s not one of those beaches where you have to hunt for a free spot or deal with crowds.
Even in high season, there is plenty of space to stretch out and just enjoy the view. The whole area feels slow in the best way, and the village atmosphere really adds to it.
The water is calm and shallow, and the access is gradual with no rocks, which makes it perfect for families with kids or anyone who just wants a relaxed swim without worrying about stepping on coral or sharp stones.
It’s not ideal for snorkeling, though. If you’re after that kind of experience, we’d recommend heading to Mae Haad Beach or Salad Beach, which are both nearby, easily the best snorkeling spots on the island, and are on our list of the best beaches in Koh Phangan.
One thing we didn’t expect (and honestly, we ended up loving) was the number of friendly dogs hanging around on the beach. Some are strays, some belong to locals or nearby restaurants, but they’re all super chilled and just do their own thing.
If you’re a dog lover, you’ll probably end up petting all of them.
This is a beach we’d recommend if you want to take it slow — read, walk, swim, eat, repeat. We really enjoyed the local feel here, and it’s the kind of place that doesn’t try too hard to impress… which somehow makes it even better.
Tip: If you love beaches with a relaxed vibe, we highly recommend visiting Zen Beach before sunset — we’re sure you’ll love it too.
Facilities
The beach keeps things super simple — there’s no loud music, no rentals lining the sand, and no one trying to sell you anything every five minutes.
There aren’t any massage huts or sunbeds directly on the beach, which surprised us at first, but in the end, we actually liked how uncommercial it felt.
- Beachfront restaurants and bars – local spots serving Thai food, seafood, smoothies, and drinks with sea views.
- 7-Eleven – just off the main road for snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and other essentials.
- No public toilets or showers, but restaurants will usually let you use their facilities even though you’re not eating or drinking there.
Where to stay in Chaloklum
Chaloklum Beach isn’t packed with big resorts, but there are a few great places to stay if you want to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. These hotels have amazing reviews and offer something a little different:
- Boonya Swiss Home – charming bungalows with mountain views, a peaceful garden setting, and super friendly hosts.
- Silan Residence – modern, spacious villas with a relaxed vibe, great for families or anyone wanting a little more comfort.
- Ozone Cave – offers peaceful, garden-style stays with a saltwater pool, comfy air-conditioned rooms, and an on-site restaurant serving Thai and international dishes.
Best hotels on Koh Phangan
Check availability
Where to eat near Chaloklum Beach
There aren’t tons of restaurants right on the beach, but if you’re willing to walk a few minutes into the village, you’ll find some seriously good food. These places are among the best-reviewed on Google, and based on the atmosphere and menus, we can see why:
- Cucina Italiana – a cozy Italian spot known for its handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and friendly service.
- Madam Saak Thong – local Thai food done right, with great prices and a proper home-cooked feel.
- Culture Club – relaxed café-style restaurant with healthy options, veggie meals, and a peaceful vibe.
Best time to visit
Chaloklum is beautiful year-round, but for the best experience, we recommend visiting between December and April. That’s when the weather is dry, the skies are clear, and the sea is usually calm.
The tides are affecting the beach time. Low tide can pull the water far back. If you want the best experience, aim to visit during mid or high tide.
Even in high season, the atmosphere stays quiet and relaxed, which is one of the reasons we recommend this beach in the first place.
Other places to visit nearby
One thing we loved about the beach area was how easy it was to explore other best things to do in Koh Phangan. Here are a few places nearby we definitely recommend checking out:
- Haad Khom – a peaceful little bay just east of Chaloklum, great for relaxing and feeling far from everything.
- Mae Haad Beach – one of our favorite beaches on the island for snorkeling, especially around the coral reef.
- Koh Ma Sandbar – a natural sandbar that connects Mae Haad to the small island of Koh Ma, best explored at low tide.
- Kuan Yin Temple – a calm, Chinese temple in the hills above Chaloklum.
Final thoughts
Chaloklum won us over with its slow pace, mountain views, and no-fuss atmosphere. It’s not trying to be trendy or polished — and that’s exactly why it stands out. If you’re planning a beach-hopping day on Koh Phangan or just want to escape the crowds for a while, this spot should absolutely be on your list.
Already building your Thailand itinerary? You should definitely visit Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, and Koh Samui — we loved all of them, and each island has its own vibe. Chaloklum is just one of many spots that made us fall in love with this part of Thailand.
