Lamai on the southeast coast is laidback and charming, with a fantastic beach and lots to do. While Lamai is the second-largest tourist area in Koh Samui after Chaweng, it is distinctly less busy and loud. But the great thing about Lamai Beach is you don’t miss out on amenities and accommodation – Lamai has plenty of first-rate resorts and lots of dining and shopping options. Here’s what you need to know about planning a trip to Lamai in Koh Samui.
All About Lamai Beach
Lamai Beach is one of the standout pieces of sand in Koh Samui. It’s a classically beautiful curve of white sand flanked by palm trees, with an excellent portion of the shore ideal for swimming. The northern end of the beach is shallower and has a lot of rocks but the calmer sea makes it a good place for children in the shallows. The central part of the shore is deeper and better for swimming. The middle stretch of the beach is also home to some of the best resorts on Lamai Beach so the sand is kept in tip-top condition.
Image via Andy Smith/ Flickr
It is not completely quiet and secluded here, although Lamai is definitely quieter than Chaweng. You still have the regular bars playing music, the jet skis, and all the other water sports. If you are looking for tranquility and to get away from it all, Mae Nam beach or Bophut beach is a better option.
If you travel to the north of the main beach you will reach Coral Cove, a great spot for snorkeling and one of the best in Samui for this pastime. There is also Thong Ta Kien Bay which has lovely crystal waters and some soft sand to relax on.
Things to Do In Lamai
There is no shortage of bars and clubs on Lamai Beach or restaurants and cafes for eating out. You have a good choice of options from upscale and pricey places to a cheap and cheerful establishment. Many of the cheaper places are popular with backpackers and can get very busy. If you want to wind down in style, Lamai is home to some top Thai spas like the Spa Samui Resort and Tamarind Springs. Get a massage or stay for the whole weekend for a true pampering experience. If you want something cheaper, there is no shortage of massage salons and beach masseurs offering relaxing treatments.
The walking street market on Sundays is a good place to go to pick up clothes, souvenirs, and great food. Plus, Samui’s water park “Coco Splash” is located in Lamai and provides plenty of fun for kids young and old. And if you want to see something a little different, go to one of Samui’s top tourist attractions – the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks. Often referred to as the “rude rocks” this natural formation strangely resembles the male and female genitalia. Good for a photo opportunity.
Image via jipe7/ Flickr
Hotels and Resorts in Lamai Beach
If you are looking for simple, charming accommodation you’ll find plenty in Lamai. Midrange guesthouses and hotels are most common, with some backpacker accommodation thrown in. Lamai also has some luxury resorts, and more are springing up all the time as the area is generally upscaled.
Le Meridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa
This all-suite resort is a classy, expensive option in Lamai Beach and popular with couples and families. The resort is full-service with an ocean pool, a great spa, and an ocean-facing restaurant with some lovely food. Other amenities include Wi-Fi, a fitness room, and a cocktail bar.
Lamai Wanta
This boutique resort hotel is a cool and interesting place to spend your vacation. Offers a number of different types of villa and room, with bungalows located within the expansive gardens. The restaurant serves traditional Thai meals and international favorites, while the pool is the ideal place to relax and unwind.
Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa
This resort is located between Lamai and Chaweng so you are close to the action on both sides. It is a quiet place with some excellent amenities including a spa, swimming pool, and fitness room. A number of different restaurants give you the best options for dining.
Pavilion Samui Boutique
With 69 beautiful rooms, villas and super-large villas, this Koh Samui resort is top of the class in terms of style and substance. The restaurant gives a good choice of international dishes, and there is a children’s pool alongside the main pool and a spa pavilion.
For more Koh Samui accommodation options, check out PhuketOn. With guides and booking services, PhuketOn is your place for info on Koh Samui, Phuket, Bangkok, Hua Hin and more.
