The largest length of Lamai Koh Samui beach is located on the second largest island in Thailand. It is popular with tourists and has a well-developed resort infrastructure.
Surrounding area of the beach
Lamai Beach is located in the south-eastern part of Koh Samui and has an impressive length (about 4.5 kilometers). From the northern side, Lamai passes into the coastal areas of Cape Nan. And from the south it is bounded by a cluster of colorful black and gray boulders. This area is called Hin Ta Hin Yai. Locals nicknamed it “grandpa and grandma” because of the intricate shape of the stones. From Lamai, it is almost impossible to get there on foot, as the entire coastline is built up with private hotels. But you can drive along the road leading from the center of Lamai Beach. The length of the route is about 3 km.
There you can park vehicles in designated areas and walk to the boulders along the path. On both sides of it are stalls selling souvenirs, clothing and Thai sweets. At the end of the road there is a makeshift observation deck. It offers a view of the sea and the waves breaking on the rocks.
On a note! Other Koh Samui beaches are described in this article with photos.
Variety of choices
Lamai Beach on Koh Samui is one of the most desirable tourist destinations in the area. In terms of popularity, it is second only to Chaweng, which is located next door, slightly higher on the eastern side. Lamai Beach is surrounded by a variety of palm trees, coconut groves and tropical mountain forests.
The right (southern) part of Lamai Beach is characterized by clear and clear water. There are practically no waves here. The left one is also well adapted for recreation, has a good infrastructure. There are stones with bizarre shapes that form numerous coves. The sea in this northern part is quite shallow, with periodic low tides. Therefore, vacationers choose the central and right parts of the beach.
The central segment is always crowded. It is located parallel to the major tourist street Had Lamai Road. There is a beach with a comfortable smooth entrance to the water. The entire width of the beach is clean.
The southern section of Lamai Beach is characterized by a greater depth of water. On the bottom there are stones, sometimes large in size. In addition, there are sea urchins. Therefore, you should be extremely careful. Thanks to the clear water, the bottom can be viewed from a distance and not swim into potentially dangerous areas.
Local landscapes and recreation features
Due to the sufficient length and width of Lamai Beach on Koh Samui, it is not crowded. And if you want to be quiet, you should just walk along the coast-there will definitely be a place where no one will be around, even in the middle of the season.
The beaches of Lamai Koh Samui, except for the northern one, are practically not subject to noticeable ebbs and tides for visitors. Seaweed is solitary. Therefore, neither they nor marine life interfere with enjoying warm water at any time of the day. The sand here is yellowish, not very fine. Similar in structure to the river with admixtures of small shells. Although in the south of Lamai, it is shallow and gets a white tint.
North Beach is suitable for families with children. There is a more gentle entrance to the sea. The coastal zone is built up almost close to the water. It is occupied by Lamai Koh Samui hotels. In the center and south of the beach, the sea depth is comfortable for adults. The central part is bounded on the north side by the Lamai River. Through it you can go to the sea on a bridge decorated with flowers.
You should be careful when swimming in the water. In some places and in some periods of the year, the beaches are inhabited by cubomedusa. Their collision under water with people can be dangerous for human health. Thais themselves, in order to avoid such incidents, bathe in clothes. Warning stands located in the coastal area of Lamai remind of the threat. Fortunately, the sea is clear and the view is good. Employees also respond quickly. In cases of jellyfish, a quick reaction occurs with the protection of a dangerous territory.
There is an opportunity to explore the entire Lamai Koh Samui beach more thoroughly. The map at the end of the article with a detailed description will help you understand the location of objects and routes in detail.
Infrastructure
The Lamai area is cozy and quite peaceful. The infrastructure is developed for comfortable living and leisure of tourists. The beaches are conveniently equipped for vacationers, and a whole range of services is provided:
- free parking;
- rental of sun beds – even if a person does not live on the territory of the hotel that has put up sun beds, they can easily take a seat on them without paying;
- cafeterias – if you make an order at any of the establishments, you can use a place on the sunbed and even get a towel for rent;
- shops – they are located near the beach area;
- a night market that will delight guests of the island with a variety of goodies and inexpensive prices;
- Wi-Fi is everywhere and free of charge.
You can safely sit on the sand and without sun beds, if you just want to take a dip for a short period of time.
Cafes and restaurants
There is a large selection of beach cafes and restaurants in the center of Lamai. A number of establishments offer a variety of cuisines to choose from:
- thai exotic cuisine with national dishes and cocktails;
- European traditional, more familiar to certain groups of visitors.
Restaurant employees are happy to invite vacationers to both daily meals and special festive events. Among those located on the coast, the following establishments are popular::
- Grill Hutte-German restaurant;
- Fai restaurant-serves various sausages, burgers, several types of pasta, salads and Hungarian soup;
- Eating Time-Thai restaurant;
- ANNIE bakery & eatery is a clean and tidy place with beautifully designed dishes, including vegetarian ones-burgers, salmon and egg toast, tofu, vegetable and fruit salads, smoothies and shakes, delicious desserts.
The prices of cafes and restaurants on the beach are slightly higher than on the main street of Lamai Koh Samui. There you can find both budget options and more refined establishments.
The list of assortment of any cafe must include fresh seafood and cocktails for every taste. Inconvenience in almost all local establishments is caused by the presence of annoying flies.
Lamai Beach hotels in Koh Samui
Koh Samui, Lamai Beach offers a great choice of places to stay. Hotels for every taste offer different amenities and distance from the sea. Let’s list some of the more popular ones based on user reviews:
- The Lamai Samui — formerly Le Méridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa — SHA Extra Plus;
- Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort — SHA Extra Plus;
- The Spa Resorts — Lamai Beach;
- Crystal Bay Beach Resort;
- Samui Jasmine Resort — SHA Plus;
- Palm Coco Mantra;
- Am Samui Palace;
- Pavilion Samui Villas and Resort;
- Lamai Coconut Beach Resort;
- Marina Beach Resort;
- Wild Cottages Luxury and Natural.
These hotels on Lamai Beach Koh Samui received the highest ratings of tourists. Going to the island, it is worth considering that housing prices will depend on the level of service, distance from the center and other important tourist sites. As well as the availability of meals included in the price.
Services and entertainment at the resort
On the coast, you will definitely be offered various types of massages. For this purpose, simple gazebos are installed right on Lamai Beach. Prices are low. If you compare with similar services in local hotels, the cost on the beach can be three times cheaper.
The following types of treatments are usually offered:
- back and shoulder massage;
- thai;
- relaxing foot massage;
- individuals;
- massages using oils or aloe vera;
- body parts scrub;
- pedicures.
In specially organized places, you can take spa treatments, do yoga with an instructor. The best options are arranged at hotels or in specialized complexes.
Entertainments
Beach fun – riding water bananas, scooters, and other types of transport. In several places, you can rent certain water transport and uniforms, including skis and wakeboards. Active tourists prefer:
- Thai boxing – you can even watch women’s sparring sessions on the main square;
- karate;
- Diving-Koh Samui has several schools that will prepare you for your first dive;
- Hobbie Cat-amateur types of sailing catamarans.
In the dark, animators hold beach parties and various fire shows. Often on holidays, flying burning lanterns and fireworks are launched.
In the evening, a national street food conveyor is launched near McDonalds. Cooks on special carts will quickly prepare any order. During the day, you can enjoy boiled corn and fruit, which are distributed everywhere, right on the sands of Lamai Koh Samui.
Attractions
To get acquainted with the sights on Koh Samui, just contact any point that conducts sightseeing trips. The following places are available for viewing and entertainment.
- Sila Nsu Temple;
- The golden statue of the Big Buddha is located on the island of Faan. It is connected to Koh Samui in the northeast. The sculpture was erected in 1972. The height of the religious building is 12 meters;
- Lamai Temple – there is a cultural center there;
- Tesco Lotus is a huge supermarket. A great place for shopaholics, as well as for buying souvenirs.
One of the disadvantages of Lamai Koh Samui beaches is the presence of stray dogs. Although, according to vacationers, they are not aggressive, but still the presence of animals of this kind on the beaches is not hygienic. They walk, sleep, eat and relieve themselves right in the sand, sometimes close to the water.
Route
To get to Lamai Koh Samui quickly, a map will be very useful. This beach is attractive for many visitors. Therefore, if you are in a different part of Thailand, you can come to Lamai Beach on your own, without spending time looking for translators and guides.
It takes about 15 minutes by songteo (local public transport) to reach Lamai from Chaweng Beach. And from Maenami and Boput in this direction, you need to get with transfers in Chaweng. Transfer to a minibus marked “Lamai beach” at the turn leading to the beach. It is a 30-minute drive from Naton Pier to Lamai Koh Samui. In this case, ask the driver of the minibus if they are going directly to Lamai or via Chaweng.
If you rent a car, you can choose the most suitable route yourself and get there with amenities. You can’t get to Lamai by public transport from Koh Samui Airport. Here you need to use a taxi service. The beach is a 20-minute drive away. Then move along the coast in order to choose the most suitable place-this will help the map of Lamai Beach.
The main activity of tourists on Lamai Koh Samui is a beach holiday. Swimming and sunbathing, you can spend your vacation without everyday hassle. At the same time, everyone can diversify their leisure time with various entertainment options that are offered directly on the beach, in hotels or on the main street.
