If you are looking for a beach vacation that offers everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable time, then you should definitely consider Lamai beach on Koh Samui, Thailand. Lamai beach is the second largest and most beautiful beach on the island, and it has a lot to offer for travelers of all kinds. Whether you want to swim in the clear blue water, enjoy the various watersports, pamper yourself with a massage, savor the delicious cuisine, or explore the nearby attractions, Lamai beach has something for everyone. In this guide, we will show you everything you need to know about Lamai beach, including how to get there, where to stay, what to do, and what to see. By the end of this article, you will be convinced that Lamai beach is the hidden gem on Koh Samui that you don’t want to miss.
How to Get to Lamai Beach
Lamai beach is located on the east coast of Koh Samui, about 15 kilometers south of the island’s main town and airport, Chaweng. Getting to Lamai beach is easy and convenient, as there are many options to choose from, depending on where you are coming from and what your budget is.
If you are flying to Koh Samui, you can take a taxi or a minibus from the airport to Lamai beach, which will cost you around 400 to 600 baht ($12 to $18) and take about 20 to 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can rent a car or a motorbike from the airport and drive yourself to Lamai beach, which will give you more flexibility and freedom to explore the island. The rental fee for a car is about 1,000 to 2,000 baht ($30 to $60) per day, and for a motorbike is about 200 to 300 baht ($6 to $9) per day.
If you are coming from other parts of Thailand, such as Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai, you can take a combination of plane, ferry, and bus to reach Lamai beach. The cheapest and most popular option is to take a bus from your origin to Surat Thani, a city on the mainland, and then take a ferry to Koh Samui. The bus and ferry ticket will cost you around 600 to 800 baht ($18 to $24) and take about 10 to 12 hours. The ferry will drop you off at Nathon pier on the west coast of Koh Samui, where you can take a songthaew, a public shared taxi, to Lamai beach for about 100 baht ($3) and 45 minutes. Another option is to take a plane from your origin to Surat Thani, and then take a ferry and a bus to Lamai beach. The plane and ferry ticket will cost you around 1,500 to 2,000 baht ($45 to $60) and take about 3 to 4 hours.
Where to Stay at Lamai Beach
Lamai beach has a wide range of accommodations for different tastes and budgets, from luxury resorts to budget bungalows. No matter what your preference is, you can find a place that suits your needs and expectations on Lamai beach. Here are some of the best hotels and resorts on Lamai beach that we recommend:
Beluga Boutique Hotel: This is a 4-star hotel that offers spacious and stylish rooms with sea views, balconies, and jacuzzis. The hotel also has a swimming pool, a restaurant, a bar, and a spa. The hotel is located on the southern end of Lamai beach, where the sand is finer and the water is clearer. The price for a night at this hotel is about 3,000 baht ($90).
Jasmine Resort: This is a 3-star resort that offers cozy and comfortable rooms with garden views, air conditioning, and free wifi. The resort also has a swimming pool, a restaurant, a bar, and a massage service. The resort is located on the northern end of Lamai beach, where the atmosphere is more lively and vibrant. The price for a night at this resort is about 1,500 baht ($45).
Lamai Bungalow: This is a 2-star bungalow that offers simple and clean rooms with fan, fridge, and cable TV. The bungalow also has a garden, a restaurant, and a laundry service. The bungalow is located in the center of Lamai beach, where the facilities and activities are easily accessible. The price for a night at this bungalow is about 500 baht ($15).
What to Do at Lamai Beach
Lamai beach has a lot of things to do and see for different interests and moods, from relaxing to adventurous. Whether you want to enjoy the sun, the sea, and the sand, or explore the culture, the nature, and the nightlife, Lamai beach has something for everyone. Here are some of the best activities and attractions near Lamai beach that we suggest:
Swimming and watersports: Lamai beach has a 4-kilometer long sandy beach and a turquoise blue sea, which are perfect for swimming and watersports. The water off Lamai beach is deep and clear, ideal for various water activities such as jet skiing, kayaking, windsurfing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, parasailing, and speedboat charters. You can find many operators and vendors along the beach that offer these services for reasonable prices, starting from 200 baht ($6) per hour.
Massage and wellness: Lamai beach has a number of massage salas along the sand, offering Thai and oil massages, aloe-vera body wraps, henna tattoos, manicures, and hair braiding. These are great ways to relax and pamper yourself after a long day of sunbathing and swimming. You can enjoy a massage for as low as 300 baht ($9) per hour, and other services for even cheaper prices.
Dining and nightlife: Lamai beach has a variety of restaurants and cafes, serving Thai and international cuisine, such as seafood, pizza, burgers, sushi, and ice cream. You can find many places to eat along the beachfront or the Lamai Beach Road, the main street that runs parallel to the beach. You can also find many bars and clubs that offer cocktails, music, and fire shows, especially on the northern end of the beach. Some of the most popular places to drink and dance are Fusion Club, Swing Bar, and Beach Republic.
Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks: These are natural rock formations that resemble male and female genitalia, located on the southern end of Lamai beach. They are also known as Hin Ta Hin Yai in Thai, and they are one of the most famous attractions on Koh Samui. They are said to be the origin of the Mui people, the first inhabitants of the island. You can visit these rocks for free, and take some funny photos with them.
Wat Lamai: This is a temple and cultural center that hosts festivals and events, located on the Lamai Beach Road. It is one of the oldest and most important temples on Koh Samui, and it houses a museum, a library, and a hall of fame. You can visit this temple for free, and learn more about the history and culture of the island. You can also witness some of the celebrations and ceremonies that take place here, such as the Lamai Temple Fair, which is held every August and features food, games, and entertainment.
Lamai Sunday Night Market: This is a lively market that sells food, clothes, souvenirs, and entertainment, located on the Lamai Beach Road. It is open every Sunday evening from 5 pm to 11 pm, and it attracts both locals and tourists. You can find a variety of things to buy and eat here, such as pad thai, sushi, satay, ice cream, jewellery, sarongs, and more. You can also enjoy some of the performances and shows that take place here, such as fire shows, music, and magic.
Conclusion
Lamai beach is a hidden gem on Koh Samui that you don’t want to miss. It is the second largest and most beautiful beach on the island, and it has a lot to offer for travelers of all kinds. Whether you want to swim in the clear blue water, enjoy the various watersports, pamper yourself with a massage, savor the delicious cuisine, or explore the nearby attractions, Lamai beach has something for everyone. In this guide, we have shown you everything you need to know about Lamai beach, including how to get there, where to stay, what to do, and what to see. By now, you should be convinced that Lamai beach is the perfect destination for your next vacation.
So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Lamai beach today and experience the beauty and charm of Koh Samui’s second largest and most beautiful beach. You will not regret it, we promise. Lamai beach is waiting for you.
