Lamai Beach
Located on the south-eastern coast of Koh Samui, Lamai Beach is a highly popular destination with a slightly more relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling Chaweng. It offers a beautiful stretch of sandy beach, a good range of accommodation options that will suit most budgets, and plenty to do in the evenings.
Top 10 Resorts in Lamai
Samui Jasmine Resort: Located in the heart of Lamai. Affordable luxury. 35 modern Thai-style rooms. Excellent value.
Renaissance Koh Samui Resort: Picture-perfect location. 5 star service. Away from the bustle. Recommended.
Summer Inn: Nice modern hotel-style rooms. In a great central location. Very reasonably priced. Recommended,
Bonny Hotel: Right in the heart of town. Easy walk to the beach. Friendly, hospitable staff. Excellent value. A top low-budget pick.
Sand Sea Beach Resort: Perfect beachfront location. Quiet but still very central. Bungalows, villas & rooms. Contemporary Thai style.
Silavadee Pool Spa Resort: Secluded luxury resort. Beautiful hillside location. Small private beach. Perfect for honeymoons.
Rocky’s Resort: Elegant boutique resort. Quiet scenic location. Great for couples. Modern rooms & villas.
Mira Mare Resort: Close to beach and town. A good inexpensive choice. Friendly and family-run.
Green Canyon Resort: Beautiful garden setting. Very affordable bungalows. Close to the beach.
Utopia Resort: Affordable, very nice location. Garden setting near the beach. Short walk to night market. Friendly atmosphere.
Top 5 Restaurants in Lamai
The Table @ Beluga Boutique Hotel: International and Thai Cuisine. Stunning beachfront location. Away from the bustle & noise. Excellent food at reasonable prices.
Baobab: French/European & Thai menu. Located right on the beach. Friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Great coffee too!
Sabienglae Seafood Restaurant: Extensive & authentic menu. Popular with locals and visitors. A must-try for seafood lovers. Beautiful view of the beach.
The Butcher Bistro & Steakhouse: Excellent steaks & burgers. Steaks cooked to order. Can get busy so try to book. Relaxed & informal dining.
The Plate Restaurant @ The Lamai: Thai & International Cuisine. Luxurious surroundings. First class service. Reservations recommended.
The Top Attractions in Lamai
- 1. Lamai Beach: For many visitors the main draw of Lamai is its picturesque beach, which is generally less crowded and a bit more laid back than Chaweng. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the tranquil surroundings.
- 2. Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks: These natural rock formations, also known as Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks, are famous for their “unusual” shapes and local legends. They remain a popular photo spot and offer great views of the coastline.
- 3. Lamai Night Market: This bustling market operates in the evening and offers a variety of street food, souvenirs, and local products. It’s a great place to experience local cuisine and shop for crafts.
- 4. Wat Lamai Temple: This temple is known for its beautiful and peaceful setting. It provides insight into Thai Buddhism and offers a chance to experience local religious practices.
- 5. Tamarind Springs Forest Spa: Nestled in the forest, this spa offers a serene and natural setting for relaxation and wellness treatments. It’s renowned for its holistic approach and tranquil environment.
Top 12 Bars in Lamai
The Shamrock Irish Pub: Busy bar popular with visitors. Live music every night. Pub food & Sunday roasts. Live sports on the big screen. Happy hour 2pm – 8pm daily. Guinness, international & local beers.
Bondi Aussie Bar & Grill: Very popular restaurant & bar. Sports on the TV. Air-con area at the back. Multiple pool tables. Daily meal specials. Live bands nightly.
Thirsty Vikings Bar: Busy Scandinavian bar. Friendly atmosphere. Decent pool tables. Very well stocked bar. Live music & live sport.
Third Day Beach Club: Right on the beach! Fire Shows on Fridays. Chilled & friendly vibe. Snacks, Thai food & steaks. Perfect location to chill. Beer, wine, cocktails & more.
Kukoo Club Bar: Stylish new bar in Lamai. Djs ’til late. Ladies night Wednesdays. Free pool table. Reasonably priced.
AA Lounge: Laid-back atmosphere. Central location. Great food & drinks. Very welcoming staff. Not too loud.
Mynt Bar & Lounge: Sports bar with friendly staff. Pool table. Family friendly environment. Thai & international food. Busy but relaxed atmosphere.
Cocktails by Pik: Low-key cocktail bar. Happy hour 1pm – 6pm. Well-made cocktails. Chilled music selection.
Bear Cocktails: Super-friendly staff & owner. Great cocktails, great value. Small, Thai family run set-up. Highly recommended.
Kelly’s Tavern: Chilled Irish sports bar. Guinness on tap. Free pool table. Happy hour. Friendly staff, good prices.
The Viper Room: Best choice for alternative music. Rock, Metal, Punk, Grunge etc. Good no-frills menu. Welcoming crowd.
One Love Beach Bar: Located at Bill Resort. Reggae music & vibes. Sound systems, MCs & live bands (check social media for events)
Lamai Beach: A Summary
Lamai Beach provides a more laid-back alternative to Chaweng, offering beautiful scenery, a very good range of restaurants, and countless entertainment options. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking both tranquility and convenience on Koh Samui.
If you’re still undecided about which beach to stay on and think you may want somewhere a bit quieter, check out our Bophut and Maenam pages!