Lamai Beach
White-sand beach lined with bars & restaurants, with rentable lounge chairs & palm trees.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Lamai Beach, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
It's a very nice beach, not too crowded with nice restaurants. Not ideal for snorkeling as there are no fish. But for swimming and sun bathing, perfect.
A lot of situations going on here like such other busy beaches in Thailand, Pattaya or Phuket… Lamai is smaller area and the streets are narrow, to drive a car needs to see if it is a single lane traffic. But the beach is super gorgeous with super fine sandy white beach. It is in the south part of island so the light here is MAGNIFICENT. LOVE IT. 💕🥰👌❤️😍
Chill and totally laid back. Google Maps takes you to a public entry point to the beach. Parking is free if you can find it, much easier for bikes. Didn’t stray too far from the entrance area, as there was ample space to put towels down and when arriving at the beach, to the right, there is a resort that has a shower located on the beach. So you can wash off with fresh water each time you go in the sea or one last time before you head off. Likely the time of the year, but the waves were quite big and slamming everyone in the water.. which could be fun as well. Water visibility isn’t crystal clear, doubt you can snorkel in that area, but the sand is powder soft and the it’s a mostly sandy bottom in the water. No rocks, coral etc that you can stub your toes on or cut your feet. In that area there was also a few simple beach front eateries and massage options, also there were beach vendors walking up and down selling everything from manicures to ice cream, but not pushy at all. 100% a more relaxed option than Crystal Beach. Plus, it’s not far from the hustle and bustle of the Lamai walking street. Ideal option of your accommodation doesn’t have the beach access.
Tips for Visiting Beaches & Islands
Check Monsoon Seasons
The Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi) has rough seas from May to October. The Gulf coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) is roughest from October to December. Plan your island-hopping around these windows.
Snorkel Gear Is Cheap to Buy
Rental gear is often scratched and ill-fitting. Buy a decent mask and snorkel at a Tesco Lotus or Big C for 300–500 THB — cheaper than two days of rentals and much more hygienic.
Book Ferries on 12Go.Asia
The 12Go platform lets you compare ferry operators, times, and prices between islands. Book a day or two ahead in high season. Avoid the cheapest operators if reviews mention safety concerns.
Also Popular in Koh Samui
Wat Phra Yai
Massive, circa-1972 gilded Buddha statue at the colorful Phra Yai temple complex.
Central Samui
Koh Samui's largest mall blends indoor and open-air shopping with local markets, dining, and family amenities.

Hin Ta Hin Yai
Storied natural rock formations known for bearing a resemblance to male & female genitalia.
THE COCOON - SAMUI VIEWPOINT
Hilltop restaurant and bar with panoramic jungle and ocean views, open daily 9am–11pm.
Similar Beaches & Islands Across Thailand
Patong Beach
Phuket's most famous beach with clear waters and vibrant atmosphere

Mu Ko Similan National Park
This serene national park features white-sand beaches & vibrant coral reefs popular among divers.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
January – August
Avoid: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon)
Rainy season
October – December
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: July – August & December
Getting there
Koh Samui Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok and regional hubs (Bangkok Airways monopoly). Ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs — a cheaper option.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas