Laem Yai
Clear water, almost nobody about, and a shoreline of rocks and pebbles rather than sand.
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Best rated within a 11-minute walk
Where to Stay in Koh Samui
Details
- Phone
- +66 77 423 620
- Website
- kosamui.space/laem-yai-beach
Tours that include Laem Yai
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Laem Yai.
Why go, and how to do it well
Go for the water, not the sand. This stretch on Samui's north coast has the clarity you'd hope for, blue and see-through enough that snorkelers get something out of it, but the shore underfoot is rocky and pebbly in long sections. Low tide makes swimming awkward at best. If you turn up at the wrong moment expecting to wade straight in, you'll be disappointed, and a few people plainly have been.
What it does have is quiet. Coconut palms behind, very few other people, and a west-facing view that pays off in the early evening when the sun drops over the Gulf. Reviewers who love it tend to be the ones who don't want a beach club or a bar crawl. Reviewers who don't love it mention litter on the sand and resort development that's eaten into public access in places. Both things are true.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026
Tours that include Laem Yai
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Laem Yai.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Laem Yai, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
probably the best beach in koh samui. although it is not the best place to swim because of low tide, most clear water, fish and almost no people make this place a hit! it is a good thing that most people dont know the location. also the enterance is tricky ;)))) if you are not into partying and getting drunk, this is the place to go.
Beach is quiet but it's not fantastic there are some resorts to stop and buy a drink..
NO BEACH to swim or for sunbaths at Garto Resort - ONLY stones!!! For swim and sunset go better to: - AQUABICA COFFEE SHOP with attached restaurant (just turn left to the beach after The Passage) - beach of Lipa Noi - most pictures are from PRIVATE Garto Resort .... NO ENTRY - PRIVATE ONLY
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 99 reviews on Google.
Laem Yai, Ang Thong, Surat Thani, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore beaches nearby
All within 2.4 km of Laem Yai.
Bang Po Beach
Tips for Visiting Beaches
Go Early for Empty Sand
Even the busiest beaches are nearly deserted before 9 AM. A sunrise walk is the best hour of the day on the sand, and you'll beat the heat for a morning swim.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Many Thai marine parks ban chemical sunscreens that damage coral. Bring reef-safe (mineral/zinc-based) sunscreen from home — it's harder to find and pricier in Thailand.
Laem Yai: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laem Yai worth visiting?
Laem Yai holds a 4.1★ rating from 99 Google reviews — a strong rating for beaches in Koh Samui.
When is the best time to visit Laem Yai?
The best months to visit Koh Samui are January – September, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in July – August & December — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon).
Where is Laem Yai located?
Laem Yai is at Laem Yai, Ang Thong, Surat Thani, Thailand, in Koh Samui. Getting around Koh Samui: Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road); Motorbike or scooter rental.
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