Laem Yai
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 snorkellers 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.
Book tours & tickets in Koh Samui
Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around Laem Yai — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.
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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.
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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 – August, 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.
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). The ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs and it's cheaper.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas
Where to stay near Laem Yai
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Tips for Visiting Beaches
Check Monsoon Windows
Andaman coast beaches (Phuket, Krabi) have rough seas May–October. Gulf beaches (Samui, Hua Hin) are roughest October–December. Plan your beach trip around these windows for calm water and safe swimming.
Go Early for Empty Sand
Even the busiest beaches are nearly deserted before 9 AM. Sunrise walks on Kata, Chaweng, or Railay are magical — 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.
Nearby Places
Bang Po Beach
Quiet north-coast sand where the sea stays calm and a lunch order gets you a beach chair.
Similar Beaches Across Thailand
Patong Beach
Phuket's most famous 3km beach on the Andaman Sea, buzzing with water sports, dining, and nightlife.
Thong Nai Pan
Thong Nai Pan is the pair of horseshoe bays on Koh Phangan's northeast corner that many rate the island's best all-round base — Thong Nai Pan Yai, the larger southern bay with a village feel and family resorts, and Thong Nai Pan Noi, the more polished northern bay where the island's smarte.
Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat)
Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat) on Koh Phangan's north coast is the island's poster child for earned seclusion — a wide crescent of soft sand backed by jungle hills, with no road in.
Freedom Beach
A secluded white-sand beach near Patong with crystal-clear water, far removed from the crowds.
Where to stay near Laem Yai
Find hotels in Koh Samui on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
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). The ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs and it's cheaper.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas