Lamai Beach
If Chaweng feels like too much, this is where I'd go instead. It's Koh Samui's second-largest beach and the trade is a good one: the same long stretch of clean sand and the same run of bars and restaurants, but at a slower speed. The water is calm and clear, ideal for swimming and drifting about, and there are lounge chairs to rent if you want to plant yourself for the day. Don't bring a mask. There's almost nothing to see down there, and people say so plainly.
The sand isn't uniformly fine. Expect stones and broken shells in patches, and waves a touch livelier than Chaweng's. The streets behind the beach are narrow, which keeps the scale intimate and the place feels more homemade coconut shack than glossy resort strip. Being on the south of the island, the light late in the day is something else. December to March is the crush. April to June or September to October will be gentler.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Lamai Beach, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
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.
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.
I like this beach it has more stones and broken shells than chaweng but has more active water and waves.. more laid back feel not as many 5 star places bit more homemade coconut gaffs
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 3,746 reviews on Google.
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Wat Phra Yai
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Air-con when you need it, open-air wings when you don't, and a food court worth the trip on its own.
Hin Ta Hin Yai
Two rude-shaped rocks, free to visit, worth twenty minutes and a coconut ice cream on the way out.
Lamai Beach: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lamai Beach worth visiting?
Lamai Beach holds a 4.4★ rating from 3,746 Google reviews — a strong rating for beaches in Koh Samui.
When is the best time to visit Lamai Beach?
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 Lamai Beach located?
Lamai Beach is at Lamai Beach, 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 Lamai Beach
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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
Lamai Beach Bridge
A scenic bridge in Lamai offering a pleasant spot to pause and take in coastal views on Koh Samui.
Coral Cove Beach
A small rocky cove with proper snorkelling, best before the 10am crowd rolls in.
Similar Beaches Across Thailand
Patong Beach
Three kilometres of white sand with jet skis, loungers and Bangla Road behind it, so come for the noise, not the calm.
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
Crystal water and soft sand, but you pay 100 baht and earn it on a steep climb back up.
Where to stay near Lamai Beach
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.
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