Lamai Beach
Lamai Beach is Koh Samui's second-largest beach and a popular alternative to the busier Chaweng, offering a noticeably more relaxed atmosphere while still providing plenty of amenities. The long, clean shoreline is lined with bars, restaurants, and palm trees, with rentable lounge chairs available for those looking to settle in for the day. The water is generally calm and clear, making it well suited to swimming and sunbathing, though visitors should note it is not particularly recommended for snorkeling due to limited marine life. The beach has a distinctive character compared to other busy Thai beach destinations. The surrounding streets are narrow and the area feels more intimate in scale, with a mix of casual local eateries and beachfront establishments. Visitors describe the vibe as unhurried and approachable, with a texture to the sand that includes some stones and broken shells in places, and waves that tend to be slightly more active than at Chaweng. Practically speaking, the beach is a public natural feature with no entrance fee and no set opening hours. Parking is available near public entry points, though spaces can be limited for cars given the narrow local roads — arriving by motorbike is generally easier. The area can get busy during peak tourist season, roughly December through March, so travellers seeking a quieter experience may prefer visiting during the shoulder months of April to June or September to October.
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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.
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Lamai Beach: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lamai Beach worth visiting?
Lamai Beach holds a 4.3★ rating from 3,614 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). 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
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.
Similar Beaches Across Thailand
Patong Beach
Phuket's most famous 3km beach on the Andaman Sea, buzzing with water sports, dining, and nightlife.
Tawaen Beach
Ko Lan's largest beach, a 30-minute speedboat ride from Pattaya, with clear water and a lively shoreline.
Freedom Beach
A secluded white-sand beach near Patong with crystal-clear water, far removed from the crowds.
Karon Beach
A 4km stretch of golden sand in Phuket, known for calm, clear water and spectacular sunsets.
Where to stay near Lamai Beach
Find hotels in Koh Samui on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fees
- Compare live prices
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Agoda
Best rates in Asia
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Hotels.com Rewards
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Tours & tickets nearby
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