Lamai, the Eastern Samui Treasure

“Lamai Beach” is the second most famous beach of Koh Samui. Located in the south of Chaweng, and more than 4 km long, it is a wild and peaceful place. Lamai Beach is designated as being more familial. It is also the district the more represented by the francophone residents. They are many who own hotels and restaurants, which facilitates encountering people who speak French. 

Not-To-Be-Missed.

Bars.

Lamai Beach is also renowned for its bars offering groups’ lives and for its pubs which broadcast the sports event – Shamrock, Mynt Lounge, The Viper Room, etc … For a more friendly ambience, the French bar Island Lounge Café proposes a large choice of alcohols and home-made ice creams.

Nautical Activities.

It is possible to practice lots of nautical activities on the Lamai Beach – jet-ski, paddle, windsurf, snorkelling, parasailing, etc …

This coastline is also very popular among the local fishermen because it is full of fishes.

Hin Ta Hin Yai.

In the south of the beach, a huge surprise is waiting on you. Hin Ta Hin Yai, literally grandma and grandpa, are two rocks with singular shapes, making out reproductive organs. More than just a geological curiosity, these two rocks have a spiritual value for Thai people.

Market and Boxing.

For all the local ambiences lovers, you will be delighted by the Lamai markets. The day market, open the all week until 5 pm, offers fresh products and culinary specialities proposed by the locals. Si the center of Lamai is relatively calm during the day, the atmosphere becomes more electrical around 6 pm. The night market opens its doors right on the center, close to the Muay Thai ring. The night market is also pretty appreciated during the Sundays with its delicious foods and its diverse stands.

The Attractions Around Lamai.

In the meantime close to northern touristic activities as the Giant Buddha and nearby the forest waterfalls, Lamai’s location allows people to easily visit the surroundings. Southwards, we can find a zoo with tigers and different spectacles, an animal park with its elephants and a pretty little butterflies farm.

Must-See Too: Lamai Viewpoint, which offers a superb view of Lamai and its surroundings.

Where To Eat?

The main road of Lamai is bordered with lots of grocer’s shops and other restaurants. A large variety of choices: small Thai restaurants, French, Italian, Swiss, etc …

Baobab Restaurant. ฿

Located a stone’s throw from the water, close to the center of Lamai, Baobab became the must-go place for French people, a rallying and sharing point. The menu? Ravioli, gnocchis, lasagnas, cordon bleu, salads and delicious Thai food such as pad thai, Khao pad kai or green curry.

Address: 127/64 Moo 3, Lamai Beach, Maret, Koh Samui.

Telephone: 06 84 838 3040

Kob Thai Restaurant. ฿฿ – ฿฿฿

Real traditional Thai cuisine, in the middle of the nature with a swimming pool. Specialities: thai soups (tom yam), curries, steamed fish, crab, iced doughnut. Large “à la carte” choice and two tasting menus more. The menu is even translated in French.

Address: Had Lamai 3, Lamai Beach, Koh Samui.

Telephone: 082 534 9325

La Fabrique Samui. ฿฿ – ฿฿฿

Looking for a gourmet break? La Fabrique Samui offers modern and classic pastries, butter viennoiseries from Normandie as well as a wide selection of cakes. From the bakery side; baguettes, traditional breads, wholemeal breads or bio rye bread.

Address: 105/1 Moo 6, Ban Lamai, Koh Samui.

Telephone: 06 77 961 507

Where To Sleep?

Lamai has a very good hospitality infrastructure with a wide range of prices. Among luxury hotels, charming hotels and bungalows, there is choices for every kind of tastes and budgets.

Cottage Samui. ฿฿

Two minutes far from the beach, this accommodation encounters a real success for its bungalows’ quality and their reasonable prices and its enjoyable surroundings. The French owner ever offers excursions in the region.

Address: 26/11 Moo 3 T. Maret, Lamai Beach, Koh Samui.

Telephone: 087 806 3812

Weekender Resort. ฿฿฿

Located in the heart of Lamai Beach, this atypical hotel offers pleasurable moments for relaxation in its tropical garden. The accommodation contains a spa center, a bar restaurant as well as a large swimming pool space and jacuzzi.

Address: 124/19 Moo 3, Lamai Beach, Koh Samui.

Telephone: 02 787 3383

Pavilion Samui Villas & Resort. ฿฿฿฿

70 modern units with Thai styled rooms and ensuites as well as villas with swimming pools. The hotel offers packs: snorkeling, freediving, excursions in the National Marine Park, canoeing, fishing days, etc …

Address: 124/24 Moo 3, Lamai Beach, Koh Samui.

Telephone: 077 424 030

How To Get There?

Direct Flights for Koh Samui.

The flights prices to Koh Samui are particularly expensive compared to intern Thai lines. Why? Because only Bangkok Airlines offers direct flights from Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Pattaya. Thai Airways also have 2 daily direct flight from Bangkok.

Nevertheless, the direct flights are still the fastest and most comfortable option. Tickets can be reserved online on companies’ websites – or on 12go – or on site.

Plane + Ferry.

An alternative to direct flights: the formulas flight until Surat Thani – sometimes Chumphon – + ferry to Koh Samui. The trip is longer but the tickets are twice or three-times cheaper.

Train + Ferry.

It is also possible to join Surat Thani by night train but it is preferable to reserve it in advance to be sure to have a berth.

Bus + Ferry.

Probably the most economical way to go to Koh Samui. From Bangkok, buses generally go from Khao San Road. Several companies offer combined tickets bus + ferry, and the most known one is Lomprayah without any doubt. It also proposes formulas bus + ferry for Samui from Krabi and Phuket.

And To Reach Lamai?

Lamai is 30 minutes away from Koh Samui airport. The means of transportations to reach the beach or your hotel are the following:

• Shared Minivans: departure cannot be before reaching a minimum of 5 passengers. Price: between 170 and 200 THB.
• Private Minivans: around 1 000 THB.
• Private Taxis: from 600 THB.