Lamai is a beach on the east coast
of Ko Samui, Thailand.
The second popular beach in Samui
is Lamai Beach. It is a quieter, looser, and a little
cheaper than Chaweng Beach. There is something distinctly
boom-town about the main strip, which is generally
referred to as Lamai Gulch, with its bars, diners
and shops crammed together along the roadside and
down the dusty side lanes. Ride or walk to the back
of the beach road and you're in the heart of banana
groves and coconut plantations, and you can take
a mountain bike ride up the hill tracks and into
the rugged interior... Or follow the road down past
the headland where the infamous Grandfather and
Grandmother's rocks attract picnic people.
Moreover, Lamai is home to a charming old temple
with a tiny museum, and a number of local gyms where
you can learn Thai boxing lesson. You will also
find a choice of dive shops and even a couple of
meditation centers.After the sun set this place
become the center of the lively night and many shopping
centers. Furthermore, there are some real home-style
alfresco places with Thai and western food, pub/saloons
featuring live bands, video movies on show and several
discos which start swinging 'round about midnight.
Central Lamai has a broad selection of bungalow
type accommodation, ranging from budget lodgings
to the magnificent, the latter with tended landscaped
gardens, swimming pools and sweet seclusion.
How to get here
Minibus transfers between Lamai and Samui Airport
cost about 150 baht/person; a private taxi charter
costs around 300-400 baht.
See & Do
Grandfather and Grandmother stones (Hin Ta and Hin
Yai) - two stone formations nearby each other -
one looking like an erect penis, the other looking
like a vagina, hence their names. Located south-west
of Lamai Beach, just off the 4169 ring road. There
are many souvenir stands there, but most notable
is the special candy which visitors can try for
free - don't hesitate, it's worth a taste.
Take a swim in the Gulf of Thailand. The beach is
wide and has nice sand.
Eat
Kamalaya [1] has three eateries:
Soma Restaurant, Amrita Cafe, and Alchemy Bar.
Kokomiko - Thai / International
restaurant on the ring road between Lamai and
Hinta Hinyai opposite the DTAC tower. Serves quality
food since 13 years and is well known by the expat
community. Homemade Spaetzle, Gulash, Schnitzel
& Steaks and the best Thai dishes are available.
Krua Mapraw - Thai restaurant on
the ring road across from the IT Complex on the
way to Chaweng. They serve rice and noodle dishes,
soups and seafood for reasonable prices, starting
at 25 baht.
The Spa - on the right side, on
the Lamai to Chaweng road. The restaurant is hidden
by the hotelbuilding. Go there along a small path
on the right side. The setting is very nice, located
right at the beach. The food is among the best
on the island. You get health and healthy food
in all styles, e.g. Thai, pasta, salads, seafood,
burgers, etc. at reasonable prices.
Drink
Bauhaus Foam Party (obviously, for foam fun)
Eagle Pub (live rock music)
Pocahontas Bar (to get a break from the hello
sexy man rat race)
Koh Samui Beaches
Clockwise from Nathon
on the west coast, the main beaches are:
Nathon - Samui's port and administrative
center, but with little to attract the tourist
Mae
Nam - a quiet and beautiful beach on the
northern coast
Bophut
- known for its Fisherman's Village, laid-back
but growing fast
About Lamai Beach, Koh Samui Thailand
