Lamai Beach
หาดละไม
Koh Samui's second-largest beach, quieter and cheaper than Chaweng, with the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks at its southern end. It's a base for backpackers and long-term residents.
Lamai Beach stretches about 4 km along the southeast coast of Koh Samui and is the island's second-largest beach after Chaweng. The sand is coarse and the water clear. The southern section has reefs and stronger waves, so the northern end is better for swimming. Behind the beach, Lamai Town offers accommodation at every level, from backpacker hostels to resorts, along with Thai and Western restaurants, massage shops, the Lamai Sunday Night Market, and two bar streets. Prices run 20–30% lower than in Chaweng, and the atmosphere is more relaxed, with many long-term European visitors and families.
At the headland about 1 km south of the beach stand Koh Samui's most famous rock formations, the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks (Hin Ta Hin Yai). Two granite boulders, eroded by the waves into the shapes of male and female genitalia, are said by local legend to be an elderly couple who died at sea while seeking a bride for their son. A viewing path, coconut sugar stalls (Kalamae, a Samui specialty), and snack vendors surround the site. Entry is free, and 20–30 minutes is enough for a visit.
Nearby attractions include the Lamai Viewpoint, which overlooks the whole bay, Wat Khunaram, home to a highly revered monk whose body has not decayed since his death, and Na Muang Waterfall. Together they make a half-day tour of the southeast coast.
Travel tips: If you want accommodation that is quieter than Chaweng but still convenient, Lamai is a good choice. Walk to the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks to watch the sunset, and visit the night market on Sunday evening.
Getting there: A shared songthaew from Chaweng takes about 20 minutes (50–100 baht per person). A taxi costs about 300–400 baht. The Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks have a car park, and it's a 5-minute bike ride from Lamai Town.
Note: The southern section has submerged reefs, so swim at the northern end. The rocks at the Grandfather and Grandmother site are slippery. Waves are large during the rainy season.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Hin Ta & Hin Yai (Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks)
- Wat Sila Ngu (Wat Ratchathammaram)
- Silver Beach (Crystal Bay)
- Wat Khunaram
- Secret Buddha Garden (Magic Garden)
- Chaweng Beach
- Na Muang Waterfall
- Samui Elephant Sanctuary