Lamai

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Lamai is a beach on the east coast of Ko Samui, Thailand.

[edit] Orientation

The southern third of the beach has the widest strip of sand, is the best for swimming, and has the most nearby eating and drinking and shopping options. To the north, the water doesn't get deep enough for swimming until you're quite some distance out, and the further north you go, the narrower and quieter the beach becomes, eventually becoming rocky towards the headland.

There is a significant number of girlie bars along the main street as well as in some side streets. They are most prevalent in the southern part of town, while the northern part is virtually free of them.

[edit] Get in

Minibus transfers between Lamai and Samui Airport cost about 150 baht/person; a private taxi charter costs around 300-400 baht.

A minibus from the ferry terminal sets you back 100 baht.

[edit][add listing] See

Grandfather and grandmother stones
Grandfather and grandmother stones
  • 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.
  • There are regular Mua Thai fights either in the local stadium or the one in Chaweng. Look out for the flyers for current dates.

[edit][add listing] Do

Take a swim in the Gulf of Thailand. The beach is wide and has nice sand.

[edit][add listing] Buy

  • Bargaining is always possible when it comes to souvenir and souvenir-like products. Even when a price is indicated a discount up to 50% might be available. As many shops and the often cheaper market stalls sell mostly the similar products ask at several places to get an idea of what is a reasonable price before starting haggling for the product you really want.
  • There are lots of souvenir shops lined up in the main street. It is not uncommon for the shopkeepers to ask 5 times the normal tourist price.

[edit][add listing] 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 hotel building. 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.

[edit][add listing] Drink

  • Dublin Castle No hassle, care free pub. Good food and cheap drink. Live folk and popular mainstream music from local Thai band. Live sport on TV. Pool table. Ideal place to start a night.
  • 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)
  • Churchill's. The English ex-pat pub. Good for a bite as well. edit
  • Queensland Pub. The Aussie ex-pat pub. Also good for a bite. edit
  • Samui Shamrock. Famous Irish Pub, Bar & Restaurant that shows all premier league football and International Rugby, as well as live music from top bands each and every night. Located on Lamai Beach Road or visit http://www.thesamuishamrock.com edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

  • Baan Family Hotel [2]
  • Samui Beach Resort [4] has bungalows on the beach.
  • Sea Breeze Inn (Southern end of Lamai). Not the cheapest but probably the best deal overall on Lamai, it's still in the budget category. Rooms vary from huts with fans to modern suites with AC. Decent restaurant and bar. Nice deck hangout area. Right on the beach. Lots of stuff short walking distance away. edit

  • T&T House, 124/7 M.3 Hat Lami (Southern end of Lamai). One of the cheaper deals with decent rooms, though not at the beach. The reception is at the T&T supermarket. From 250 baht for a bungalow with private bathroom.  edit

  • Varinda Garden Resort 82/3 M.3 Maret, has a great hillside (not on the beach) location that's pleasantly away from the drone of the commercial area, with views of the whole bay from their pool and tower seats, excellent kitchen and wrap-around supports - like massages, mopeds, taxi to airports, and endless tropical garden surprises around the bungalows.

[edit] Contact

Internet cafes are plentiful and typically also offer international calls, fax services and flight confirmation. The connection and speed is generally good. Expect to pay 60 baht/h for internet in the central locations.

[edit] Get out

  • Your guesthouse and many other places in town can rent you a motorbike for between 150 to 200 baht a day. Bicycles are a bit harder to come buy but also available for about 100 baht per day. As the traffic is left-sided you should be very careful (and wear a helmet) while driving even if you are familiar with driving on the left, other road users might not. Accidents, sometimes with fatalities, are too common despite the light traffic.
  • Travel Agencies can sell you bus tickets with pick-up from your hotel and including the ferry to many destinations in Thailand such as Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi. Booking the same tickets in Nathon or for trains at the Surat Thani station works out to be significantly cheaper sometimes.

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