Lamai Beach Things to Do: 11 Activities on Koh Samui

Lamai Beach is located on the east coast of Koh Samui in the town of the same name, Lamai. It is, after Chaweng, the second-largest town and the one with the most visitors. Lamai Beach is a little quieter than its sister town, Chaweng, which is why it is preferred by some travelers. It is the perfect mix of relaxation and things to do, which we show you in our Lamai Beach things to do.

Highlights, Activities and Things to Do for Lamai Beach

In this article we show you everything you can do at Lamai Beach. Because besides spending the whole day on the beach, there are a number of activities at Lamai Beach to make your vacation interesting and exciting. From great viewpoints and nightlife to markets, Lamai Beach has a lot to offer.

Accommodation at Lamai Beach – Our Hotel Tip

Located right on the beautiful Lamai Beach, you can find the Lamai Coconut Beach Resort. The central location is great for spending a few days on the beach but also for exploring the town. The rooms and bungalows have either garden, pool or sea views. They all come with air conditioning, TV, free Wi-Fi and a balcony or terrace. In addition, a good breakfast buffet is offered and the friendly staff are happy to help with any questions.

You can find more hotels on Lamai Beach, in the surrounding area or in completely different parts of the island of Koh Samui here.

1. Lamai Beach

After Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach is the second-largest and best-known of the beaches of Koh Samui. Along Lamai Beach, you will find restaurants, hotels and massage places directly on the beach. There are also a few beach vendors selling souvenirs, ice cream and other accessories.

The sand at Lamai Beach is a little coarser and darker, but thanks to the turquoise water and the good swimming conditions, as well as the water that gets deep quite quickly, the beach is really beautiful. There are also water sports options such as jet skis or banana boats, and in the evening some resorts host fire shows.

2. Wat Lamai

A visit to Wat Lamai, one of Koh Samui’s temples, is also worthwhile, as it is the main temple at Lamai Beach. It is very easy to spot on the large ring road that circles Koh Samui, in a left-hand curve (coming from the north).

On the temple grounds you will find several Buddhist statues, a few so-called ubosots or wihans, as well as a folklore museum where you can learn something about the history of Koh Samui and especially Lamai. The entrance to the museum is easy to find, as it is guarded by two large yak statues. You definitely will not miss them.

In addition, there is a cultural hall on the grounds of Wat Lamai where weddings or funerals are held, as well as a temple school. With a bit of luck, you may even meet a few monks and have a conversation with them. Visiting Wat Lamai is free of charge, but leaving a donation at the temple is always welcome.

3. Wat Ratchathammaram

Wat Ratchathammaram, which is also called Wat Sila Ngu or Snake Stone Pagoda, is one of our top Lamai Beach things to do. You will find it a bit further south directly on the island’s ring road. It is impossible to miss with its red temple building, which is also what makes it so special.

On-site you can take a close look at the unique red temple with its many carvings. You will also find a golden pagoda on the grounds of Wat Ratchathammaram, which is said to contain a relic of Buddha. In addition, there is a somewhat hidden staircase leading down to the sea, flanked by naga snakes, which is why the temple also carries the name Wat Sila Ngu. Visiting is free from sunrise to sunset.

4. Lamai Viewpoint and Valentine Stone

Lamai Viewpoint is not just a simple viewpoint but also includes the small Siva Tara Waterfall as well as the Valentine Stone. You can find the entrance to this spot on our Lamai Beach things to do on the main ring road, signposted as “Lamai Viewpoint” or “Valentine Stone”, shortly after the Makro wholesale market.

The Valentine Stone got its name because it is shaped like a heart. Right next to it is the small Siva Tara Waterfall. However, the highlight is the viewpoint, which you reach after walking up the small hill for a few minutes or by taking the cable car. It is not very strenuous and easy to manage.

At the top there is a small café where you can grab a snack and enjoy a great view of Lamai and the coastline. The entrance fee for these three sights is 100 Baht per person, plus 100 Baht extra for the cable car, either up or down. We recommend taking the cable car up and then walking back down. There is also ziplining available for an additional 800 Baht. It is open daily from 09.00 AM to 06.30 PM. On weekends from 08.30 AM.

5. Lamai Night Plaza

Every evening from 05.00 PM, the market at Lamai Night Plaza takes place. You will find it directly on Lamai Beach Road just after McDonald’s. This small market offers a food court, a few food stalls, but mostly souvenirs, accessories and clothing are sold there. Lamai Night Plaza is worth a short visit if you are out and about on Lamai Beach Road in the evening.

6. Nightlife

Lamai Beach Road is basically Chaweng Beach Road in a slightly smaller and more manageable version. Here you will find evening activities for every taste. From bars and pubs with live music to sports events, there is plenty of entertainment in the evening. Otherwise, you can, of course, always head to the restaurants and enjoy a few drinks there. Every Saturday from 09.00 PM, you can also watch various Muay Thai fights in the middle of the village square on Lamai Beach Road and kick off your evening there.

7. Overlap Stone

Overlap Stone is no longer exactly an insider tip, but it still counts among our Lamai Beach things to do. The area has already been very well developed and there are countless parking options and a nice path leading to Overlap Stone. At the parking lot you have to pay 50 Baht, but you get a drink included. If you don’t want to take it up with you, you can also grab it at the end when you are back at the parking lot.

Once you arrive at the huge rock, you have to pay another 50 Baht entrance fee. You can then reach it via a small bridge and enjoy a wonderful view of the southern part of Lamai and the coast from there. It is a very popular photo spot, which is why there can even be queues here during high season.

You will find Overlap Stone when you take the road inland opposite the Rocky’s Boutique Resort, directly on Koh Samui’s ring road. Just follow the road up the hill until you see the large parking lot.

8. Try Muay Thai

Muay Thai is the most popular sport in Thailand and is practiced almost everywhere in the country. So it is no surprise that you will also find countless opportunities on Koh Samui to train Muay Thai yourself. Many Muay Thai camps or schools offer full packages including meals and accommodation, so you can fully dedicate yourself to the sport.

Of course, you don’t have to book a full package and can also just stop by for training sessions. One of the best-known Muay Thai camps is located on the east coast in Lamai, the Lamai Muay Thai Camp. Whether young or old, beginner or advanced, you can always learn something new here and get your body in shape.

9. Grandfather and Grandmother Rock

The rocks Hin Yai and Hin Ta, as this attraction is called in Thai, are located at the southern end of Lamai Beach. It is one of the most visited and photographed sights on Koh Samui and is also included in many tours.

Not only many tourists, but also locals come here. According to legend, an elderly couple suffered a shipwreck off the coast of Lamai Beach many years ago. Since they could not swim to shore, they died in the sea and were then transformed into Grandmother and Grandfather Rock. The two rocks that resemble male and female genitals. Today, people believe that a visit here increases fertility.

You will find the entrance to Grandfather and Grandmother Rock, often signposted as “Hin Ta and Hin Yai”, directly on the ring road. Coming from Lamai Viewpoint, it is on the left-hand side after a Family Mart. While the visit itself is free, you do have to pay for parking. It costs 10 Baht for scooters and 40 Baht for cars.

10. Northern Bay of Lamai

This bay still belongs to Lamai Beach, but it is often not mentioned because it is a bit off the main area. You will find it by taking the ring road from Lamai heading north and turning right at the street with the Renaissance Hotel sign before the IT Complex. Follow this road a short distance through the resort. After that, you can turn right to the Uncle Rang restaurant and park your scooter.

You are now at the northern bay of Lamai Beach. Here you will find complete peace and quiet, as there are usually only a few guests around. You can buy something to eat or drink at the restaurant mentioned above and enjoy the beach and the sea.

11. Silver Beach

Silver Beach is located a short distance north of Lamai’s center. It is situated directly on the ring road and you can access it at several points, all marked with a red sign that says Beach. We like the entrance at the Crystal Bay Beach Resort because from there you immediately have a great view of the beach.

In Thai, Silver Beach is actually called Thongtakian Beach, but it is also often referred to as Crystal Beach. No matter which name you hear, this small beach is what is meant. Unfortunately, there are not too many shady spots in the bay and Silver Beach can be quite busy during high season. Nevertheless, we really like it, since it offers fine white sand, beautifully clear water for swimming and a fantastic scenery with rocks at both ends.

Bonus Tip: Jungle Route 360

This tip is not actually located at Lamai Beach, but the access road into the mountains of Koh Samui to Jungle Route 360 starts directly in Lamai. At the curve by Wat Lamai, drive straight toward the center of the island and then continue up into the mountains for a while. You can find a detailed description of how to get there in our article about the Koh Samui hidden gems.

Once you arrive at Jungle Route 360, which is located on the second-highest mountain of the island, you will be greeted with a beautiful view over Koh Samui, the mountains and the coast. At this viewpoint you will not only find a fantastic panorama but also a nice restaurant and café. You could even camp here in the mountains of Koh Samui. The owners are very friendly and always up for a chat. It is open daily from 08.00 AM to 05.00 PM.

Koh Samui: Tours and Tickets

Do you prefer to travel with a guide who knows the area very well? Then we recommend a guided tour with a local. This way you can get to know Koh Samui in a completely different way. GetYourGuide offers a wide selection of exciting tours for Koh Samui.

How to Get to Koh Samui

The easiest and fastest way to Koh Samui is with a direct flight from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. The international airport of Koh Samui was built by Bangkok Airways and therefore the price for a flight ticket is kind of more expensive, because they preserve a monopoly – with a few exceptions.

It’s cheaper when you go to Surat Thani or Nakhon Si Thammarat on the mainland of Thailand. Airlines like AirAsia, Thai Lion Air and Nok Air fly to those cities from the Don Mueang airport in Bangkok. At the destination airport you can take a bus to the Donsak Pier or Tapee Pier and from there a ferry to Koh Samui.

You can find the cheapest flights to Koh Samui on Skyscanner. I absolutely can recommend Thai Lion Air by the way.

Note: Bus and train connections are also available if you want to arrive even cheaper. However, the travel time increases a lot. Tickets and information on times can be found at our partner 12go.asia.

Have you ever been to Lamai Beach? How do you like the beach and the surrounding area? Do you know any more things to do at Lamai Beach? We look forward to your comments.