Laem Set is one of those hidden gems, which once found, always seduces to return. Located on the remote south-eastern coast of Koh Samui, Laem Set boasts splendid vistas, luxurious villas, untouched nature and a fantastic collection of fauna.
Laem Set, a naturally beautiful area, is the least-developed part of Samui. Often classified in the list of those beaches that are not utterly suitable for swimming, though, if you are a rather good swimmer, you will be rewarded with the fascinating coral reef 100 metres off the beach. During the low tide, the seabed bares and you can walk until the reef.
During the high tide, you can explore the reef, on rented kayak, or indulge in the romantic cruise around the bay with your partner. With plentiful of tropical plants, and leaning over the water coconut palms, providing the naturally beautiful setting for the most splendid holiday photo shooting, Laem Set beach is well-worth a visit.
Family-oriented, Laem Set is an excellent place to bring your children to see animals. Samui Aquarium, Tiger Show and the Butterfly Garden, located in the area, offer an exciting experience, which your kids would love. Laem Set represents the charm of real Thailand, with untouched nature, minimum development and a fantastic collection of flora and fauna species gathered in one place.
Laem Set is one of the quietest and well-preserved areas in Samui featuring with just a perfect number of dining and drinking venues, accommodations and wellness spas.
Thus, do not expect here rows of sloppy street stalls selling cheap knick-knacks and various massive shopping malls causing a dissonance with the naturally beautiful area.
If you want to relish in retail therapy, head to the infamous Chaweng or Lamai areas which are only 30 minutes drive from the village. You will find there endless fashion boutiques, local brand stores, bazaars and large shopping malls selling everything from the essential oils to the electronics.
Laem Set boasts water sports and relaxation opportunities. The beautiful shoreline, though, not always suitable for swimming, is ideal for lazing, soaking the sun and sipping cocktails. Family-friendly, the beach caters to families with younger kids allowing them frolicking in shallow waters.
Those wishing to stay active can rent a kayak, and cruise around the bay admiring teeming with marine life waters.
For the ultimate relaxation opt yoga or divine massage treatment offered by the numerous salas and holistic spas, and get a bit of pampering. Laem Set is an excellent place to spend your relaxed and serene holiday indulging in the splendid views, tranquil atmosphere and each other’s company.
Laem Set is not as commercialised and developed as other Samui’s locations resulting in the rather limited but elaborated dining scene.
Each hotel resort in the area hosts a restaurant or two and welcomes non-staying guests to visit the venue and savour the eclectic mix of local and international cuisines. Midrange eateries set along the beach serve amazing seafood platters and authentic Thai cuisines at a reasonable price.
If you are staying at one of the Laem Set villas, you can expect a talented chef who will treat you with amazing traditional Thai cuisine, seafood barbeques and western favourites. This generous inclusion available at some villa properties will take your holiday to a new level.
As the sun goes down, the beach turns into the splendid observation point of the mesmerising sunsets, casting brilliant glares of sunlight over the water.
Most of Laem Set visitors prefer watching the sunset with a glass of wine or a cold beer in hand, sitting at one of the beach bars or soaking at their private villa pool, indulging in the fabulous views and utmost amenities.
Upscale bars located in or around resorts provide more sophisticated experience for those wanting to chill out, chat and people watch in the chic ambience. Laem Set doesn’t boast hundreds of bars, still, you can find your own oasis of elegance and seclusion in this splendid location.
Situated towards the south of Samui Airport on the south-eastern coast of Koh Samui, Laem Set is an ideal base to take in all sights of the naturally beautiful southern area.
Lamai is the second, after Chaweng, largest and popular Samui’s retreat. Lamai is less frantic, yet, offers almost the same selection of tourist facilities.
Taling Ngam is one of those places that literally exude relaxation. Remote, tranquil and serene Taling Ngam is an excellent tropical getaway.
Lipa Noi coastal village offers a family-friendly shallow beach featuring with a secluded and tranquil atmosphere and some of the most scenic vistas.
There are over 15 Ministry Approved villas in Laem Set. As Laem Set is a rather remote and secluded beach retreat, villa prices tend to be lower than in other parts of the island. Laem Set villas range from USD $190 per night for one-bedroom villa to over USD $1,100 per night for a seven-bedroom luxury villa.
Most of our villas have dedicated staff including butlers, chefs, nannies, 24-hour security personnel, and many other services you won’t find in a hotel. This is why we say “Spend just one night in a villa and you’ll never stay in a hotel again.”
There are plenty of companies that carry out transfers from Phuket to Samui. The trip consists of terrestrial and marine transfers and ranges from six to seven hours. Buses depart from the central bus station in Phuket and bring travellers to Koh Phangan pier where passengers make a transfer for the modern and fast catamaran, which brings visitors to Nathon Pier located on the north-western coast of Koh Samui. Usually, there are two daily transfers for Koh Samui, but the timing can range due to the travel operator.
Although it is possible to get to Laem Set, Koh Samui over land or water, the best way is to fly.
It takes around 45 minutes to reach Laem Set from Samui Airport depending on traffic. If you are travelling by ferry from Phuket, the trip from Nathon Pier will take around 30 minutes. Ministry of Villas can arrange a chauffeur to greet you upon arrival and escort you to your villa.
Alternatively, there is a taxi desk at the arrival level which arranges one-way fares at a fixed-price. If you opt not to use the taxi desk, there are numerous taxi drivers waiting outside the arrival terminal so you can negotiate the price with them. Even though there is a big sign “Meter-Taxi” on the roof of taxis, local drivers rarely use them, so it is recommended to discuss the price beforehand. You can opt one of the transfer options – a shared mini van with other travellers or a private taxi. A shared taxi is essentially cheaper but usually requires at least five passengers to depart.
There are plenty of options, so we’ve ranked them according to our recommendations for first-time travellers:
Ministry of Villas can arrange a private car and chauffeur for you. Depending on which villa you are staying in, the cost for the private car and chauffeur can vary, so it’s recommended to contact our Ministry of Villas team to get the complete information about the private transfers.
Car travel in Laem Set is another convenient way to move around the area and further afield by your own. We recommend you, though, to select a 4×4 wheel drive car, due to the fact that Samui features with the rather hilly landscape. Also, take into account, that the lower rental price implies the absence of insurance and a poor condition of the vehicle so opt the international brands, if possible, when renting a car, such as Hertz, Avis and Budget Car Rentals, which are more trustworthy than the local rental shops.
Due to the rather remote position of the Laem Set, many visitors feel the need to rent a scooter. Indeed, it’s a fast way to move around the area and explore further afield, but a certain level of experience is needed. Also, you must always have an international drivers license on your person, otherwise, the local police can issue you a ticket with a summons to appear in court. Always opt bikes with insurance, and, of course, make sure you wear a helmet.
You can flag down one of many songthaews (simple pick-up tracks), passing through the area, and get to any touristy location for as much as USD$2 or less, depending on the distance. The route is never set in stone, so before getting into the truck, always double check, where the vehicle is heading, otherwise, you are risking to appear far away from your destination point.
Moving around Laem Set on a taxi is an easy and convenient way to get to the destination point. Though, you should always negotiate the cost with the driver beforehand as local drivers rarely use meters.
Ministry of Villas is passionate about delivering exceptional service. We believe it’s the little things that make staying in a villa so special. Let us do the ground work for you and help you plan the perfect holiday.
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