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Introducing Lamai – Chaweng’s Relaxed Neighbour

Lamai is second largest and most frequented resort in Koh Samui after its big brother Chaweng. Sharing the same coastline with Chaweng, Lamai offers the same brand of idyllic beach with beautiful crystal waters and soft white sand lined with numerous villas and hotels to suit all budgets.

Ministry

Lamai Overview

Lamai is quieter and less frantic than its big brother Chaweng, still, the area boasts accommodation, eating, shopping and relaxation options to suit all budgets. Located on the east coast of Samui, Lamai beach is a rather exposed stretch of the silvery sand, with the majority of tourist facilities set along the central and south ends of the beach.

Even though Lamai is one of the most developed areas on Samui, the quiet village inland comes alive only after the sun goes down, offering a plethora of dining, drinking and shopping opportunities. Prices in Lamai remain slightly lower than in the nearby popular Chaweng area, and that is one of the reasons why Lamai attracts so many expats and long staying visitors.

Lamai nightlife is not as bustling and vibrant as in Chaweng, however, you will still get enough bars and beach clubs to stay entertained. Naturally beautiful, Lamai boasts of the splendid postcard bays to engage in snorkelling or swimming. Being rather shallow, the north end of Lamai beach is ideal for families with younger children.

What We Love

  • Jaw-dropping villa accommodations

  • Endless restaurants, bars and shops

  • Vibrant day and night entertainment

  • Fantastic shallow white-sand beach

  • Hundreds of day spas and massage shops

Ministry

Things to See & Do in Lamai

Shopping

Most of the shops in Lamai are concentrated along or nearby the main beach road, making it easy to walk from one to another. As Lamai is smaller than Chaweng, its shopping scene is rather compressed yet serving a fair number of the fashion boutiques, handmade items and handicrafts.

Numerous souvenir shops lining the main street offer more of less equal selection of items, so before making a purchase, ask several times the normal price. As a part of a game, local sellers always set double prices, which you can successfully decrease up to 50%.

Lamai hosts several great local boutiques, where you can find truly unique pieces of jewellery, quality handcrafted products and typical clothing. Lamai Walking Street set every Sunday provides an excellent opportunity to buy reasonably-priced gifts to bring back home.

Relaxation

Being the home to many Thai expats living on Samui, Lamai offers some of the most affordable and excellent fitness centres, yoga classes, massage parlours, detox retreats and other relaxation establishments to keep you relaxed and pampered.

Family-friendly water park located in Lamai is a splendid way to keep your children entertained for a while and relax on the comfy lounges, while kids are engaged in the playground.

Those preferring beach retreat are blessed with the stunning shoreline and turquoise waters appealing to laze and enjoy the holiday. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the abundant water activities including kayak, jet ski, parasailing and many others. Lamai has something to offer to every visitor.

Lamai Night Plaza Shopping Koh Samui Thailand
Yoga Beach Lamai Koh Samui Thailand
69Slam Shop Lamai Koh Samui Thailand
Shopping in Lamai Koh Samui Thailand
Swing Bar Lamai Koh Samui Thailand
Massage Lamai Koh Samui Thailand
Ministry

Eating & Drinking in Lamai

Restaurants

Lamai dining scene is as diverse and attracting as Chaweng’s, serving everything from the barbequed corn on the beach to the sophisticated fine-dining at the hotel resort restaurants. Dining wide, Lamai provides the excellent choice of the delightful cuisines from all over the world.

In Lamai, you could opt a delicious yet affordable local dishes at a typical Thai food court or sample fresh seafood barbeque at one of the beachfront restaurants, or savour the delightful Indian curries and Italian favourites.

Take your pick, where you would like to have a dinner tonight, as lavish Lamai dining scene will definitely appease all tastes.

Nightlife

Not as bustling as Chaweng’s nightlife, Lamai still provides an ample selection of the nightlife establishments to meet all demands. Set side by side, bars, pubs and discos are all concentrated in the city centre, making it easier for the partygoers to move from one venue to another.

The bar scene is comprised of the beer bars, gogo and girlie bars offering all kinds of imaginable entertainment. Popular nightclubs stay open until late, providing non-stop parties for those wanting to hang out.

Trend beach bars offer a more sophisticated nightlife experience offering a laidback and chill out atmosphere and serving amazing cocktails and upmarket wine labels. Impeccable service along with the classy decors cater to those, wanting to experience the nightlife in-style. Lamai bar scene caters to travellers of all ages and tastes offering a lavish choice of establishments always to keep you entertained.

Beer Bar Central Lamai Koh Samui Thailand
Dining Lamai Koh Samui Thailand
Kob Thai Restaurant Lamai Koh Samui Thailand
Lava Lounge Lamai Koh Samui Thailand
No Stress Beach Bar Lamai Koh Samui Thailand
Shamrock Irish Pub Lamai Koh Samui Thailand
Ministry

Lamai Neighbourhoods

Situated towards the north of Samui Airport on the eastern coast of Koh Samui, Lamai is the ideal base to relish in the beach retreat yet have all tourist facilities at hand.

Lamai & Surrounds

Chewing Koh Samui Thailand

CHAWENG

Chaweng is the most popular and commercialised city of the island. Chaweng boasts of vibrant restaurants, bars, endless shops and relaxation opportunities.

CHAWENG GUIDE

LAEM SOR

Laem Sor is a paradisal coastal retreat, exuding the feeling of privacy and sophistication and imposing “tropical state of mind”.

LAEM SOR GUIDE
Laem Set Koh Samui Thailand

LAEM SET

Laem Set boasts splendid vistas, luxurious villas, untouched nature and fantastic fauna collection catering to all nature lovers.

LAEM SET GUIDE
Ministry

Lamai Villas

There are two Ministry Approved villas in Lamai. As Lamai is not as popular as neighbouring Chaweng and some other Samui locations, villa prices tend to be lower than in other parts of Koh Samui. Lamai villas range from USD $300 per night for three-bedroom villa to USD $350 per night for a four-bedroom splendid 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.”

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    Villa Amylia Bedroom with View | Chaweng, Koh SamuiVilla Amylia Gym | Chaweng, Koh Samui

    VILLA AMYLIA

    Chaweng, Koh Samui – 9 Bedrooms

    Villa Amylia is a vision of modern design with cutting-edge architecture, sleek smart home features and breathtaking panoramas of the Gulf of Thailand.

    US $2,966
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    Mia Ocean Master Bedroom with Sea View | Chaweng, Koh SamuiMia Ocean Living Room with Ocean View | Chaweng, Koh Samui

    MIA OCEAN

    Chaweng, Koh Samui – 4 Bedrooms

    Mia Ocean is a blissful beachfront villa offering relaxed beach house glamour and superb service, just moments from Koh Samui’s buzzy Chaweng.

    US $1,900
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    Koh Koon Outdoor Living | Koh Samui, ThailandKoh Koon Billiard Table | Chaweng, Koh Samui

    KOH KOON

    Chaweng, Koh Samui – 9 Bedrooms

    Koh Koon is a magnificent villa blending Mediterranean style and views of the Andaman Sea, offering a spectacular setting for entertaining large groups in style.

    US $2,000
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    Villa Moonshadow Bird's Eye View | Koh Samui, ThailandVilla Moonshadow Sea View | Koh Samui, Thailand

    VILLA MOONSHADOW

    Chaweng, Koh Samui – 4 Bedrooms

    Luminous Villa Moonshadow strikes a heavenly balance between ancient natural beauty and timeless James Bond decadence in enthralling Koh Samui.

    US $1,345
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    Villa Asi Sunken Lounge | Chaweng, Koh SamuiVilla Asi Main Entrance | Chaweng, Koh Samui

    VILLA ASI

    Chaweng, Koh Samui – 6 Bedrooms

    Villa Asi is an exquisite modern villa built over multiple levels and boasting two pools, offering sweeping panoramas of Chaweng Bay.

    US $1,642
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    Sukham Infinity Pool | Chaweng, Koh SamuiSukham Exterior Design | Chaweng, Koh Samui

    SUKHAM

    Chaweng, Koh Samui – 6 Bedrooms

    Sukham is a sleek and seductive modern villa with a cinema room, games lounge and infinity pool gazing over the ocean.

    US $1,059
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    Karpe Diem Living Area with Sea View | Chaweng, Koh SamuiKarpe Diem Outdoor View | Chaweng, Koh Samui

    KARPE DIEM

    Chaweng, Koh Samui – 4 Bedrooms

    Seize the day at Karpe Diem, a perfectly designed luxury abode boasting 180-degree ocean views and a sweeping infinity pool in Koh Samui, Thailand.

    US $1,509
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    The Beach House Building Area | Chaweng, Koh SamuiThe Beach House Living Area | Chaweng, Koh Samui

    THE BEACH HOUSE

    Chaweng, Koh Samui – 4 Bedrooms

    The Beach House lives up to its name with a picture-perfect beachfront locale on the stunning Koh Samui island in Thailand.

    US $792
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    Mia Beach Bedroom with Sofa and Pool View | Chaweng, Koh SamuiMia Beach Pool Side Living Area | Chaweng, Koh Samui

    MIA BEACH

    Chaweng, Koh Samui – 6 Bedrooms

    Mia Beach is an incredible beachfront villa with luminous white décor, an immense pool and the most photogenic sunken lounge imaginable.

    US $2,236
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    BAAN HINYAI

    Lamai, Koh Samui – 5 Bedrooms

    Baan Hinyai is a gorgeous beachfront villa with an in-house chef and infinity pool, 8 metres from Namuang Waterfall.

    US $1,412
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    Baan Jakawan Infinity Pool | Chaweng, Koh SamuiBaan Jakawan Living Room | Chaweng, Koh Samui

    BAAN JAKAWAN

    Chaweng, Koh Samui – 8 Bedrooms

    Baan Jakawan is a gorgeous Thai villa with a huge infinity pool complete with a swim-up bar and epic ocean views.

    US $847
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    Mia Beach Open Plan Lounge Area | Chaweng, Koh SamuiMia Palm Indoor Living Area | Chaweng, Koh Samui

    MIA VILLAS

    Chaweng, Koh Samui – 4,5,6,15 Bedrooms

    Mia Villas comprises three luxury beachfront villas and a magnificent Club House, complimented with an excellent professional team.

    US $2,000
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    Sangsuri Villa Three Living Area with Pool View | Chaweng, Koh SamuiSangsuri Villa Three Gardena and Pool | Chaweng, Koh Samui

    SANGSURI VILLA 3

    Chaweng, Koh Samui – 7 Bedrooms

    Sangsuri Villa 3 is designed as a series of luxurious living and sleeping pavilions, set on four levels.

    US $1,706
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    Villa Vista Azul Lounge | Chaweng, Koh SamuiVilla Vista Azul Bedroom One with Balcony | Chaweng, Koh Samui

    VILLA VISTA AZUL

    Chaweng, Koh Samui – 6 Bedrooms

    Villa Vista Azul is a modern four-storey villa with a private spa and cigar lounge, offering panoramic views of the ocean.

    US $1,047
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    Sangsuri Villa Two Pool with View | Chaweng, Koh SamuiSangsuri Villa Two Dining Area with View | Chaweng, Koh Samui

    SANGSURI VILLA 2

    Chaweng, Koh Samui – 8 Bedrooms

    Sangsuri Villa 2 is designed as a series of enchanting and spread through beautiful landscaped grounds.

    US $1,942
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    Baan Kimsacheva Swimming Pool | Chaweng, Koh SamuiBaan Kimsacheva Indoor Living Area | Chaweng, Koh Samui

    BAAN KIMSACHEVA

    Chaweng, Koh Samui – 6 Bedrooms

    Baan Kimsacheva is a fresh modern villa offering sweeping panoramas of Koh Samui island in the popular Chaweng area.

    US $506
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    Baan Fan Noi Living Room|Koh Samui, ThailandBaan Fan Noi Sun Deck|Koh Samui, Thailand

    BAAN FAN NOI

    Chaweng, Koh Samui – 4 Bedrooms

    Baan Fan Noi is a luxurious modern villa with an 18-metre pool, open-air Jacuzzi and super glamorous open-air bathrooms.

    US $647
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    Mia Palm Indoor Living Area | Chaweng, Koh SamuiMia Palm Pool Side | Chaweng, Koh Samui

    MIA PALM

    Chaweng, Koh Samui – 5 Bedrooms

    Boasting an absolute beachfront location, Mia Palm offers luxury with an outdoor jacuzzi and charms families with a kid-friendly pool and playground.

    US $2,012
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    Baan Kuno Bird's Eye View | Koh Samui, ThailandBaan Kuno Swimming Pool | Koh Samui, Thailand

    BAAN KUNO

    Bophut, Koh Samui – 5 Bedrooms

    Baan Kuno is a light filled white villa offering lush views of Samui island and the ocean.

    US $473
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    Raku Samui Indoor Living and Dining Area | Maenam, Koh SamuiRaku Samui Pool Side | Maenam, Koh Samui

    RAKU SAMUI

    Maenam, Koh Samui – 5 Bedrooms

    Raku Samui is a breath-taking luxury villa designed for the discerning traveller, offering endless ocean views and absolute privacy.

    US $882
Ministry

Practical Information

Getting There

FERRY AND BUS

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.

PLANE

Although it is possible to get to Lamai, Koh Samui over land or water, the best way is to fly.

AIRPORT AND PIER TRANSFERS

It takes around 30 minutes to reach Lamai from Samui Airport depending on traffic. If you are travelling by ferry, the trip from Nathon Pier can take between 35 minutes to 50 minutes. Ministry of Villas can arrange a chauffeur to greet you upon arrival and escort you to your villa.

AIRPORT TAXI

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.

Getting Around

There are several options, so we’ve ranked them according to our recommendations for first-time travellers:

PRIVATE CAR

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.

RENTAL SCOOTER

Hundreds of scooter rental shops are dotting Lamai village. Travelling on two wheels is the fastest and most convenient way to move around Lamai as you can zig-zag the traffic and park just about anywhere, however, a certain level of experience is required. Take into account that 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. And, of course, make sure you wear a helmet.

RENTAL CAR

Car travel in Lamai is an easy and comfortable way to move about the city and explore other areas. It is recommended, though, to select a 4×4 wheel drive car as the Samui is featured with steep hills and cliffs, which can be only reached by a power vehicle. 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 when renting a car such as Hertz, Avis and Budget Car Rentals.

SONGTHAEWS OR PICK-UP TAXIS

Songthaews or “two-benches” are simple pick-up tracks that follow their set routes and pick up or drop off passengers at any site along the route. The trip usually costs THB20, and anyone can simply jump into the truck or require the stop ringing a bell. Though the route is described in English, it can be tricky to puzzle out how to get to the destination point for the first-time traveller so always double check where the vehicle is going.

TAXI

There are a plethora of taxis cruising along the streets of Lamai, making it easy to get around the town. Though, it is also an expensive way to move about as there is only one taxi company that operates on Samui island with the bright red and yellow sedan-style taxis with the “Meter-Taxi” sign on top. Even though cars are equipped with meters, local drivers rarely use them, so before getting to the car make sure you agreed on a price.

Ministry

Lamai Travelogue