Lamai Beach

Lamai beach, on the south coast of Koh samui, is a stunning crescent shaped sandy beach with striking blue seas. It is perfect for swimming most of the year with deep waters in the middle of the beach and shallower rocky areas at either end for children to play. The beach is flanked by resorts, bars and restaurants so you are never far away from a delicious snack or refreshing drink. It is long and wide enough for fitness enthusiasts to enjoy an early morning jog or for a gentle sunset stroll with the sea lapping at your feet.

A day on Lamai beach can be an entertaining and cultural experience. The beach sellers stroll up and down all day selling their wares and stopping for a chat while you check out their products and negotiate prices. You can eat, drink, get a massage, and buy clothes and jewelry without moving more than a couple of metres from your sun bed. Freshly cooked chicken satay, corn on the cob and spicy papaya salad are all available from the beach sellers while you sip on fresh young coconut juice. In the shade of the trees or in open sided salas you can experience a traditional Thai massage on the beach for not much more than a couple of dollars for an hour.

Aside from swimming and sunbathing on Lamai beach, there are plenty of other activities to keep you occupied. You could try your hand at kite surfing, jet skiing, windsurfing or wakeboarding which are all available straight off the beach. If this all sounds a bit energetic and you feel like exploring the surrounding area, then there is plenty to see and do. You can visit the Muslim fishing village of Hua Tanon , explore the waterfalls on an elephant, take photos at Mama and Papa rock or drop into Lamai temple, which is the cultural centre for the local Thai community. Day tours can be arranged taking in all these sights, alternatively renting a car or public transport is easy if you feel like being independent.