Major city · Thailand
Lamaiละไม
Give Lamai 3 nights: beach mornings, Hin Ta Hin Yai and Wat Khunaram by scooter, Sunday walking street. Skip it if you want quiet.
Lamai is Ko Samui's second beach strip, on the southeast coast about 20-30 min by road from the airport and Chaweng. It is cheaper and slower than Chaweng, with a walkable core of restaurants, bars and a night market, and the island's best-known rock formations and mummified monks a short ride south. The beach is good, the sea is not always calm, and the town is busier and more commercial than it was. Most travellers use it as a base for 3 nights, or split a Samui week between Lamai and the north coast.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- THB
- Best months
- Feb-Sep (Gulf coast dry season); Dec-Feb is the coolest stretch
- avoid Oct-Dec (northeast monsoon, rough sea and rain on the Gulf side)
- Airport
- USM
- Nights
- 3
Rules in force · 6Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
- Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
- Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
- Thailand ↗Check entry rules and any arrival card on the official Thai government sites for your passport; visa-exempt stays and pre-arrival forms change.
- Thailand ↗Do not criticise or mock the monarchy: insulting the royal family is a criminal offence.
- Thailand ↗Temples and palaces: shoulders and knees covered, shoes off before entering halls.
- Thailand ↗E-cigarettes and vapes are illegal to import or use; do not pack them.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Lamai191 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Lamai, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Thai baht (THB, ฿).Thailand-wide
- SIM or eSIMAIS and TrueMove H sell tourist SIMs at airport arrivals; passport registration is required.Thailand-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap.Thailand-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: Leave ฿20–100 (≈ US$1–4) or the coins; skip it if a 10% service charge is on the bill.Thailand-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B/C/O. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Thailand-wide
- SafetyLamai is a normal tourist beach town: the real risks are scooter crashes, rip currents in the monsoon months and unpriced bar bills.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in malls and hotels; squat toilets with a water bucket in rural stops.Thailand-wide
- Emergency numbers191 police · 1669 ambulance and rescue · 1155 tourist police (english) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany Bangkok street-food vendors stay off the main roads on Mondays (street-cleaning day in several districts)…Thailand-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportUSM Samui Airport (Ko Samui) (Shared minibus to Lamai about 150 baht (≈ US$5) per person; private taxi charter about 300-400 baht (≈ US$10–13)).
- Getting aroundLamai's core is walkable, but the ring road sights (Hin Ta Hin Yai, Wat Khunaram, Hua Thanon) are 3-8 km (1.9-5 mi) south: use a rented scooter…Lamai's core is walkable, but the ring road sights (Hin Ta Hin Yai, Wat Khunaram, Hua Thanon) are 1.9-5 mi (3-8 km) south: use a rented scooter…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Street or quick mealThai rice or noodle dish at a market stall฿50-120 (≈ US$2–4)
- Beerdraught in a bar / can at a shop฿90-150 (≈ US$3–5)฿40-70 (≈ US$2–3)
- Budget bedFan bungalow or guesthouse room, a night, per room฿500 (≈ US$16)
- Mid-range bedFan bungalow or guesthouse room, a night, per room฿900 (≈ US$30)
- High-end bedFan bungalow or guesthouse room, a night, per room฿1,500 (≈ US$50)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ฿1,500 (≈ US$50) · Mid ฿3,200 (≈ US$100) · High ฿8,000 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- USM Samui Airport (Ko Samui) (Shared minibus to Lamai about 150 baht per person; private taxi charter about 300-400 baht)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Feb
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Mar
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Apr
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
May
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jun
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jul
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Nov
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Dec
Care
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Best: Jan–Sep. Mixed: Dec. Avoid: Oct–Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Apr (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C) low), wettest Oct (18 rain days), driest Feb (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Lamai: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
6 rd
Feb
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
4 rd
Mar
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
5 rd
Apr
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
7 rd
May
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14 rd
Jun
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
16 rd
Oct
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
18 rd
Nov
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
18 rd
Dec
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Lamai's core is walkable, but the ring road sights (Hin Ta Hin Yai, Wat Khunaram, Hua Thanon) are 3-8 km south: use a rented scooter, a songthaew or a taxi. Songthaews run along the ring road between Lamai and Chaweng; agree the fare before you get in. Scooter rental is the usual choice; check the bike and wear a helmet, and an IDP plus your home licence is the legal position in Thailand.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Hin Ta and Hin Yai
goDoor to door: 15-25 min from central Lamai
Scooter or songthaew south along the ring road past Hua Thanon
Free to view; go early before the tour vans. Small beach nearby is for paddling, not swimming.
Wat Khunaram
goDoor to door: 20-30 min
Scooter south on the ring road past Hua Thanon towards Na Mueang
Houses the mummified monk Loung Pordaeng, in a glass case since 1973. Dress covered; it is an active temple.
Wat Lamai
goDoor to door: 5-15 min
Walk or short ride to the temple corner near the market
Cultural hall holds local artefacts including a ceremonial drum dug up in a Lamai village; usually quiet.
Ko Tao diving day
cautionDoor to door: Full day, early start
Dive shop speedboat from Lamai; several shops run near-daily trips
There is no diving off Samui itself, so every shop goes to Ko Tao. Two fun dives with lunch, kit and instructor around ฿4,500.
Chaweng
goDoor to door: 20-30 min
Songthaew or taxi north along the ring road
Bigger beach, more nightlife and shopping; use it for an evening, not a base swap.
Nathon
cautionDoor to door: 40-50 min
Songthaew or taxi west along the ring road
Ferry pier and island admin town; useful only if you are leaving by boat.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Lamai Beach Road (central strip)
Walk to restaurants, bars and the night market; the busiest and noisiest part.
South end of Lamai
Quieter, near Hin Ta and Hin Yai; mix of beach bungalows and mid-range resorts.
Ring Road / hillside
Cheaper rooms set back from the beach; you need a scooter or songthaew for every trip.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ฿1,200-2,000 (≈ US$40–65) excl. bed
- Mid
- ฿2,500-4,500 (≈ US$80–140) excl. bed
- High
- ฿6,000 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Air-con double room1 × 3 nights × ฿2,500 | ฿7,500 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × ฿3,200 | ฿19,200 |
| Samui Airport to Lamai, shared minibus, both ways2 × ฿300 | ฿600 |
| Scooter rental, one day2 × ฿250 · fuel extra | ฿500 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ฿400 | ฿800 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ฿2,860 |
| Trip total≈ ฿5,240 per person per day, bed included | ฿31,460≈ US$1,000 |
2026 estimate in baht; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Thai rice or noodle dish at a market stall | ฿50-120 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Fresh seafood plate at a beach restaurant | ฿200-500 (≈ US$7–16) |
| Beer: draught in a bar / can at a shop | ฿90-150 (≈ US$3–5) / ฿40-70 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Scooter rental, one daypassport deposit is common, avoid leaving your passport | ฿200-350 (≈ US$7–11) |
| Songthaew, Lamai to Chawengagree first | ฿100-200 (≈ US$4–7) |
| Internet cafe, one hour | about ฿60 (≈ US$2) |
| Thai massage, one hour | ฿300-500 (≈ US$10–16) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Rip currents and rough water in the monsoon months; red flags mean no swimming.
- Scooter rental disputes over existing damage: photograph the bike before you ride off.
- Bar and restaurant bills with no posted prices: ask the total before you order.
- Jet-ski and motorbike deposit claims are a known island issue; use operators with clear paperwork.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 191
- Ambulance and rescue
- 1669
- Tourist police (English)
- 1155
Pocket card
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Lamaiละไม
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
—
ไปที่ที่อยู่นี้To this address, please
Emergency
- Police191
- Ambulance and rescue1669
- Tourist police (English)1155
Embassy
No embassies on Samui; most countries are represented in Bangkok, with consulates in Phuket and Chiang Mai for some. Check your own embassy's list before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Samui Airport to Lamai, shared minibus: about ฿150 (≈ US$5) per person
- Samui Airport to Lamai, private taxi charter: about ฿300-400 (≈ US$10–13)
- Ferry terminal to Lamai, minibus: about ฿60-100 (≈ US$2–4) per person
Say or show
- สวัสดี — Hello (sawatdee)
- ขอบคุณ — Thank you (khop khun)
- เท่าไหร่ — How much is it? (tao rai)
- แพงไป — Too expensive (phaeng pai)
- ไม่เผ็ด — Not spicy, please (mai phet)
- ห้องน้ำอยู่ไหน — Where is the toilet? (hong nam yu nai)
Emergency numbers are national. Tourist police 1155 answers in English.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Lamai. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Feb-Sep (Gulf coast dry season); Dec-Feb is the coolest stretch · avoid Oct-Dec (northeast monsoon, rough sea and rain on the Gulf side) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for USM: minibus and taxi charter bands field-checked, late-arrival fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: central Lamai strip, the market and boxing-ring corner, south-end beach, Wat Lamai and the ring road.
- Place pages with verified entry rules (Hin Ta Hin Yai, Wat Khunaram, Wat Lamai) and eat pages with last orders.
- Monsoon and red-flag fixtures so beach days can go green or be swapped for inland plans.
Sources
- officialTourism Authority of Thailand
- secondaryOpenStreetMap - Lamai
- secondaryWikivoyage: Lamai, revision 5118484 (CC BY-SA 4.0)