Introduction: Why Lamai is Koh Samui’s Perfect Sweet Spot
Chaweng has the non-stop party, Bophut has the charming heritage, but Lamai… Lamai has the soul.
As Koh Samui’s second-largest resort town, Lamai strikes the perfect balance between relaxed, old-island charm and the vibrant energy of a town that knows what it’s doing. It’s a place where you can feel the island’s pulse without being overwhelmed by it, making it a frequent favourite for seasoned travellers who want more than just a fly-and-flop holiday.
Beyond the beautiful sweep of its main beach, you’ll find a landscape of lush jungle, dramatic coastal viewpoints, authentic culture, and a food scene that punches well above its weight.
It’s a town that rewards the curious. Whether you’re an adventurer looking for hidden gems, a family needing easy-access activities, a cultural explorer, or just someone searching for that perfect patch of sand, Lamai delivers.
This isn’t just another list of “Lamai attractions.” This is your curated guide to the best things to do in Lamai, from its most famous icons to the spots that locals love. Let’s explore.
1. Experience Lamai Beach and Surrounding Beaches (The Right Way)
Of course, the beach itself is a main attraction!
But not all parts of Lamai Beach are created equal. This long, beautiful crescent of palm-fringed white sand offers distinctly different experiences, and knowing what to do in Lamai‘s main beach is key.
The southern end, near the Hin Ta & Hin Yai rocks, is generally calmer, more tranquil, and arguably the most beautiful. Massive, smooth granite boulders are scattered in the turquoise water, creating picturesque swimming coves.
The central and northern parts are where you’ll find more action: laid-back beachfront restaurants, chilled-out bars, and vendors offering water sports like jet-skiing and paddleboarding. It’s generally cleaner and often less crowded than Chaweng, making it ideal for a long sunrise walk or a full day of sun-worshipping.
2. Explore the Lamai Night Market Scene
While the famous Sunday Walking Street is a thing of the past, Lamai’s night market energy lives on. The main hub of activity is now the daily night market located in 2 locations: near the mcdonalds and at the Reggae Pub right on Lamai Beach Road.
It’s a more concentrated affair, making it an easy and reliable weeknight activity in Lamai. You’ll find a collection of food stalls serving up essential market bites—think smoky grilled meats, fresh spring rolls, pad Thai, and fruit shakes. It’s the perfect spot for a quick, casual, and budget-friendly dinner before grabbing a drink or after a day on the beach. It captures that classic, breezy island market vibe any night of the week.
Insider Tip: Because it’s smaller, it’s less of an all-night affair and more of a great food stop. Grab a few different things from the stalls, find a seat, and enjoy the people-watching as the beach road comes to life.
3. Get a Serious All-Day Breakfast in Lamai
A key part of the Lamai island lifestyle is that breakfast doesn’t end at 11 am. Skip the mediocre hotel buffet and head to The Hub Cafe and Eatery in Lamai. It’s our core philosophy: breakfast is served all day, every day. The Hub is a reliable meeting point for locals and travellers, whether it’s 9 am or 2 pm.
The menu is a mix of Western brunch classics and modern healthy options, and even authentic Thai food. This is the answer for when you’re genuinely hungry and craving western breakfast.
We’re talking about benchmark-level Eggs Benedict with rich, proper hollandaise, a real Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Bagel, or a substantial Avo Toast that’s a full plate.
Eggs Benedict? We’ve got you covered.
It’s also the go-to for healthy favourites like smoothie bowls with tropical fruit or a fresh Garden Omelette.
Finding the best breakfast in Lamai means finding a place that serves fresh, satisfying food on your schedule, and that’s the entire concept. Come and visit our air-conditioned cafe on Lamai beach road.
4. Get a Bird’s-Eye View at Lamai Viewpoint
If the challenging hike to Overlap Stone sounds a bit too intense, the Lamai Viewpoint offers a fantastic (and much more accessible) alternative. Located conveniently just off the main ring road, this spot is part-attraction, part-viewpoint, and perfect for families.
A short, steep funicular-style cable car (or a quick walk, if you prefer) takes you up to the first level. Here you’ll find the “Valentine Stone” (a large, heart-shaped rock perfect for a photo) and a charming fish spa where you can dip your feet.
Go a little further up, and you’ll reach the main café and viewpoint, offering a stunning 180-degree look at the Lamai coastline. For a small extra fee, you can even do a short, exhilarating zipline across the jungle canopy.
5. See the Unforgettable Hin Ta & Hin Yai (The Grandfather & Grandmother Rocks)
You can’t create a Lamai guide without mentioning its most famous (and cheekiest) landmark. These natural rock formations, sculpted by wind and water to uncannily resemble male and female genitalia, are a non-negotiable must-see. The local legend—of an old couple, Ta Kreng and Yai Riem, who shipwrecked here and turned to stone while on a journey to secure their son’s marriage—only adds to the charm.
The formations themselves are set against a dramatic backdrop of turquoise water and massive granite boulders. It’s a beautiful spot to clamber around (carefully!) and take in the power of the coastline.
Insider Tip: Skip the midday heat when the sun is harsh and the tour buses pull in. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon. The golden-hour light on the granite is stunning, the crowds are thinner, and the view over the sea is spectacular. Don’t leave without buying a bag of kalamare—the sticky, sweet, and nutty coconut caramel delicacy sold by the local vendors in the entrance market. It’s the official taste of this spot.
6. Find the Other View at Hin Ta & Hin Yai (The Secret Lamai Viewpoint)
While 99% of visitors scramble over the famous rocks for a photo, the savvy traveller knows the real viewpoint is just a short walk away. This is the hidden gem of Lamai that most people miss. Look for the small, often unmarked paths leading up the hill behind the main rock formations.
After a very brief scramble, you’ll emerge onto a flat granite slab that offers a breathtaking, unobstructed panoramic view north across the entire crescent of Lamai Beach. You can see the whole bay, the jungle-clad hills behind it, and the headlands stretching towards Chaweng. It’s the “cover photo” shot you’ve been looking for.
Insider Tip: This is, without question, the best spot in Lamai for a sunrise or early morning photo. You’ll have it almost entirely to yourself, and watching the first light hit the beach from this high vantage point is pure magic.
7. Witness the Spectacle of a Beach Fire Show
As the sun sets, Lamai’s nightlife begins to stir. While it’s more relaxed and less chaotic than its northern neighbour, Chaweng, it has its own spectacular brand of entertainment.
Find a seat at one of the many beachfront bars or restaurants (many of which are clustered mid-beach), order a cold Chang, feel the sand between your toes, and wait for the show to begin.
Most nights, talented performers put on incredible fire-twirling shows right on the sand. It’s a mesmerizing, free-to-watch spectacle of skill and danger that perfectly complements the sound of the waves. This is the quintessential, low-key island-night-out experience.
8. Visit Lamai’s Temples (Wat Lamai, Wat Khunaram, Wat Hin Lat)
To get a true sense of Lamai’s culture, set aside time for its temples. Start with Wat Lamai, the true cultural heart of the community. It’s a living part of the town where you’ll find locals making merit in a tangible atmosphere of peace.
Don’t miss the Lamai Cultural Hall & Folklore Museum on the grounds, which houses fascinating artefacts from Samui’s pre-tourism past.
Then, take a short drive south to Wat Khunaram, one of Samui’s most unique sites. It’s famous for the remarkably preserved body of Loung Pordaeng, a revered monk who died in meditation in 1973. His body, housed in a glass casket, is a powerful reminder of Buddhist teachings and is a quick, unforgettable stop.
Insider Tip: Please remember these are active places of worship. Dress respectfully (cover your shoulders and knees) and be quiet and considerate.
9. Take a Quick Trip to Hin Lat Waterfall
For a proper half-day adventure, take the 20 minute drive from Lamai to the island’s interior near Nathon to find Hin Lat Waterfall. Unlike some of the more accessible falls, this one rewards you for your effort.
If you’d prefer not to trek, there are cafes set along the waterfall at the base as well as a temple. It’s a great atmosphere with locals relaxing and taking a dip in the stream.
The journey begins at the base of a temple, Wat Namtok Hin Lat, and from there, it’s a 20-30 minute genuine jungle hike along a shaded, rocky trail. The path itself is an adventure, but the payoff is a beautiful, multi-tiered waterfall cascading into several freshwater pools. It’s the perfect place for a refreshing swim after a hot hike, and it’s far less crowded than other popular spots, offering a real sense of jungle immersion.
Insider Tip: Since this waterfall is at the base of a temple, it’s important to be respectful of the peaceful atmosphere by not playing music and dressing appropriately, especially if going into the temple grounds across the bridge.
If you’re coming for the trek, it’s recommended to wear decent shoes (not flip-flops) and bring water for the hike. The best time to go is during or just after the rainy season (October-January) when the falls are at their most impressive but remember to be extra careful as the rocks are at their most slippery.
Conclusion: Your Lamai Adventure Awaits You In Koh Samui
Lamai is an island of its own within Koh Samui. It’s a place that invites you to do as much, or as little, as you want. You can spend your day hiking to a breathtaking, secret viewpoint, or you can simply find the perfect breakfast spot and watch the world go by.
It has the infrastructure, the food, and the beauty, but it still holds onto that laid-back, authentic island vibe that is becoming harder to find. It’s a town that’s easy to live in, not just visit. We hope this guide helps you discover the corners of Lamai we’ve come to love.
