Lamai Beach Attractions

Hua Thanon

Just South of Hinta Hinyai, this fishing village is home to a large proportion of Samui's Muslim population, and still retains a quaint, old-Samui feel, with rickety teakwood houses lining the road, as well as some decent seafood restaraunts and ethnic clothing and jewellery boutiques. Whilst you may not see too many long-tail boats setting off to cast nets these days, its worth checking out the teak houses put to modern usage, with the play station arcades and cars parked in the front rooms.

Laem Sor Pagoda

This pagoda is to be found at the southern most tip of Koh Samui, which is also the end of Bang Kao Beach. Its golden hue, glowing in the sunlight, makes for an astonishingly beautiful contrast to the Columbia blue sky and the turquoise sea behind it.

The entrance is guarded by two 'Yak' (meaning giant) warrior statues with immense swords, colourful clothing and scary faces. Buddha stands in the doorway to the rear of the statues. This one is always a great photo opportunity as there is absolutely nothing obstructing your view and it all fits on one photograph. It's located eleven kilometres south of Lamai.

How to get there: Take the 4169 to route 4170 and make a left. There's another left at Laem-Sho-Road and then about 1 kilometre to the pagoda.
Tour Available: Half Day Samui Adventure

Lamai Overlap Stone

It is a challenge to get up to these impressive balanced boulders, but the spectacular views on arrival make it worthwhile for the adventurous traveller. The steep, rough, dirt-track road leading to the viewpoint should only be attempted on a dirt bike or with a 4x4, and the last stretch may have to be walked, depending on conditions. Alternatively it is a hard 20-minute climb on foot, but there is a refreshment stall at the top and it is an exhilarating experience.

How to get there: Look for the signs on the right hand side of the ring road 1km south of Hinta Hinyai in Lamai Beach.

Pagoda Khao Chedi

The Pagoda Khao Chedi ('khao' means 'white') is a 'Srivijaya' style chedi situated on a hill above the area Laem Sor. It, also, goes by the name Laem Sor Pagoda, which can be a bit confusing for newcomers to the island seeing as there is another Laem Sor Pagoda below it on Bang Kao Beach, but this one's golden. You get spectacular views to all sides from this vantage point including mainland Suratthani, Bang Kao Bay all the way to Laem Set Point and the islands ('Koh' means island in Thai) Taen (Turtle island) and Mudsum in addition to Wat Laem Sor.

It is, without a doubt, one of the best places on Koh Samui to watch the sun go down. Mix in a little ATV riding adventure, swimming and general relaxation on the beach for a full day of pleasure away from the usual tourist crowds. It's worth it to lie in the hammock at the top and watch the sunset.

Location: Located eleven kilometres south of Lamai take the 4169 to route 4170 and make a left.

Silver Beach / Tongtakien bay

This beautiful little bay is located just off the main road as you come down the hill into north Lamai from Chaweng. There are three resorts on the beach, so it can get crowded in high season, but it is well worth a visit for the stunning scenery. Crystal blue waters and white sand, bordered by craggy limestone rock formations and verdant hills: the archetypal Thai beach.

The water is shallow at low tide and there is only one area good for bathing, (to the left of the bay) but once you have waded out, the water is wonderful and there are some fish around the rocks and reef for snorkellers to follow. You can get a reasonable meal and cold drinks from any of the three resorts' beachfront restaurants, and the Samui Yacht Club Hotel has a pool for diners and guests.

Wat Laem Sor

Wat Laem Sor is a very large boat with the temple sitting astern and surrounded by a pool of water to make it appear as if it's in the ocean, which is actually about 200 meters away. The view of this temple is especially impressive when seen from the Pagoda Khao Chedi on the hill above Bang Kao Beach. What you'll see is a large, beautiful, bright blue, boat sailing amongst the coconut trees.

Awesome! When seen together with the beach and Bang Kao Bay it makes a wonderful sight indeed! As you enter the temple complex look to your left and you will see, growing along the ground like a snake, (Which is unusual to say the least) a large palm tree. When you combine your visit to this temple and the two Laem Sor Pagodas with the beach and nearby ATV Adventure Park it will make for an exciting day of sightseeing, four wheel adventure, swimming, relaxation and fun. At the end of the day you can then enjoy one of Thailand's fabulous and romantic sunsets. Leave the kids at the resort.

Location: Located eleven kilometres south of Lamai.
How to get there: Take the 4169 to route 4170 and make a left. There's another left at Laem-Sho-Road and then about 1 kilometre to the temple, which is only 100 meters away from Laem Sor Pagoda (the gold one).

Wat Lamai and Cultural Hall

The Lamai temple is the social epicentre for the local Thai community. Alongside weddings, funerals and religious festivals, it plays host to some lively temple fairs throughout the year with concerts, fairground games, food and even an outdoor cinema.The temple fairs last for over a week and if you are in Lamai when one is being held it is certainly worth checking out.

The musty, dusty Cultural Hall inside the temple complex houses a quaint and unique collection of artefacts from Samui's past, ranging from brass and earthenware vessels and cooking implements to wooden agricultural tools, Armadillo skins; dried pufferfish, swords, muskets, ancient bicycles, and an amazing 2000 year old metal ceremonial drum unearthed in Lamai village. The fact that there are no explanatory notes in English means that you have to use your imagination to compose mental images of Samui's bygone days.

How to get there: Route 4169