The area of Lamai is a simply stunning vacation destination with plenty to do during your stay. Here’s our guide to the top things to do in Lamai, Koh Samui.
From spas, restaurants and shops, to popular historical sites such as Hin Ta & Hin Yai and Wat Khunaram, Lamai is home to plenty of interesting things to see and do. It is well worth hiring a jeep or motorbike to explore the surrounding environs, as many interesting attractions are located on the outskirts of Lamai. Some of the island’s most popular tourist sites are located here such as the phallic Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks and Wat Khunaram, the island’s famous mummified monk – so if you can bear to leave the beach, you could easily fill a few days exploring the area.
Hin Ta and Hin Yai
The Hin Ta and Hin Yai are fascinating rock formations located on Koh Samui’s south coast. These phallic shaped rocks have been a source of wonder since they were discovered by the locals more than 100 years ago.
These rocks, known as Grandpa and Grandma, look vey much like male and female genitalia! Entry to the rocks is free of charge and available all day in daylight hours. the rocks are located on Samui’s south-east coast, about two kilometres south of central Lamai Beach.
Lamai Night Plaza
This nighttime bazaar runs every evening from 5pm at the Lamai Central Plaza. Here, shoppers can find locally made goods such as handmade fans, wooden elephants of all sizes, sarongs, purses and T-shirts and much more.
Do not pay the expected price on any of these items; vendors expect a little bartering for their merchandise, which means that everyone can go home with a bargain. Once all the bartering is over there is a food centre and several pubs to finish off an exciting evening.
Coco Splash Adventure & Water Park
For a day of water-filled fun, turn left at the McDonald’s sign located off Samui Ring Road and follow the signs for Coco Splash Adventure & Water Park.
This park is 10,000 m2 of fun, laughter and thrilling high speed slides that will bring the whole family together.
In addition to the water park, Coco Splash features thrill-seeking activities such as a bungee trampoline, an air bag jump and a tree-to-tree adventures involving aerial rope courses and zip lines. Little adventurers will leave this park happy, exhausted and with their hearts racing.
Lamai Overlap Stone
The Lamai Overlap Stone is one kilometre south of the popular Hin Ta & Hin Yai rocks. Making the journey to this landmark is an adventure in itself – the best way to travel up the dirt-track road is by 4×4 or a dirt bike, with the last stretch being walked on foot.
For those who are looking for more of a challenge, the hard twenty minute climb can be done on foot and there is a refreshment stand waiting for anyone who succeeds in making it to the top. Whatever the route taken, the view at the top is a just reward for the steep trek.
Samui Rock Bar
After visiting the famous Grandfather and Grandmother Rock, the best place to go for lunch is the Samui Rock Bar, where chilled reggae tunes play on the bar’s private beach from 2pm until the early hours of the morning. The bar has typical Thai decor, made from driftwood and recycled material and has a small terrace between two giant boulders with great views of the sea. Come here for live music, nightly fire shows and delicious Thai and international food.
Hua Thanon
Located south of Hin ta and Hin yai, this quaint fishing village still retains a quaint, old-time Samui feel, with rickety wooded houses lining the road, plus some great seafood restauraunts and ethnic clothing and jewellery boutiques. Check out the teak houses put to modern use, with the play station arcades and cars parked in the front rooms!
The Swing Bar
This is the largest club at Lamai Beach, named after the fitted swing seats in the interior. Guests can lounge on the swing seats with a cold beer or a tasty cocktail while enjoying a 180 degree view of the ocean. The menu includes a wide variety of curries, burgers and even a few breakfast options. In the evenings there is a nightly fire show and beach parties happen on Monday and Friday nights for everyone to let out their inner party animal.
Laem Sor Pagoda
This beautiful pagoda is situated at the southern tip of Koh Samui at Bang Kao Beach. The pagoda’s entrance is guarded by two ‘Yak’ (giant) warrior statues with huge swords, colourful clothing and scary faces. Buddha stands in the doorway to the rear, making a great sight and photo opportunity. It’s located eleven kilometres south of Lamai with a tour available via Half Day Samui Adventure
Silver Beach
This gorgeous bay is located just off the main road as you drive into north Lamai from Chaweng. There are three resorts on the beach which means it can get crowded in high season, but it is well worth a visit for the exquisite scenery. Crystal clear waters and white powder sand, bordered by craggy limestone rock formations and lush hills make this beach one to remember.
