Lamai is Koh Samui’s second town and, for many buyers, its best balance of lifestyle and value. A long, wide beach runs along the east coast south of Chaweng. Behind it sits a relaxed town of restaurants, cafés, gyms, Muay Thai camps and a weekly night market, with green hills climbing behind. Lamai has the island’s widest choice of new condominiums, alongside sea-view and garden pool villas on the surrounding hillsides.
Living in Lamai
- The beach. Lamai Beach is long and sandy. It is calmer and less built-up than Chaweng, with the famous Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks at its southern end.
- Everyday life. Supermarkets, international restaurants, clinics, fitness studios and co-working spaces are all close by. It’s an easy place to live all year.
- Getting around. Chaweng’s shops and hospitals are about 15 minutes away, and the airport around 25–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Who buys here. Long-stay residents, remote workers, retirees and investors looking for rental demand at a lower entry price than Chaweng.
Property in Lamai
Condos
Lamai has the island’s biggest choice of condos. Projects range from compact one-bedroom units to large corner apartments with lagoon pools. Current examples include:
- Coral Condo Samui, with furnished one- to three-bedroom units from around ฿6.6 million;
- The Terraza, resale one-bedroom units from around ฿5 million;
- Pahili Loft, with one-bedroom apartments from around ฿3.6 million.
See all condos for sale in Koh Samui.
Villas
The hills behind Lamai offer sea-view villas facing east over the Gulf, with garden pool villas closer to town. Recent examples include four- and five-bedroom sea-view homes around ฿23–28 million, and garden pool villas around ฿13–14 million. Browse villas for sale or the sea view collection.
Renting out in Lamai
Lamai has a steady rental market. Holiday guests come for the beach and the quieter atmosphere, and long-stay tenants for the year-round lifestyle. One-bedroom pool villas here let from around ฿4,000 a night. Read our investment guide and check the licensing rules for short-term rentals.
Nearby areas
- Chaweng and Chaweng Noi: busier, with more nightlife and shopping, just north.
- The quieter south coast villages beyond Hua Thanon, covered in our area guide.
- Bophut, on the north coast, if you prefer to be close to the airport and schools.
Buying in Lamai
Foreigners can buy Lamai condos freehold within the foreign quota. Villas are usually bought with the land on a registered lease. Our guide to buying property in Koh Samui explains the process. For condos specifically, see buying a condominium in Thailand.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, for buyers who want a real town with a long beach, a lower entry price than Chaweng and year-round rental demand. It has the island’s widest choice of new condos.
One-bedroom condos in Lamai start from around ฿3.6 million, with larger two- and three-bedroom units from around ฿10 million.
Usually around 25–30 minutes by car.
Talk to us
We know Lamai’s buildings and streets well. Book a free consultation and we’ll shortlist the best options for you.