Lamai is Koh Samui's second-largest beach town, just south of Chaweng on the island's south-east coast. It gives you much of what Chaweng does — a long swimming beach, restaurants, markets and an evening scene — but at a gentler pace and, crucially for buyers, a noticeably lower entry price. That combination of amenities and value is why Lamai has become a favourite with families, long-stay residents and value-focused investors.
Why buyers choose Lamai
Lamai answers a simple question: how do I get beach-town convenience and rental demand without Chaweng's prices? You get the beach, the shops, the dining and the nightlife-lite — plus a real resident community — for meaningfully less. For buyers watching the budget, or investors chasing yield rather than a trophy address, that value is the whole appeal.
The lifestyle
Day to day, Lamai is easy-going and self-sufficient: a long swimming beach, the Lamai walking street and night market, the famous Hin Ta and Hin Yai rock formations, muay thai stadiums, gyms, clinics and a good spread of restaurants. There's an evening scene if you want it, but the tone is calmer than Chaweng — everyday island living rather than round-the-clock tourism.
Location & getting around
- Chaweng — about 15–20 minutes north for bigger shopping and nightlife.
- Samui Airport — roughly 20–25 minutes.
- Hospitals & Central Festival — a short drive up in Chaweng.
- The Ring Road keeps the rest of the island within easy reach.
The property market in 2026
- Houses & homes — modern family houses for living or long-term rental, at accessible prices.
- Condos & apartments — including beachfront stock, with steady rental demand.
- Hillside villas — sea-view pool villas above the town, below east-coast premiums elsewhere.
Broadly, Lamai sits at a lower price point than Chaweng and Bophut for equivalent property — a big part of its investment appeal.
The investment case
Lamai's draw for investors is the value-to-demand ratio: solid, year-round rental interest at a lower purchase price than the premium areas, which lifts the yield maths. Model the return on any Lamai listing with our Samui Investment Valuator, and see our 2026 investment guide for the wider view.