Lamai Beach

The beach is wider then Chaweng and the waters deeper making it good for swimming although it can be quite rough during the monsoons.

The beach is not as shady as Chaweng and the water is generally cooler because of the deeper waters.

Lamai is a good location for younger couples and the singles crowd. The choice for eating and drinking is varied. Inexpensive prices for food and drink are readily available in Lamai.

The best way to discover Lamai is by walking around the area and enjoying the sights.

Within Lamai itself there is a small museum at the old monastery complex. There are a number of gyms offering Thai boxing lessons, along with many dive shops.

Near by are several health spas and meditation centers to cater to your personal comforts.

Beyond the beach road there are groves of banana and coconut plantations. Toward the interior there are trails for hiking and dirt bikes.

Head slightly south of Lamai for the famous Grandfather and Grandmother natural rock formations.

Hua Thanon

Further up from Laimai is Hua Thanon, a predominately rocky beach whose waters are quite shallow and is lined with coconut palms.

Hua Thanon is on the eastern side of the Island. It is home to the largest fishing village and offers a mixture of cultures. The village running along the main road is more Chinese whilst the village along the beach is predominately Muslim.

Hua Thanon is a bustling area serving local residents. This makes it culturally rewarding for those wanting to see more of the traditional Samui.

You can find it situated where the Ring Road turns west and north towards Nathon.

Look for many traditional Thai houses in the coconut groves on the side roads and trails around Hua Thanon. Also of interest are local craft and woodworking shops along the Ring Road, as well as several artist galleries.

The village proper, looks out on Na Kai Bay, which is noted for its colorful collection of fishing boats. The beach area, where the fishermen live, is lined with fishing boats. Depending upon the time of day, the traffic from these boats can be quite noisy.

There are only resorts tucked in among the palm trees on either side of the fishing village. The resorts here provide more of a self-contained environment.