Samui's relaxed second beach town - good value, a real centre, a strong fitness scene and a growing long-stay crowd.
Lamai sits just south of Chaweng on the east coast and is Samui's second beach town - a relaxed, more affordable alternative with its own long beach, a compact walkable centre and an increasingly settled long-stay community. It keeps good amenities and dining while feeling calmer and cheaper than Chaweng a short ride to the north.
The town has become a hub for Muay Thai gyms, CrossFit and wellness, drawing remote workers and fitness-minded expats on month-plus stays. Condos and villas spread along the beach and into the hills behind, rents here are among the better value on the busy east coast, and the famous Hin Ta and Hin Yai rock formations sit at the southern end.
Budget-conscious expatsRemote workersFitness & wellness travellersLong-stay couples
Indicative monthly condo rents in Lamai, by unit size. Ranges reflect the spread from older or smaller stock to new, high-spec towers — verify current asking prices on individual listings.
| Unit | Monthly rent (THB) |
|---|---|
| Studio | ฿7,000 – ฿13,000 |
| 1 bedroom | ฿11,000 – ฿22,000 |
| 2 bedroom | ฿22,000 – ฿45,000 |
| 3 bedroom | ฿40,000 – ฿90,000 |
Songthaews (shared pick-ups) (ring road to Chaweng & beyond) · Scooter & motorbike taxis (cheapest island transport) · Grab / Bolt & taxis (on-demand) · Samui International Airport (USM) (~20-25 min north)
Pin locations are approximate. Tap any coloured pin to draw walking & driving directions from "this residence"; use the controls to see what’s within a 15–30 min walk or drive.
International School of Samui (~25 min) · Greenacre International School (Bophut, ~30 min)
Bangkok Hospital Samui (Chaweng, ~15 min) · Samui International Hospital (Chaweng, ~20 min)
Lamai Beach (long east-coast bay) · Hin Ta & Hin Yai (grandfather/grandmother rocks) · Lamai Walking Street (Sunday night market) · Muay Thai & fitness gyms
Lamai town centre (Thai & international) · Beach-road seafood · Health & wellness cafes
Yes - Lamai is generally better value than Chaweng for similar amenities. Indicatively, studios run about THB 7,000-13,000 a month and one-bedrooms THB 11,000-22,000, below comparable Chaweng stock, which is a big reason long-stay and budget-conscious expats favour it.
Lamai is Samui's relaxed second beach town, known for good value, a real walkable centre, the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rock formations and an unusually strong concentration of Muay Thai, CrossFit and wellness gyms that draw fitness-minded long-stayers.
It can be - Lamai is calmer than Chaweng and has a long beach, everyday amenities and lower rents, though families wanting international schools and the quietest setting often prefer the north and west coasts around Bophut, Maenam and Lipa Noi.
Primary and official sources are cited above. Government rules, fees and procedures in Thailand change over time and vary by office; always confirm current requirements with the relevant authority before relying on them. BAANLYY never takes paid placement in editorial content.
Compare it with other areas, browse the condos here, and run the numbers before you commit.
General information, not legal, tax, immigration or financial advice. Pricing is indicative — confirm current details on individual listings or with licensed professionals. Hero imagery via Pexels.