16/08/2026
Our Weekly Wrap-Up: Week 13 (of 13): Final Reflection (Wrap-Up of Lamai Beach in Koh Samui After 3 Months – Year 5!)
This is now the 4th year in a row (5th visit) we’ve spent extended time in Lamai on Koh Samui in Thailand, and it’s become one of those places that genuinely feels like a home away from home. Our stay has been as amazing as it always is (we have now spent more than 9 months here over the years). It has been all about reconnecting with old friends and making lots of new ones, celebrating Swedish Midsommar with fellow Swedes, exploring the island, celebrating Jonas’s birthday, lazy beach days and lots and lots of tasty food.
BEST TIME TO VISIT (what we experienced):
Unlike most of Thailand, Koh Samui’s dry season is from December to May and its wet season peaks in November, making it a great spot during Thailand's western monsoon. However, we stay around this time of year every year (May to August) as they days can be warm and sunny, followed by tropical thunder storms in the late afternoon / early evening.
HOW TO GET HERE:
Samui is easy to reach via flights / ferries depending on where you’re coming from, and once you’re on the island, area choice matters more than people realise.
WHERE WE STAYED:
Central Lamai, in an apartment owned by a friend, about 100m to the beach and set up for proper living.
To find out more about the other areas on Koh Samui, go back to our post in the first week of June where we go into greater details.
HOW TO GET AROUND:
We walk for daily errands in Lamai (central base helps), and we rent a scooter for bigger errands and freedom:
160cc Honda Click Scooter Rental = 4,000 THB / month (≈ $170 AUD).
For those not comfortable renting a scooter, taxis are an option with fixed pricing (prices are high), as is Grab and the red Songthaews (just flag one down, hop in the back, and pay when you get off — usually 50–100 THB depending on the distance and your negotiating skills).
WHAT WE LOVED:
• walkable daily life + beach access
• beautiful calm water beach with clean white sand
• the ease of settling into routines
• having friends here now (community makes a huge difference)
• the mix of local life and convenience
• feels very safe
• good nightlife – competitive pool league, live music, 100THB cocktails
CHALLENGES WE EXPERIENCED:
• traffic awareness (always)
• heat / humidity on errands
• mosquitoes can be a problem at dusk – repellent is highly recommended as there is dengue on the island
MONEY SAVING TIPS (what actually helps)
• choose a base you can walk from (reduces transport costs)
• mix cheap eats with a few treat meals
• rent transport monthly (if it fits your comfort level) rather than daily
• settle into repeat places instead of chasing ‘new’ every day
• find accommodation with a kitchen as meat and fresh produce is readily available and of a very high quality
• There are nightly happy hours all along the main Lamai street
• Book tours when you get to the island as they are generally more expensive online.
IS THIS A FUTURE SLOW TRAVEL DESTINATION FOR US (1+ MONTHS)?
Yes, clearly! Coming back four years running kind of says it all.
WHO THIS IS PERFECT FOR:
• travellers who like routines + beach life
• people who want a practical base with services nearby
• 50+ slow travellers who value comfort and familiarity over constant movement
WHO MIGHT STRUGGLE HERE
• anyone who dislikes scooters / traffic
• people who need perfect footpaths everywhere
• travellers who get bored without big-city variety
If you’re wanting more specific info, feel free to check our previous ‘Weekly Wrap-Up Posts’ as we’ve covered everything from setup to cost to comfort.
Question: If you’ve been to Lamai or Koh Samui recently, what have we missed, and has it changed much since you were last here?
