Where to stay in
Lamai

Lamai is Samui's second-biggest beach, with a long stretch of sand and clear water close to Chaweng's, but quieter, with less nightlife and rooms and meals roughly 20-30% cheaper. It suits couples, families, and anyone after a genuine rest. If you want a full strip of bars, clubs, late-night buzz, and lots of shopping, Chaweng fits better. Lamai still has a moderate cluster of bars and a night market along the central beach to wander.

There's no train or strong public transit here. Getting to Chaweng, Samui Airport, or the piers usually means a taxi, a songthaew, or a hotel car. If you plan several days of island sightseeing, renting a scooter is more flexible and cheaper, though some roads, especially the climbs up to hillside resorts, are steep and winding, so drive carefully if you're not used to them. Island taxis are fairly pricey and often don't use the meter, so agree on the fare before you get in.

Samui is on the Gulf of Thailand, so its seasons differ from Phuket's. The driest, most reliable weather is roughly February to April, with clear water and calm seas. The heaviest rain falls from October to December, when you may get some swell and seaweed washing onto the beach. Lamai faces east; the water is fairly clear and shallow along the near shore, good for swimming. At low tide the sand widens and the water gets shallower, so check the tide times if you want deeper water.