Laem Yai is a beach for those who fancy unconventional seaside holidays. It’s tucked away in the north-western part of Koh Samui, deep in the jungle, far from the island’s main hustle and bustle, roads and shops.
Beach Overview
The beach stretches for about half a mile. It begins near a solitary mountain standing in the sea and ends at a rocky reef bordering Bang Makhem beach. The chain of islands from Ang Thong National Marine Park is clearly visible on the horizon.Along its entire length, Laem Yai beach remains consistent in width, sand composition and natural debris.
This is one of Samui’s most naturally cluttered beaches. The width, I should mention, is about seven feet during high tide. The sand at Laem Yai is rather mixed – a combination of fine yellow sand with small stones, larger individual pebbles and shells.The sand is so compact that the few holidaymakers stroll along it whilst local fishermen drive their jeeps across it.
Cleanliness, as mentioned above, leaves much to be desired, but it should be noted that the debris is of natural origin.You’ll hardly find any plastic or fishing polystyrene with nets, but there are plenty of fallen trees, old coconuts, sticks and logs. At low tide, the muddy bottom is exposed along with stones of various sizes.
Getting into the water can be tricky in places because of this, but not so much that you’d give up on a stroll.Swimming at Laem Yai isn’t really possible – this is a beach for walks, sunbathing and photo shoots.
Swimming
At the beginning of the description, you probably noticed that I mentioned the beach width as about seven feet during high tide. Yet in the photos you can see quite a wide strip of sand, which doesn’t quite match up with seven feet.
Well, the uniqueness of Laem Yai beach is that it only becomes a proper beach at low tide.The sea here is so shallow that it retreats up to a quarter of a mile (500 metres), leaving behind patches of sand and puddles ankle-deep.
Typically, the peak low tides occur around midday, so the exposed seabed areas have time to dry out and become wonderful little island-beaches where guests from nearby hotels settle down. Due to the shallow water, there are never large waves here, except during storm season.
It’s an ideal beach for children, but rather dull for parents.
Sunbeds and Shade
Sunbeds on the beach are arranged along the resort walls and are intended only for their guests, but there’s plenty of natural shade. The entire green, palm-covered shore hosts just two resorts.
Beach Photos
Amenities
The area where Laem Yai beach is located sits on the outskirts of Samui’s Ring Road. There isn’t a single shop, laundry or equipment rental here – all these pleasures are either on the road along Bang Makhem or at Bang Po. It’s about two miles (3 kilometres) to the nearest mini-market or laundry, whilst the big three hypermarkets are nine miles (15 km) from Laem Yai – about 30 minutes by car.
Among the nearest attractions, within a ten-minute drive:
- A viewpoint at the highest point of the “Nathon hill” – the pass between Nathon and Bang Po;
- A wild viewpoint on the mountain opposite the viewpoint mentioned above;
- Zong Rya waterfall, the road to which begins opposite the Seatran Ferry car park;
- Several temples and churches of different religions.
Entertainment at Laem Yai consists of one restaurant that makes stunning affordable cocktails, two massage huts with village grannies, tree swings for romantic sunset watching and kayaks for hire. If you ride a motorbike towards the cape where Laem Yai begins, you can discover a reggae-rasta bar there with good music and sunset views.
Accommodation
Only two resorts stand on the shore, whilst a third, Garto Resort, was in the process of restoration after long-term closure, and in May 2014 the construction process was just beginning.
- Mai Samui Beach Resort & SPA 4
- The Passage Samui Villas & Resort 4
There are no rental houses within a two-mile (3 kilometre) radius. As I said – this is the edge of civilisation.
How to Find the Beach
To reach Laem Yai beach, you need to head towards the Nathon hill until you see “The Passage” sign. If you’re coming from Nathon, this sign will be on your route before reaching the uphill climb.
If you’re coming from Maenam, don’t rush when descending the hill – the sign will be on your right, but the turn isn’t the most convenient or safe on this stretch. It’s better to drive a bit further and turn around.Suggested article titles:
