January 19,2010 – Day 390 – Koh Samui, Thailand

Made the move down south from Mae Nam Beach to Lamai Beach. Expected it to be packed and even more overpriced than Mae Nam but were pleasantly surprised that most things (food, lodging mainly) are a tad cheaper on Lamai. Even more surprised to see just how few people are here on the island.

Saben on Lamai

It’s a very large island to be sure but overall, this tourist season is just not booming. Nice for us since we can easily find good deals on lodging especially but not so good for the local population who make their living off the tourism industry.

Gas station

Lamai Beach is a very nice, very long stretch of beach that includes everything from quiet little nooks (well, in a manner of speaking—it’s still a public beach after all) to the only place that seems to be busy—the resort end. Even there the resorts seem to be only half full at best. Keeps the beach nice and spacious though! The water is nicer than up north where it was dark and quite cold. Here it is not as clear as Koh Samet but it’s still a bit transparent, more calm and still has a lovely turquoise hue. Seems a bit chilly today but that could just be the wind.