Located about an hour from Bangkok, Koh Samet island (or, Ko Samet) is the nearest major beach destination to the city. Known for its calm, relaxing beaches and breath taking ocean front cliffs, Ko Samet is a favorite relaxation spot for both tourists and locals alike. The island has a unique place in Thailand’s history and is the setting for much classic Thai literature including poet Sunthorn Phu’s Phra Aphai Manee. A peaceful island in the Gulf of Thailand, Samet is defined by its exotic beaches and dense forests.
Travel to Koh Samet
Ko Samet Beach
As a protected area, the majority of the island belongs to Mu Ko Samet National Park. The Thai National Park Service charges an entry fee as ferries approach the Island, which is utilized to help ensure the beaches remain in pristine condition.
If you’re traveling from Bangkok you can also take a bus or take a Rayong province by way of Sukhumvit Highway Number 3, which is roughly 125 miles and takes just over 3 hours. For travelers coming from distant cities, Bangkok Air flies into the nearby U Taphao Airport. Most transportation methods will take you to Phe Pier where you can either take a ferry or speed boat to Samet Island.
Once you’re on the island, it’s probably best to take a bus to your destination and then go by foot. You can also rent cars, motor bikes, ATV 4×4s and pickup trucks, although the Island only has a single paved road and not suitable to easy automotive exploration.
Local Festivals
The island has a number of well known local festivals each year where residents and tourists alike celebrate the seasons. In May, the Rayond Fruit Festivals celebrates the harvest with a celebration filled with local produce and contests. During the summer, Sunthon Phu Day is held on June 26 to honor the national poet. Later in the winter, visitors can join in celebrating the Phra Chedi Klang Nam and Loi Krathong Festivals with a variety of location celebrations, including a number of traditional Buddhist ceremonies.
Ko Samet Beaches
Towards the east of the island there are countless beaches, each with its own unique character and culture. While we cannot cover every single beach, some of the most popular destinations include:
Ao Wong Deuan beach is one of the larger beaches, featuring a pristine beach setting as well as high quality seafood and traditional Thai cuisine along with well-kept hotels and villas for overnight stays.
If you want to experience traditional local culture Ao Karang Beach is a favorite of residents and features some of the most authentic Thai seafood cuisine on the Island.
Crystal Sand Beach, also known as Hat Sai Kaew or Diamond Beach, is a bustling, long beach complete with a number of water activities ranging from jet skis to windsurfing, banana boats and an active night life scene.
There are also several smaller islands off the Samet coast, such as Ko Kudi and Ko Thalu which are accessible by boat from the island for those seeking a peaceful getaway.
Local Activities
Ko Samet Fire Spinning
The island offers a variety of natural activities ranging from hiking to water activities to yoga for the active traveler. Popular options include boat trips to nearby coves and small sub islands, which feature snorkeling, cookouts and fishing (especially for squid), in addition to swimming. You can also find windsurfing options, especially at Hat Sai Kaew beach which has a strong, gentle wind coming from the coast. Off shore diving options are availiable at the Ao Prao Beach Resort, which offers local trips to Ko Thalu and Ko Kud. More adventurous travelers can take classes in Muay Thai boxing, as well as watching matches at Naga Muay Thai. Another local specialty is fire spinning, which you can both witness and learn at Ladan Village. For those looking for relaxation, the island offers several massage centers, as well as spas within the local resorts, including the Dhivarin Spa at Paradee and the Le Vimarn Spa.
Island Restaurants
The local island cuisine features authentic Thai seafood as well as several beach barbecue restaurants. Some of the best casual barbecues can be found at Joe’s at Saikaew Beach, as well as Gecko Bar on Ao Phai Beach. Finer local cuisine includes upscale eats at Ao Prao Resort, which offers a world class dining environment. For those seeking top notch grilling, Samed Villa at Ao Phai comes highly recommended.
In addition to cuisine, the island features a number of casual bars and night spots that are excellent for kicking back. The Ploy Bar at Haat Sai Kaew features live music, games and a vibrant night scene. At Ao Phai the Silversand Bar offers dancing and spectacular fire spinning demonstrations, which keep the bar packed through the night.
Koh Samet Resorts
Accommodations range from simple bungalows to upscale tourist hotels; during peak summer months, it’s best to book your hotel in advance. While local villas can be a good choice for budget travelers, make sure to review the settings before you book and make sure that mosquito nets are provided.
Top local budget rooms include Jep’s air conditioned bungalows and the Tub Tim Bungalow. For a bit nicer choices, Sai Kaew offers a range of bunker rooms in a nicely, gardened setting, while Tarn Tawan at Ao Cho offers clean, hospitable bungalow options.
Travelers seeking a resort experience can find a number of resorts at nearly every beach; while you’ll pay more, it can make for a more comfortable stay. Some of the nicest resorts include Ao Prao, Samed Villa and Lima Bella. Additional recommended options include Mu Ban Thalay at Ao Noinar, Sai Kaew at Hat Saikaew, the Ao Cho Hideaway, Nimmanoradee at Ao Parakrung, Le Vimarn Cottages and Lima Coco at Ao Prao and the Paradee Resort at Ao Kiew.
Make sure to plan out your trip in advance, making reservations where possible so you can get the most out of your Koh Samet vacation.
