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Discover Koh Samet, the stunning island paradise in southeast Thailand. Find out how to get there from Bangkok, explore the best beaches and attractions, and choose from many accommodation options. From budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts, Koh Samet has something for everyone. Plan your perfect beach getaway here!
Koh Samet
40 minute boat journey from Rayong
Koh Samet, located in the southeast of Thailand, is a stunning island that draws visitors from far and wide. It's only a 40-minute boat ride from the mainland in Ban Phe, which is conveniently situated next to the city of Rayong. What's more, there are multiple piers in Ban Phe that connect to Koh Samet, all of which are within easy walking distance of each other. Most ferries dock at the vibrant Na Dan pier on Ko Samet, so you'll be right in the heart of the action as soon as you step off the boat!
If you're keen to check into your hotel or resort without delay, hop onto one of the buses waiting at Na Dan Pier. These buses will whisk you away to any corner of the island you desire, ensuring that you get to your destination with ease and convenience.
The Na Dan Pier on Koh Samet is conveniently situated next to a bustling high street,
which is packed with various establishments such as bars, restaurants, and hotels,
all ready to cater to your needs. On the other side of this vibrant street is the stunning and
well-known Sai Keaw Beach, which is a must-visit destination for tourists.
Sai Keaw Beach is an accessible and stunning beach that can be reached easily from Na Dan Pier.
The beach boasts numerous beachfront restaurants and resorts, making it an ideal spot to relax
and unwind. While Sai Keaw Beach is undoubtedly beautiful, it can get quite crowded, especially
during weekends and public holidays. Therefore, it might be worth exploring other beaches on the island.
Koh Samet is home to many other magnificent beaches that are worth checking out.
Wong Duean Beach is a pleasant spot, with some excellent resorts to choose from.
Its clear waters and clean sand make it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
You can even relax at the beach bars and restaurants while enjoying the sea breeze.
The music played during the day is mainly dance music,
but not so loud as to ruin the tranquil atmosphere.
Ao Pakarang Bay is a peaceful and stunning beach located at the end of Koh Samet Island,
opposite the mainland. The sea is tranquil, making it an excellent spot for snorkelling.
Unlike some other beaches on the island, there is no loud music played here during the day,
creating a tranquil atmosphere for visitors to relax and unwind.
There is also a viewing platform for visitors to watch the beautiful sunrise and sunset.
If you're looking for a quiet and relaxing vacation, I highly recommend Ao Pakarang.
Many visitors have also raved about the resort there, "Nimmanoradee Resort,"
which is highly rated on Booking.com.
Ao Wai is an ideal beach to visit if you prefer to relax in the shade under the many trees
that line the beach. Samet Ville is the name of the resort located on the beachfront,
where you can enjoy a comfortable stay.
Tabtim Beach is a bustling spot on Koh Samet, perfect for those who want to be in
the midst of the action. While the sand may not be as clear as on other beaches,
there are many amenities available, including a BBQ. The nearby Tabtim Resort on the beachfront
has received high ratings online, boasting a 4-star review.
Prao Beach is an absolutely stunning destination on Koh Samet, with crystal-clear water and soft,
pristine sand. The beach has a peaceful atmosphere, as loud music isn't played during the day.
The resorts in the area are nothing short of amazing, including Le Vimarn Cottages and Spa,
Kerala Coco Resort, and Ao Prao Resort. These resorts offer exceptional accommodations and
amenities, the best of the best, that will make your stay at Koh Samet truly unforgettable.
Le Vimarn Cottages and Spa is widely considered the best resort on Koh Samet's most
beautiful beach and it's a popular choice among both visitors and locals.
Due to its high demand, it's recommended to make your reservation as soon as possible.
The beach features a range of luxurious 5-star resorts, which will provide you with
a great escape.
While the beaches are the main attraction on Koh Samet, there are a few other activities and sights that visitors may enjoy. Here are a few examples:
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Fire shows: Some of the beach bars and restaurants on Sai Keaw Beach and other beaches offer nightly fire shows.
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Water activities: There are plenty of opportunities for snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and jet skiing around the island.
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Viewpoints: There are a few viewpoints on the island that offer stunning views of the surrounding sea and islands. One example is the Phra Chao Hin Kao Shrine, which requires a short but steep hike to reach.
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Seafood restaurants: Koh Samet is known for its fresh seafood, and many restaurants on the island specialize in seafood dishes. Some popular options include Naga Bar and Ao Prao Resort's seafood buffet.
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Thai massage: There are many massage shops and spas on the island that offer traditional Thai massages and other spa treatments.
If you can't make up your mind, check out the YouTube video to get a more visual idea of the islands!
TRANSPORT
Koh Samet is located off the coast of Rayong province in southeast Thailand. The easiest way to get to the island is to take a ferry or speedboat from Ban Phe, a small town on the mainland. Ban Phe is about a 2.5-hour drive from Bangkok and is accessible by car or public transportation.
There are several piers in Ban Phe that offer ferry and speedboat services to Koh Samet, including the main pier at Ban Phe, Nadan Pier, and Seree Pier. The ferry ride from Ban Phe to Koh Samet usually takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on the pier you depart from and the weather conditions.
If you're travelling from Bangkok to Koh Samet, the easiest way to get there is by taking a bus or private car/taxi to Ban Phe.
The buses usually depart from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai).
Another option is to take a train from Bangkok to Rayong, the nearest city to Ban Phe. From Rayong, you can then take a taxi or Songthaew to Ban Phe and catch a ferry or speedboat to Koh Samet.
You can use the Asian Public Transport widget below to book this.
The ferry and speedboat services usually operate from early morning until late afternoon or early evening, and the schedule may vary depending on the season. Visitors can also buy tickets for the ferry or speedboat from the Asian Public Transport widget below.
If you're not coming from Bangkok, simply change the Bangkok section.
Once you arrive on Koh Samet, there are local taxis, motorbikes, and songthaews (pickup trucks with benches in the back) available for hire to take you to your accommodation or around the island. If you're staying near Nadan Pier, you can also easily walk to the main street with many restaurants, bars, and hotels.
ACCOMMODATION
Koh Samet offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from basic guesthouses to luxurious resorts. The island has several different areas where visitors can stay, depending on their preferences and budget.
If you're looking for a lively atmosphere with lots of bars and restaurants, the area around Na Dan Pier and Sai Keaw Beach is a popular choice. This area has plenty of budget-friendly guesthouses, mid-range hotels, and upscale resorts to choose from, and it's also conveniently located near the main ferry pier and many of the island's attractions.
For a quieter and more secluded experience, Ao Prao Beach, Ao Wong Duan, and Ao Kiu Na Nok are great options. These areas are located on the western side of the island and offer beautiful beaches and stunning sunset views, along with a range of resorts and bungalows.
Like I said if you're seeking a more luxurious stay, Le Vimarn Cottages & Spa is a top-rated resort located on Ao Prao Beach, offering private villas, infinity pools, and a spa. Other high-end options include Paradee Resort and Ao Prao Resort, both located on the northern end of the island.
There is a wide range of accommodation options available on Koh Samet to suit all tastes and budgets, and visitors can choose an area based on their preferences for scenery, activities, and level of luxury.
Tour
Pattaya - Koh Larn
Rayong - Koh Samet
Chao Lao Beach
Chanthaburi
Koh Chang
Escape to the tropical paradise of Thailand's eastern seaboard on this incredible tour. Start in Pattaya, a vibrant city known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. Take a ferry to Koh Larn, an idyllic island with crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing.
From Pattaya, travel to Rayong and visit Koh Samet, a stunning island known for its lush jungle, pristine beaches, and stunning coral reefs. Take a scenic hike to admire the breath-taking views, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.
Next, visit Chao Lao Beach, a quiet and serene stretch of sand surrounded by lush vegetation and crystal-clear waters. Sample delicious seafood caught fresh from the sea.
Continue your tour to Chanthaburi, a charming town known for its beautiful waterfalls and vibrant local markets. Explore the town's vibrant street life and sample delicious Thai cuisine at one of the many local street stalls.
Finally, head to Koh Chang, the largest island in the Koh Chang Marine National Park. With its stunning beaches, lush jungle, and diverse wildlife, this island is the perfect place to relax and soak up the beauty of Thailand's tropical coast. Whether you're lounging on the beach, hiking through the jungle, or exploring the island's rich marine life, Koh Chang is sure to provide a memorable experience.
This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of Thailand's eastern seaboard, from bustling cities and idyllic islands to serene beaches and lush jungles. With its stunning scenery, vibrant local culture, and endless opportunities for adventure, this tour is a must-see for any traveller.
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