Know These 6 Tips Before Visiting Koh Samet! An Insider's Guide

Welcome to Koh Samet, the tropical island of hidden treasures! This little gem is only 6.5 km long and full of white sandy beaches bordered by a turquoise sea. Easily accessible from Bangkok or Pattaya, Koh Samet captivates with its picturesque charm, unspoiled nature, and relaxed atmosphere.

Explore secluded coves with crystal clear waters away from the crowds or ride a scooter along trails lined with lush jungle. Between idleness, refreshing swims, and tasting of delicious local seafood, this seaside stopover will delight all travelers in search of authenticity!
 

Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)Updated on 01-07-2024

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1. Location Of Koh Samet?

This small island is about 6.5 kilometers long and lies off the coast of Rayong, along the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand. It offers tranquil beaches and exotic coral reefs in sparkling emerald waters. Its Thai name, "Samet,"  is inspired by the abundance of the Melaleuca tree, which has shaped its identity. 

The island is conveniently located near two major cities—Pattaya (80 km) and Bangkok (200 km)—making it easily accessible to tourists. Visitors enjoy beautiful, crystal-clear seas warmed by the tropical sun, delicious Thai food, and vibrant nightlife. 

In addition, the island’s main street is charming, featuring bars, restaurants, and small supermarkets—including a 7-Eleven and vending machines—as well as a diverse range of accommodations, from hostels to luxurious beachfront properties with varied pricing.
 

2. How To Get To Koh Samet?

• Bangkok: The bus still has one of the most viable ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Samet Island. Buses leave from Bangkok's Ekkamai Bus Terminal to Ban Phe Port, the spot where boats and ferries leave bound for Ko Samet. It will take 4–5 hours. This service is provided by companies such as Krua Kun Pa and Cherdchai Tour.
• Pattaya to Ban Phe: There are no direct buses from Pattaya to Thailand. You need to take one bus from Pattaya to Rayong, and then next, you can easily move to Ban Phe Port by another available bus or just feel free to pick up a taxi. From Pattaya, private taxis, using a hired car (GGrab/Bolt), or sharing transfer minivans are available as well.

When you get to Ban Phe, you can either take a traditional wooden boat or a speedboat that will bring you directly from the dock of Na Dan village on Koh Samet. The wooden boats are slower, and it takes 45 minutes to reach the island, while the speedboats take only 10 minutes, but they are more costly.  

Although Ban Phe has several piers, they are close to each other, making it easy to move between them.

Buses and minibusses often drop visitors off at Nuan Thip Pier, where you can board a wooden boat or speedboat to reach the island. Also nearby is the Tarua Phe (or Phe Pier) pier, the most popular for those opting for a speedboat to Koh Samet.

Wooden boats depart every hour from Ao Prao Pier. They are more frequented by Thai visitors, offering secure and covered parking areas for passenger vehicles.
 

3. When are the best times to visit?

Koh Samet, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is best visited from February to September. Although the rainy season starts in May and runs through October, featuring progressively heavier rainfall, planning can help ensure a pleasant trip.

4. Things To Do in Koh Samet?

Koh Samet Island offers more than 10 beaches, each beautiful with its clear blue waters and white sand. Whether you want to while away the hours in a secluded sea cove or launch into an adventure off the beaten path, consider one of these beaches:

Sai Kaew Beach at Koh Samet (Diamond Beach) is famous for its bustling life on the east coast of Koh Samet. The clear water and clean sand make it a great place for children. Facilities like restaurants, bars, and shops add to its appeal, along with a vibrant nightlife in the beachfront clubs. It is a good option for a family holiday.

Nearby is Ao Thian, and Ao Wong Duan Beach is also known for its varied entertainment and water sports. The right options are for young professionals or couples. 

For something more peaceful and natural than the typical lively vibes of Koh Samet, head to Ao Prao in the northwest. This area is set away from the center, and lodging prices here are higher than in other parts of Koh Samet, making it the most upscale part of the region. Scenic vantage points offer stunning sunset views over the island.

In comparison, Ao Wai is such a quiet option, offering a peaceful atmosphere away from the tourist hustle and bustle, although less luxurious and exclusive than Ao Prao.

• Khao Laem Ya-Mu National Park

• Schedule: every day
• Working hours: 07:00 – 21:00
• Address: 79 Moo1, Baan Kon Ao Hat Mae Rumphueng Rd., Phe 21160, Thailand

National Park Entrance Fee: 200 baht for adults, 100 THB for children After a ticket is paid, you can go in and out of the Khao Laem Ya freely and surrounding islands. Families with kids who are crazy about nature and animals will find this park ideal as you can see tons of squirrels, flying foxes, palm crabs, and exotic butterflies in their habitat here.

The island is a bird watchers paradise, with many birds nesting at this camp so you hear the songs they sing in their native habitat. Kids grow in awe of the many, colorful fish darting about as you snorkel around clear waters.

>>> Learn more about: The 10 Best National Parks in Thailand

• Water activities

Koh Samet's beaches offer a range of water activities, varying from beach to beach.

• Jet ski: Thrills at around 1,500 THB / 30 minutes (as a guide) on the lively beaches. Beware of scams involving pre-damaged jet skis.
• Banana boats: Large inflatable banana-shaped boats, towed by a jet ski.
• Parasailing: Present on different beaches such as Sai Kaew for the more adventurous. Approximately 1000 THB / 8 minutes (as a guide).
• Windsurfing / Sailing: Offered by most hotels by the sea. Check with your hotel for equipment and rates. Available in Ao Prao and Wong Duean.

Multiple services offer the same activities, but prices fluctuate depending on the beach. For a full range, look for popular beaches like Sai Kaew.

• Island Excursion

A must-do on Koh Samet is exploring the nearby islands and snorkeling. Thailand is full of islands that are close to each other, providing an ideal opportunity to visit multiple islands on a single trip. Some places offer stops for snorkeling, allowing you to admire the corals and marine life. 

The best months for diving and snorkeling are October through February. Samet has two PADI dive centers operating out of only two beaches: Ao Phrao and Ao Kui Na Nok. Consider touching base with local agencies before, or let your hotel take care of booking a good diving excursion.

>>> Also read: Scuba Diving In Thailand: The 10 Most Fascinating Dive Sites

• Bike or scooter ride

It's a small island, so you can take your time exploring every corner by bicycle. Rent a bike or scooter to ride along the beaches, discover beautiful landscapes, and soak up the island's tranquility. You can stop at any beach that appeals to you for a complete island experience. Also, remember to bring water and snacks in advance.

>>> Ready for a Thai Lan beach trip? 14 Days Unwind in Paradise: Southern Thailand Beach Tours

• Temple Wat Koh Samet

Wat Koh Samet is the only temple on the island. In addition to its buildings adorned with stunning murals depicting the history of Koh Samet, it is home to a large Buddha. This temple is perfect for those interested in Buddhism or wanting to explore Asian culture.

• Nightlife and fire show

The nightlife in Koh Samet is very lively, especially on the main beaches like Sai Kaew. Come here to enjoy a drink, listen to the waves of the sea, and enjoy the romantic beachfront atmosphere, complete with Thai candles and lanterns.

You will find all kinds of bars, from quiet locations to have a drink or cocktail to lively clubs with DJs and live music.

Another must-see is the fire show. These performances feature shirtless men wielding sticks and ropes, spitting burning embers spectacularly. The Ploy Talay restaurant on Sai Kaew Beach is the preferred place to watch these fire shows, although they are also available on other beaches. These performances take place in the evening around 8:00 p.m., illuminating the night sky with sparkling embers.

• Traditional Thai massage

Thai massage, rooted in centuries-old tradition, is a key part of local culture and attracts a diverse audience. A visit to Thailand isn't complete without a spa break for an authentic Thai massage. 

After a day of adventures, taking time for this relaxation lets you fully appreciate the subtleties of this world-renowned art.
 

• Local gastronomy

If you have not yet tried it, we assure you that Thai food can be a very unique and surprising experience, with a sourness quite common to most spicy flavors we consume in Western dishes. You need to sample classic Thai recipes similar to pad thai, tom yum, and coconut ice cream; additionally, you can find fresh new seafood. They stay fresh and flakey, we promise. |

Well, here are 3 restaurants with excellent reviews on food critic sites that you might want to consider:

• Samed Villa Offering Thai-European food
• Banana Bar: A small family café close to Sai Kaew Beach.
• Buddy Bar & Grill: A beachside restaurant serving local cuisine on Sai Kaew Beach with stunning ocean views.

5. Where To Stay In Koh Samet?

• The Vimarn Cottages & Spa

• Address: Ao Prao, Koh Samet, 40/11 Moo 4, Tumbol Phe, Amphur Mueng, Rayong 21160, Thailand
• Website: Le Vimarn Cottages & Spa

Located on one of Koh Samet's most private beaches, this romantic oasis offers a break from the urban rhythm in an elegant setting. In addition to the activities available, such as water sports, snorkeling, a spa at the resort, and cooking classes, you can also learn the art of weaving coconut leaves in different and interesting forms, which is the distinctive element of this resort.

• Sai Kaew Beach Resort

• Address: 8/1 Moo 4, Tumbol Phe, Amphur Mueng, Rayong 21160, Thailand
• Website: Sai Kaew Beach Resort

This complex offers a perfect fusion of nature and comfort, with areas providing sea views. Each place creates a relaxed atmosphere, including a swimming pool and stylish accommodations. The resort's Scoop Garden is a tropical paradise with more than 10 flavors of homemade ice cream and frozen treats, ideal for kids.

• Samed Villa Resort

• Address: 89 Moo 4, Koh Samet, Ban Phe Muang, Rayong 21160, Thailand
• Website: Samed Villa Resort

Directly on Ao Phai Beach, these bungalows offer a simple and well-designed atmosphere in a natural garden, representing one of the best accommodations on the island at a reasonable price.

• The C Samet

• Address: 22 Moo 4, Ao Vonduen, Pae, Rayong 21160, Thailand
• Website: The C Samet

The last Thai Koh Samet hotel we recommend on this list is The C Samet. Located in the second-largest resort of Koh Samet, it offers a stunning beach with the best sunrise on the island. This place allows you to enjoy peaceful nature with easy access to local attractions.
 

6. Practical Tips For A Successful Trip

• Book your transportation in advance to avoid last-minute, unforeseen events.
• Check ferry and speedboat schedules in advance, as they may be subject to change due to weather conditions.
• Book your hotel directly or through reliable sites such as Booking, TripAdvisor, Agoda, etc., to ensure recourse in case of problems.
• Plan to have cash with you, as some parts of the island do not have ATMs. You may need to reach the central area, which can be difficult without transportation.

Our Final Words

With so many unique things to do here, Koh Samet truly lives up to its name, "Island of Secret Joys"! You can learn to weave coconut leaves (at Vimarn Cottages), enjoy the yummiest homemade ice cream in all flavors you desire (Scoop Garden), or view a mesmerizing fire-breathing show at one of their beachside performances. So, what are you waiting for? Let yourself be charmed by this peaceful island and guided by our expert advice for an unforgettable stay. Koh Samet will continue to surprise you!

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