Koh Samet or Koh Samed one of the most beautiful and relaxed places in all of Thailand. Koh Samet is an island only 140 km (90 miles) south-east of Bangkok, measured the airway, and is set in the Rayong province. Koh Samet is about 6.5 km (4 miles) long but only 2.5 km (1.5 miles) wide on the widest part. Most of the southern island is only a couple of 100 meters (some 1000 feet) wide.
This island has been made a National Park to protect the spectacular fauna of animals and plants.
Koh Samet has some of the whitest and most beautiful beaches in Thailand and the water is also very clear, this is the island of choice for people who want to discover the best beaches there is and to enjoy a relaxing time by a crystal clear ocean.
How To Get From Bangkok To Koh Samet
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It only takes about 3 hours to travel from Bangkok to Koh Samet and this makes this paradise island even more perfect for blending these two places for the perfect mix.
Getting From Bangkok To Koh Samet is extremely easy and cheap.
First off, get to Ekkamai Eastern Bus Terminal Sukhumvit and buy a 3-hour air-conditioned bus ride to the pier in Ban Phe for around 170 Baht. Another helpful tip is to buy the Bus/Ferry combo ticket for right around 400 Baht.
Buses leave Ekkamai for Ban Phe every 1-2 hours from 7am to 6:30pm.
With any of these ticket options, you have the choice to buy your return ticket at the same time and it’s valid for 30 days so you don’t have to plan your departure from the island ahead of time.
While Koh Samet can offer a relaxed paradise, Bangkok has all the rest.
TRANSPORTS
Koh Samet is a National park and there are almost only dirt-roads here. The distances in the north part are short and you will be able to walk to most of the things. There are some songtaews that you can hitch a ride with and you will also have the option to rent a motorbike or an ATV to get around on your own.
Remember to always have the price set for your transport before you take off, this is only to prevent you from getting a price you did not expect.
Even if Koh Samet might have less traffic than most other destinations the dirt-roads can be dangerous not least for un-experienced drivers. For more information about car and motorbike rentals laws and tips please visit the Rent a Vehicle section.
SEASONS
Koh Samet Weather
Koh Samet has one of the driest climates of all island destinations in Thailand. As the monsoon sets in during the summer, some rainfall is un-avoidable, however, on this paradise island, it will not rain much at all making this an all-year-round destination.
KOH SAMET BEACHES
Koh Samet Thailand houses a bunch of amazing beaches. Starting from north-east going clockwise the beaches are:
Sai Keaw – a white long beach reaching about 750 meters (0.5 miles). This is the main beach where most of the resorts on the island are located. The water is clear and has a strong green color. The name “keaw” means green in Thai. Along this beach you will find a good range of bars and restaurants and why not take dinner on the beach overlooking the ocean with the stars glimmering over your head.
Ao Hin Khok – This beach is found just south of Sai Keaw and is only divided by a small cliff of about 50 meters (150 feet). On the relatively flat cliff, there are two statues, one of Phra Aphai-Mani playing on his trumpet and the other of his second wife, the mermaid, Nang Nguag. This beach is almost 300 meters (1000 feet) and is as beautiful as Sai Keaw but quieter.
Ao Phai – A small beach, 150 meters (500 feet) long with white sand. On this small beach, you find a few bungalows if you feel that this is the place for you. In the evenings you find some bars here that can give you a great end to your lovely visit to Samet.
Ao Phudsa (Ao Thapthim) – Another 150 meters (500 feet) south of this beach is located. The length is about the same as the above mentioned and the sand is as beautiful here as well. A few resorts are found here as well.
Ao Nuan – This is a very small beach, far less than 100 meters (200 feet). The beach has a lot of rocks on the sides and only a few bungalows are found here. This beach might feel very secluded but the close distance to other beaches will not make you feel deserted here and the option to dine and visit nearby beaches is only minutes away.
Ao Cho – The more than 200 meters (750 foot) long beach is quiet and has its own little pier which can be used as a very stiff trampoline to make swimming even more fun. This is still on the north part of the island and about 2 km (1.2 miles) from the southern parts of Sai Keaw this beach is not very secluded, however, the housing options are limited.
Ao Wong Duen – This beach is one of the more popular beaches and is just over 450 meters (1500 feet) long. The range of restaurants and places to stay in are better here than on many of the other small beaches but it is far from crowded and still very attractive for people who are looking for deep relaxation.
Ao Thian – Another beach with a high “wow” factor. This 300 meters (1000 foot) long beach is a magic pearl where rocks and white sand work together in perfect harmony. Resorts are found here, so no need to leave. This beach is also set right on the middle part of Koh Samet.
Lung Dam – A beach reaching a bit over 100 meters (400 feet). We are now entering the south parts of Koh Samet making this beach a truly quiet place. A simple peer and a few bungalows are found here. This beach is about 3.5 km (2.2 miles) from Sai Keaw.
Ao Wai – Less than 300 meters (1000 feet) long and with vegetation reaching all the way to the shore this distant beach will be the place if you want to get away from people but yet be able to eat and drink on the beach and even to explore other beaches. Since it is far from the north most people already turned back you will not have to worry about any crowds here.
Ao Kiu Na Nok – On the far south you find this beach. Today you find the luxury resort Paradee here but before this beach was a hideaway. It is still a fantastic place offering a wide beach with nature as part of the beach.
Ao Karang – on the very southern end of Koh Samet you find this beach. Even if far away from the north you can still stay here and also dine at seafood restaurants and enjoy the local silence together with some Samet habitants. Maybe those facts are the reason why people choose this place.
Ao Prao – Along the west coast the island is very rocky and does not offer a lot of beaches. On the north-west side of Koh Samet, you will find one great beach housing only luxury resort. The water is shallow and since it is on the west coast the sunsets are not that bad either. This is a location where wealthy Thai like to spend some time and of course tourists as well.
The location is in the same latitude as Sai Keaw but on the other coast meaning, this is on the very north. The only way to the north from here is bypassing the water reservoir and up along the northeast side.
Ao Noi Na – On the north side the beaches are not as spectacular as along the east coast but instead do offer some quiet areas. There are resorts here as well and you will not have any problem with finding food. It is also easy to sneak away to the east.
Ao Klang – This middle section of the north part of Koh Samet is not as beautiful as the rest. On the shoreline there are often boats and the water does not feel as fresh. Some low price housing options are found here but if visiting this paradise island most people do want to be part of that paradise as well.
POPULAR TRIPS AND ATTRACTIONS
The many beaches are of course one of the main attractions on Samet. Other than that you will also be able to go on several snorkeling or diving excursions which might take you to the coral reef south of Koh Samet.
Koh Samet is a place you come to when you first hand want to relax. If you want some other fun you can play around with any of the water toys on Sai Keaw.
That was our Koh Samet Travel Guide! If that was helpful and you want to learn more about the Thai Islands click here.
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