Koh Samed
The island of Koh Samet near Rayong is very popular for its sandy beaches and beautiful turquoise waters. Named after the ‘Samet’ trees (Thai for cajeput trees), which grow on the island i...
About Koh Samed
- Province
- Rayong
- Weather now
- 27°C · light rain
- High season
- Nov - April
- Island fee
- 20 baht / person
- National park fee
- All visitors must pay a "ONCE ONLY" park entrance fee on arrival of 200 Baht per adult. children between 3 - 14 pay 100 Baht and Children under 3 years are free.
- Currency
- THB
- Language
- Thai & English
- Ferry operators
- 2
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The island of Koh Samet near Rayong is very popular for its sandy beaches and beautiful turquoise waters. Named after the ‘Samet’ trees (Thai for cajeput trees), which grow on the island in abundance, Weekends and holidays, many Thais come here to relax, enjoy the sea and eat seafood. oh Samet offers all the essential elements that make up a fun-filled holiday escape – an endless expanse of turquoise blue sea, crescent bays with fine white sand, lots of water sports and a throbbing nightlife. Koh Samet has significantly less rainfall than other Thai destinations but visitors get soaked anyway in the sea.
Which beach to stay on Koh Samet?
The best Koh Samet beaches are dotted from top to bottom along the island’s east coast with a couple to choose from on the west and north. Generally, things get more laid back the further south you go. So if you are looking for the best beach to stay and enjoy peace and quiet then head south. If you want beach bars, music and a night out the northern beaches will be a better place for you to stay.
- Hat Sai Kaew Beach
- Ao Hin Kok
- Ao Tubtim
- Ao Nuan
- Ao Cho
- Ao Vong Duan
- Ao Kiu Na Nok
- Ao Prao Beach
- Ao Phai
- Ao Thian
- Ao Wai
- Ao Kiu
- Ao Noi Na
As Koh Samet misses most of the heavy monsoon that plagues other islands, the weather is guaranteed to be pleasant at almost any time of year. And though the beaches have been overdeveloped, they still manage to be beautiful, with sparkling white sand curving between coconut palms and clear cerulean water. If you can get past the fact that this should be a national park, you’ll find Koh Samet to be a traveller’s paradise of magnificent beaches, delicious seafood and dozens of choices for nightlife at Koh Samet.
Koh Samet National Park Fees
Koh Samet has an interesting setup: a majority of the island exists in the Khao Laem Ya Mu Ko Samet National Park. As soon as you exit the main town and enter the park (where most of the beaches are), you’ll need to pay a one-time national park entrance fee.
Entrance Prices for the National Park on Koh Samet:
- Thai Adults: 40 baht
- Thai Children: 20 baht
- Foreign Adults: 200 baht
- Foreign Children: 100 baht
Foreign workers living and working legally in Thailand may be able to show a government-issued ID and pay the local price. You can probably also get a discount if you speak Thai. If arriving at a resort by boat, you’ll probably be approached on the beach by an officer to pay the entrance fees.
How to get there
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How to Get to Koh Samet
You can easily make your own way to the island by taking a public bus, minibus, or private taxi southeast from Bangkok to the Nuan Thip Pier in Ban Phe, just outside of Rayong. The drive takes between 3 – 4 hours, depending on how stupendous Bangkok's traffic is on that particular day.
Getting Around on Koh Samet
Travelers in reasonably fit condition won’t have any trouble walking between the main town and Sai Kaew Beach or Ao Phai.
Because Koh Samet has beaches and bays spread all along its narrow shape, many tourists opt to rent a motorbike to see other beach options. Unfortunately, driving on Koh Samet isn’t as pleasant as driving on other Thai islands. Scores of oversized speed bumps and dangerously steep hills make driving more of a chore than a thrill.
If you do decide to rent a scooter, prices are far cheaper from rental shops in town than from individual resorts. You’ll need to leave your passport with the shop; expect to pay around 300 baht per day or 250 baht if you negotiate. Renting four-wheeled ATVs and golf carts is also an option if you aren't comfortable on two wheels.
You can also take a larger bus from Ekamai, the eastern bus terminal in Bangkok. Buses depart every 90 minutes until 5 p.m. The ride takes around four hours, sometimes much longer, depending on traffic.
Once in Ban Phe, take a 45-minute ferry over to the island. Purchasing a return ticket is optional and doesn't save anything. If you already have accommodation booked, some of the resorts run large speedboats that cut the travel time in half; check with them first. Although the ride is short, it can get rough in stormy conditions.
Getting around the island
Travel in island (Eng)
Gallery
Koh Samed ferry timetable
- 08:1514:256h 10mBangkok · Old Town - Rattanakosin Island Hotel TransferKoh Samed · Na dan pier
- 08:3008:4010mRayong · Ban Phe pier office Samed FerryKoh Samed · Na dan pier
- 09:0014:255h 25mBangkok · Khao San Boonsiri, BangkokKoh Samed · Na dan pier
- 10:0010:1010mRayong · Ban Phe pier office Samed FerryKoh Samed · Na dan pier
- 11:3011:4010mRayong · Ban Phe pier office Samed FerryKoh Samed · Na dan pier
- 14:1514:2510mRayong · Ban Phe pier office Samed FerryKoh Samed · Na dan pier
- 17:0017:1010mRayong · Ban Phe pier office Samed FerryKoh Samed · Na dan pier
Seasonal timetable in Thailand time (ICT). Times can change with sea conditions and operator notices — live fares and seats are shown in search.
Piers, stations & pick-up points
Ferries serving Koh Samed
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