Koh Samet (Koh Samed) is a beautiful little island in the south-east of Thailand, on the road from Pattaya to the island of Koh Chang. Koh Samet is the largest and most western of a group of islands not far from the coast. The island takes its name from the cajeput tree on the island, which is pronounced “Samet” in Thai. Koh Samet island is still quite wild, so it maintains its tranquility compared to other islands. It is the ideal place for those who love to explore or enjoy their honeymoon.
Koh Samet (Koh Samed) is a beautiful little island in the south-east of Thailand, on the road from Pattaya to the island of Koh Chang. Koh Samet is the largest and most western of a group of islands not far from the coast. The island takes its name from the cajeput tree on the island, which is pronounced “Samet” in Thai. Koh Samet island is still quite wild, so it maintains its tranquility compared to other islands. It is the ideal place for those who love to explore or enjoy their honeymoon.
1. How to get to Koh Samet?
Below are ways to travel between Bangkok and Koh Samet:
- By Taxi:
Koh Samet is about 200 kilometers from Bangkok and can be reached by taxi in about 2 hours. Taxis from Bangkok to Ban Phe, where the ferry to Koh Samet departs, cost between 1,600 and 2,500 baht. Note that most taxis insist on a fixed fare due to the long distance.
If you are arriving on Koh Samet from Bangkok, it is best to ask your hotel to request a taxi for you, as many taxis called on the street will refuse the fare. Taxis to Ban Phe are also available from Suvarnabhumi Airport, usually at a flat rate of 2,000-2,500 baht.
- By bus and minivan:
Ban Phe is easily accessible by bus from Bangkok. Buses depart from Ekamai Bus Station several times a day and take approximately 3.5 hours to complete the journey. There are also minibus services to Ban Phe, which depart from Victory Monument and take approximately 2.5 hours.
- By ferry:
Koh Samet is a 45-minute ferry ride from Ban Phe. Ferries connecting the island to Rayong depart every hour but finish at 6pm, after which only speedboats are available. The ferry ticket costs 100 baht and includes the return journey.
- By speedboat:
If you arrived late in Ban Phe or just want to go straight to your beach, you can get to the island much quicker with a private speedboat. Speedboats are available 24 hours a day and travel between Ban Phe and Koh Samet in 15-20 minutes.
Prices for speedboat transfers vary depending on the beach you go to. Koh Samet's east coast beaches tend to be the cheapest, while transfers to the more remote beaches on the island's west coast often cost 2,000 baht or more.
2. When to go to Koh Samet? Koh Samet weather
The best time to go to Koh Samet is from November to February. In this period the weather on Koh Samet is quite cool, the waves are calm and the sea is very suitable for relaxation. Especially the afternoon, at sunset, is the most beautiful time on this island.
3. Things to do in Koh Samet?
Relax on the beach and sunbathe
The beaches of Koh Samet offer everything from windsurfing to sailing to relaxing on the beach with a good book.
While Haad Sai Kaew offers the best selection of beach activities, the beaches to the south - particularly Ao Tubtim - are best for quiet relaxation.
Sai Kaew beach is the main beach on the island of Koh Samet. This beach has fine white sand and fresh air. Special fire shows are also held here in the evenings in restaurants and bars.
Ao Phai Beach is characterized by smooth sand and lush green trees. Tourists who come here can not only swim but also snorkel. It is also possible to go sea kayaking.
Ao Prao Beach is located on the western side of the island. Here the sea water is jade blue and the giant palm trees cast a cool green shade on the soft sand. Here you can sunbathe and enjoy the atmosphere of the bar overlooking the sea.
Ao Wai beach is one of the most beautiful on Koh Samet. The contrast between the white sand and the turquoise water of the sea evokes the exquisite beauty of the Caribbean. The coast is quite flat, so it is suitable for swimming and snorkeling.
Ao Thian Beach is located in the center of the island with several small bays. When you come here, you can relax in hammocks in the shade of fresh green trees. Swimming and snorkeling are experiences not to be missed.
Ao Wong Duean Beach has a crescent-shaped bay. Here you will find many restaurants with sea views. The accommodations are also nice and affordable.
Snorkelling
There are several great snorkeling spots on Koh Samet, from rock formations at the end of some beaches to offshore islands. To discover the best of the island's underwater life, book a day snorkeling excursion, which will usually take you to different areas of the island.
Scuba diving
While Koh Samet's relatively shallow water doesn't make for as spectacular diving as Koh Phi Phi or Koh Tao, there is still plenty to see on the island. Several resorts offer diving excursions to island sites for beginners and advanced divers.
Massages
You will find countless massage services on the beaches and a large number of massage parlors on the main streets of the island.
Nightlife on Koh Samet
The beaches of Koh Samet are dotted with bars, most of which have hostesses serving you on Hat Sai Kaeo beach. You can also find buckets full of your favorite alcoholic beverages.
Additionally, you can take an afternoon walk in the hills and overlook the bay, where you can admire the beautiful scenery of the island.
4. Where to stay in Koh Samet? Koh Samet hotel
It is advisable to choose a hotel in the Sai Kaew area, where there is a magnificent sea and many bars and restaurants. It is advisable to book your hotel before arrival, as Koh Samet is also an island where Bangkokians often take their families during summer holidays.
Here are some suggestions for hotels and resorts on Koh Samet:
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Sunrise Villas
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Lima Bella Resort
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Jep's Bungalows
5. Rent a motorbike in Koh Samet Island
It's quite easy, as this service is present everywhere. Motorbike rental prices range from 100 to 300 baht per hour or day, depending on the type of motorbike.
Furthermore, there is also an ATV on the island, a type of four-wheeled vehicle that is very suitable for traveling on rough roads. To rent an ATV you need a deposit of around 1000 baht.