Samet Island (Koh Samet) - a resort island in the Gulf of Thailand in the eastern part, not far from the mainland, belongs to the Rayong province, Thailand. Small for the area - 13.1 km. sq. Its remoteness from the mainland is about 6.5 km, from Bangkok - 200 km, 80 km from Pattaya. Length 7 km, width - from 4 km to 200 meters.
This is a magical place, since most of the island is occupied by the National Park of Thailand, so the water is very clean and the nature is almost untouched. Entrance to the island is free, no one will take money from you for landing on the pier. Paid is only a visit to the Mu Ko Samet National Park, which is located on 4 islands, including Samet. The cost is 200 baht for adults and 100 baht for children.
Samet Island on the map
When planning a vacation, look at where the island is located on the map, so it will be easier for you to figure out how to get to it.
How to get there
There are several options. Since Samet is cut off from the mainland and there is no airport on it, it can only be reached by water. You can sail from the village of Ban Phe - the mainland of Thailand, it will take you about 30 minutes. Ferries run regularly between the mainland and the island, the cost is about 50 baht, but you can also order a boat, the estimated cost is 2000 baht.
From the capital of Thailand
There are buses from Bangkok to Ban Phe. The cost is about 160 baht, if you buy in both directions, it will come out cheaper, around 280 baht. They run from morning to evening, with an interval of 40-60 minutes. Travel time 3.5 hours.
The second option is to get from Bangkok to, the district center, and from it to Ban Phe. The bus to Rayong costs 120 baht, takes about 3 hours, you can get from Rayong to Ban Phe by songthaeo, which takes about 30 minutes. Please note that the last one leaves at 8 pm from Ban Phe.
It is always worth checking the time of the last bus, as no mode of transport operates around the clock. By car, you can take Route 3 or Sukhumvit Rd.
Taxi: Estimated cost 2000 baht, from the airport about 250 baht cheaper.
From Pattaya
From Pattaya to Rayong (district center) can be reached by bus in about 50 minutes, it will cost 70 baht. A taxi will cost you 850 baht, and in time it will be about 1.5-2 hours. Always check the cost as it varies.
By renting a bike and baying a full tank and getting on the Sukhumvit highway to your destination, Ban Phe. You can buy a full package from any street travel agency, which includes a transfer to Ban Phe and a ferry ticket. It will be more expensive than buying tickets on your own, but more comfortable, because you will be picked up from the hotel and taken right to the pier on the island of Koh Samet. You can also negotiate with them about the return trip.
Transport
There are practically no roads on the island itself. Only the section from the pier to the National Park has been paved. You can move around on foot, the distances are short, the whole island can be bypassed in about 2 hours.
Options for transportation can be quad bikes (rental 500-1500 baht per day) or local transport - songteo (departure with a full load) from 10 baht, which you can use as a taxi, having bought all the places for 100-600 baht.
There is no good road on the island, which can be dangerous for your life. Songthaew fares are fixed and are listed on posters at many beaches.
You can rent a motorcycle, but if you have never ridden one, it is not recommended to start on Samet.
Beaches and hotels
There are about 16 beaches on the island. The most famous of them are Hatsaikeu, Diamond Beach, Auvongdyan. All of them are located on east coast, the length of the largest, Hatsaikeu, is about a kilometer, and the width is 25-30 meters. Auvongdyan Beach is located in a bay that forms almost a circle in shape. The smaller beaches are mostly quieter and there are always fewer tourists. Ao Kew Nok - an isolated beach of the chic and most expensive hotel on the island of Paradee resort and Spa.
Auphrao is a beach on the west coast, remote from the noisy life of Samet. Also not far from it there is a pier from which you can go on a boat trip.
There are a huge number of hotels on the island, which differ in cost and comfort of living. It can be bungalows, separate houses, guesthouses. The cost is approximately from 1000 baht per day, but you can find cheaper options, from 500 baht. The most important thing is the price-quality ratio.
On any site you can see photos of the rooms and the territory, which will help you in choosing. If you are going to travel during the high season, we recommend booking accommodation in advance.
Entertainment and attractions
The main attraction is the National Park, hiking trails, temples. For history lovers, it is worth visiting Auhin Kok Bay, where the only monument on the island is located.
Incredible interesting place is the Turtle Farm, where rare species of fish and turtles are bred. It is located in the sea, not far from the pier. It is noteworthy that these fish are then released into the open sea. Water activities:
- Windsurfing and water skiing.
- Boat trips are organized every day.
- Snorkeling and diving.
- Fishing trips can also be arranged for you.
The beaches often offer massage services. You can take this opportunity and feel. Shopping consists only of beach accessories, but you can easily find a cafe or restaurant where you will have the opportunity to taste fresh seafood.
Samet Island is a great opportunity to plunge into relaxation, forget about problems and enjoy every minute. This is a way to relax your body and soul, as well as to be alone with nature.
Samet Island in Thailand - we decided with friends to go to rest from Pattaya for three days. In general, we love to relax in Phuket, but three days not enough for Phuket, so we chose the nearby island of Koh Samet.
Many viewers ask us if it is worth going to Samet, and if so, is it better to do it on your own or go with a tour?
Samet Island in Thailand - how to get there on your own
After reading dissatisfied reviews about excursions to Samet (tourists wrote that there was little time for a beach holiday, it was impossible to really relax, everywhere at a gallop), we decided to get on our own. We were lucky because we went with our friends by car. This is the easiest option.
First we drove to the pier in the village of Ban Phe in Rayong, and there we rented a speedboat for everyone for 1900 baht. On the boat, we just swam to the beach we needed. We got back in the same way.
Samet Island in Thailand - our reviews
Travel time on the road is about an hour and a half and plus 15 minutes on a speedboat.
Samet is located 6.5 km from the mainland of Thailand, you can get here not only by speedboat, but also by ferry. Travel time by ferry is 30 minutes, the fare is 50 baht. Ferries run once every 20-40 minutes.
To be honest, we would never have thought that Samet has such great beaches. Like in Phuket! The island is not small and has about 10 beaches. Sasha and I filmed everything. So if you want to see them, then watch the video below.
Blue water, white sand, beauty. The only thing is that we were not very lucky with the weather. It rained. V low season this is common on the islands. But, you see, there is also something beautiful in the rain ...
Prices on Samet - how much did the rest cost us
Prices on the island are overpriced compared to Pattaya. Coconut 60 baht, and in Pattaya 20. Alcohol is also expensive, knowledgeable people they are bought by him in Makro in Pattaya and taken with them to Samet. Food in the cafe is also more expensive, but if you look, you can find inexpensive places on the beach with good service, such as this cafe on the beach, where we celebrated the anniversary of our acquaintance.
Housing is expensive. For 3 days in a poor guesthouse far from the sea, we paid 3600 baht. Guesthouses of this level in Pattaya cost a maximum of 500 baht per day.
In general, for 3 days of rest, we spent 8000 baht. Fortunately, there are practically no other entertainments on the island, except for eating in a cafe on the seashore in the evening, otherwise they would have spent more. You see, in some ways the lack of entertainment is good, but by and large it is bad, because without them, young people are bored. Eat and sleep. So not interesting.
General impressions and conclusions
We believe that Koh Samet is only suitable for a beach holiday. For those who need beautiful nature, the sea and nothing else. The place is perfect for relaxing adults who are tired of the hustle and bustle big city. Samet still seemed boring to us, compared to Pattaya and Phuket. We do not really like to lie on the beach all day, so for us Samet for a maximum of three days. In general, the place is very beautiful and picturesque. Luxurious beaches will now remain a bright spot in our memory for a long time, despite the bad weather.
On the island, we filmed every day of our lives, plus evening gatherings in a cafe, so if you plan independent trip on Samet, be sure to watch our videos below, they will help you see and experience more on the island and spend less.
Overview of Koh Samed
We tell you about the island from our own experience. We have twice rested on Samed. The first time we stayed for 3 days, the second time for 5 days. We swam on all the beaches several times, visited all the lookouts, walked between the beaches on foot and rented a motorbike. We explored the entire island on our own.
I can’t even believe that after one year (in total) of living in Pattaya, we just now got to Samet. Every third tourist, on a package trip, visited Samet, and we all postponed our trip. It is for the best, because today we found Koh Samed in season and in sunny weather.
Hotels on Koh Samet
- Larissa Samed Resort
- Lima Coco Resort
- Sidewalk Boutique Hotel
- Blue Moon Samed
- Samet Ville Resort
- Vongdeuan Resort
All hotels in Ko Samed
Paid entrance to the island: how to get in for free
On the island is located national park Khao Laemya national park, so the entrance fee is 200 baht per person (children 100 baht). The ticket is valid for 5 days. But consider that the entire time of your stay on the island, since the dates are not particularly looked at.
Payment is not at the pier, but closer to SaiKeo beach. Tribute is collected by soldiers in this arch in the photo below. The checkpoint is located at the end of the main street near two 7-Elevens.
By what logic they stop tourists and check tickets, we did not understand. If you are traveling with luggage or taking a tuk-tuk taxi, then with a probability of 99% you will have to pay for the entrance. Also, everyone who arrives on a speedboat pays for entry, controllers are suitable to pay for tourists right on the beach.
There are at least 3 ways how not to pay. Read on!
This place collects an entrance fee
How not to pay for the entrance to the national park on Koh Samet
- Option 1. Pass with a smart view of the beach, like you've been here for a long time. We did this all 3 days on our first visit to the island and did not pay for entry. But it's like a lottery, they can make you pay at any time.
- Option 2. Bypass the checkpoint on the left. There is now a road blocked for travel, but you can go on foot. Just before the checkpoint, turn left and go around it from behind. In this case, you will not be noticed.
- Option 3 - how to pass a checkpoint on a bike and not pay. You need to drive behind the checkpoint, and not through it. To do this, from the pier, go not along main road, but in a detour. We drove like this for 5 days and the soldiers never noticed us. Google maps doesn't show this road, but it's there.
The beaches of Koh Samet
The beaches on Koh Samet were liked even by picky people like us
There are downsides, of course, but in general, swimming is super. And if you are lucky with the weather, it will be a perfect island vacation! And we agree with many opinions that Ko Samed takes its blue water. Of course, it is not as blue as it is on, but it is seriously different from the nearest islands of Pattaya.
All sights of Samet are free. See points on the map below:
Koh Samet Map
Map of Koh Samet in Russian with beaches, attractions and other useful points:
Ko Samet on the map
Prices for Koh Samet
Prices for Koh Samet practically do not differ from prices in other cities of Thailand. At 7-Eleven, some products cost 2-5 baht more. For example, a small bottle of water is not 7 baht, but 10. Beer Chang and Singha are also 3-4 baht more expensive than on the mainland. In general, do not go broke on products
As for restaurants, food prices do not differ from tourist cafes in Pattaya. We had lunch and dinner in different restaurants and always fit in 350-400 baht for two for 2-3 dishes and 2 drinks. That is, for $ 10 together you can eat a hearty meal here.
Our lunch on Ao Phutsa beach for 390 baht
There are also more expensive restaurants. For example, on Ao Prao beach we had lunch for 700 baht. But there are no ordinary cafes, only restaurants.
For the most budget travelers there is also something to eat. In the central village there are several macaroons with kebabs for 10 baht. There are soup and noodle shops where prices are around 50 baht per dish. Well, in 7-Eleven you can always eat inexpensively on Ko Samet (ready-made meals for 30-40 baht, which will be warmed up at the checkout).
On the central beaches you can see fruit and chicken vendors. They walk with a yoke with a barbecue. You can eat delicious and inexpensive food right on the beach. The prices are acceptable.
Coconut on the beach - 50 baht
Where can I order a transfer from the airport?
We use the service - Kiwi Taxi
Ordered a taxi online, paid by card. We were greeted at the airport with a sign with our name on it. We were taken to the hotel in a comfortable car. You have already talked about your experience in this article
Is it worth going to Koh Samet
Already now there is a ready answer to this question. And here's what we'll tell you. If you are in Pattaya and just want to swim in the sea, while being delighted with, then you don’t have to come to Samet.
We read reviews of tourists that Koh Samet is the same Koh Lan, only further and more expensive. This is not entirely true, of course, but there is some truth in this. The main beach of Sai Keo is very reminiscent of Lan. I think such reviews are written by tourists who never went further than Sai Keo.
But if you want even bluer water, even whiter sand and the possibility of solitude without crowds of tourists or Chinese, then you are on Samet. Samad has its own atmosphere and it's good here. The main thing is not to go to the central beach, but to go swimming to distant ones - Ao Cho, Ao Wai, Ao Prao.
- Read our latest review:
One of the beaches on Samet
Infrastructure and photos of streets
Koh Samed is now a fairly developed island. Public transport available in the form of green tuk-tuks. However, they most often operate as taxis. Several 7/11 shops, local mini-shops, cafes and restaurants.
You can rent a bike from 300 baht per day. About the experience of riding a bike around the island. The roads are now well paved. There is even a sidewalk on the main street!
Staying here for 2-3 weeks is generally easy.
How to get to Koh Samet
Most tourists come to Koh Samed from Pattaya. The distance from Pattaya to Samed is about 70 km. The easiest way to get there is with a group transfer. Such a transfer costs from 550 baht per person round-trip. The price includes a minibus from the hotel to the ferry and a ticket for the ferry.
It is more convenient to travel from Bangkok on your own. You will need to take a bus from the Ekkamai bus station, which will take you directly to Ban Phe Pier. At the station, tickets are sold at the window with the inscription "Koh Samed".
- Read more:
Koh Samet reviews
Having studied Koh Samet, we concluded that it is much better than Koh Lan and does not look like him at all. Crowds of tourists and Chinese only on the central beach. But if you just walk 300 meters to the side, behind the mermaid statue, you will already find yourself on a less crowded beach.
And if you go to distant beaches, such as Ao Prao, Wongduen or Ao Wai, then you will see a completely different Ko Samed.
Write in the comments if someone was on Koh Samet, which beach did you like the most? And which of the islands near Pattaya do you think is better - Ko Samed, Koh Chang, Koh Lan?
Hotels on Koh Samet
Where to stay on Koh Samet good beach? We have already told you about the beaches in the article, so choose from your preferences. If you want to be quieter, see the distant beaches of Ao Prao, Ao Wai, Tien. If you want more fun and crowds of tourists do not bother, check in at Sai Keo and Ao Hin Khok.
Our selection of hotels will help you choose a good hotel on Koh Samet: - Hotels on Koh Samet from 2200 THB
- Round-trip transfer for two 500 * 2 = 1000 baht
- Hotel for 2 nights - 2200 baht
- Meals in a cafe - 1800 baht
- Food at 7-11, water, something to eat - 650 baht
- Other expenses for trifles - 30 baht
TOTAL: 5680 baht ($170)- so much we spent for two for a trip to the island for 3 days and 2 nights. Meals in the cafe 2 times a day. We had breakfast on the way to the beach with warmed food from 7-Eleven and coffee (150 baht for two for breakfast).
Located twenty kilometers southeast of the city of Rayong, standing on the northern coast of the Gulf of Thailand. This is a narrow piece of land seven kilometers long. From a bird's eye view, it looks like a heron's beak, stretching from north to south. You can get to it by booking a combined route on.
He is part of national park Khao Laem, That's why holidays on the island of Koh Samet sure to appeal to lovers of calm, seeking to communicate with almost virgin nature. The entertainment industry is practically not developed on it. On this island, residents like to spend weekends.
The most famous Koh Samet beaches are located on its east coast. The largest of them is Hat Sai Kaew, in the European way called Diamond Beach. The sandy strip of this beach has a width of 25 to 30 meters. Tourists can get windsurfing lessons (read more about), rent a boat for water skiing. The main number of restaurants and bars is concentrated on this beach.
Very beautiful beach Ao Wong Deuan. It is located on the shore of the bay, almost closed in a circle. There you can also find interesting nightlife and a full range of beach services. The main diving centers are located on this beach, but excursions to nearby islands, where you can go snorkeling, are organized everywhere.
The beach where you can find expensive hotels offering the most peaceful vacation is called Ao Phrao. It is located on the western coast of the island, it is the only one there, and therefore unique.
Shopping on Koh Samet limited to the sale of beach accessories. Baht is worth spending in the restaurants of the island for the most delicious and fresh seafood of all that is in Thailand.
For lovers of calm and quiet rest on the sea coast great option may become the island of Samet, which is located 7 kilometers from the mainland. Geographically, the island is 200 kilometers away from Bangkok, and 100 kilometers from Pattaya. The name Samet comes from the tree of the same name, which is common throughout the island and belongs to the healing plants of the world.
Topping the list of things to do on Koh Samet is visiting national parks, which occupy more than 3/4 of the entire territory of the resort. Here is the most beautiful and virgin park Mi Koh Samet, which is part of the larger Thai reserve - Khao Laem Ya. That is why the entrance to the territory of the resort is paid for all citizens. The cost of an adult ticket is 200 baht, a children's entry will cost 2 times cheaper.
The largest length of the island is only 8 kilometers. Around Samet there are several small islands that are administratively part of it. Samet itself belongs to Rayong province and is located in the heart of the Gulf of Thailand.
On the island of Samet, in addition to enjoying the tropical forests, you can have a great time on snow-white and clean beaches Siam coast. Over the past 10 years, the number of tourist infrastructure facilities has noticeably increased on the island, as well as the level of service has improved.
On the island of Samet, you can not only soak up the white sandy beaches but also to do other exciting things, including:
- water sports entertainment, which include diving, snorkeling, sea fishing;
- ecological tourism, which consists of visiting the national park, walking on ATVs, bicycles and motorcycles;
- photo session in lush rainforests or on the beaches;
- thematic excursions for tourists, which are built on the legends of hidden treasures on the island of Samet;
- Northern part The island resembles a traditional fishing village, here you can see a pier, a temple and a monastery.
The best beaches
The beaches on Samet are located in the west and east of the island. But eastern beaches the longest and widest. The sand on the island is so pure that it is used in the manufacture of glass High Quality. Among the most popular and inhabited by tourists beaches of Koh Samet are the following:
Hat Sai Kaew is the most popular, crowded and party place on the island. Its length is more than a kilometer, and its width reaches almost 30 meters. There are many restaurants, bars and other resort entertainment.
Ao Phutsa has a completely sandy coast and a smooth entry into the sea. This beach is perfect for families with children, the place here is quite calm and secluded.
Wong Duean is located in the eastern part of Koh Samet, where most of the maritime transport from the neighboring mainland. On the beach you can order numerous options for hiking and sea trips, including the popular high seas fishing.
Ao Wai attracts guests with its daily fire shows, which take place in the evenings at the base of beach restaurants. The coast combines sandy areas with stone ones. On the beach there are bars, restaurants and massage parlors.
Ao Kiyo- This is a beach that is located on the territory of the most expensive resort area of the island of Samet. Here are the best conditions for recreation, as it is less crowded, the cleanest and not affected by the chaotic development of the coast.
Hotels
There should be no problems with choosing accommodation on the island, since the hotels here are located in in large numbers, as well as many offers of accommodation in guest houses. Hotels in most cases are made in the form of bungalows and small houses, which are located in close proximity to the sea - at a distance of 20 to 50 meters.
Starting from the third coastline the island is built up with guest houses, which have a two-story and three-story layout. Here you can book accommodation inexpensively, especially if you do it in advance. The guesthouses offer rooms from 500 baht per night with many amenities, including TVs and air conditioning.
It is best to book the hotel in advance if your trip is planned during the high tourist season - from late November to March. The most profitable way to do this is on the Hotellook website, as you can find great discounts on it. Koh Samet has several good hotels that match the price and quality:
- Paradee Resort 5 * is located just 1 minute walk from central beach, surrounded by numerous tropical palm trees. Its rooms offer lovely views of the Gulf of Thailand and the nature of Koh Samet. There are several villas on the territory of the hotel, each of which has its own pool, mini-bar, terrace and relaxation area.
- Samed Pavilion Resort 4 * is located a 2-minute walk from Ao Phai Beach. The hotel has few rooms, on the common area for guests there is a large outdoor pool with a terrace, a bar and a restaurant, as well as the use free internet. This is a great alternative to the first option for those who want to get a high level of comfort for less money.
- Barbados Terrace 2* is an excellent option for those who are looking for affordable accommodation for their holidays. The level of hotel decoration, guest service and comfort can be compared with our 4-star hotels Black Sea coast. Each room at the hotel has a TV, refrigerator and air conditioning.
Transport
Since the territory is almost completely included in the list of specially protected parks of the world, it is possible to move around the island of Samet only by bicycles, motorbikes and motorcycles. Several hotels in the resort offer to rent motorbikes at a price of 400 baht per day. Before the paved road was laid on the island, transport in the form of ATVs was popular, now it is more of an entertainment in the jungle.
In 2015, a large paved highway was laid across the entire territory of the island, from which sand paths already go to the beaches of Samet. Popular is the movement on songteo, with which you can move from one beach to another. The price is most often fixed and depends on the distance. On average, the cost of a songteo ranges from 15 to 65 baht per person per trip.
Such a songtheo is a route, the schedule of which can be seen on the posters of each beach of Koh Samet. If you want to travel alone or with your company, you can call a songthaew as a taxi. Then the cost will be considered for the entire car and will range from 100 to 700 baht, depending on the route.
How to get there?
Samet Island in recent years has become a favorite destination for those tourists who have a rest in Pattaya. You can get to Samet from the capital of Thailand, as well as from Pattaya in the following ways:
- There is a daily bus service from Bangkok. The minibus will take you to the Bang Phe pier, to which the travel time will be about 2 hours. Next, you need to get to Koh Samet by speedboat or ferry. The cost of the trip and its duration differ. In 15 minutes, the boat will take you to the central pier of Samet.
- It takes only 1 hour from the center of Pattaya to Bang Phe Pier, which is located in the very south of the mainland of the Rayong area. After arrival, you can transfer to a double-deck ferry, which will take you to the pier of Koh Samet for a small cost. Travel time will take about 40 minutes, during which time you can enjoy the magnificent scenery.
Samet Island on the map
On this map you can see the exact location of Koh Samet in Thailand.
Samet Island is perfect for tourists who want to combine a pleasant beach holiday with active entertainment. On the island you can enjoy beach holiday and see its main attractions.
