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Koh Samet

Koh Samet is a small island in Rayong province, around 200 km Southeast of Bangkok, along the way to Trat province and the island of Koh Chang. Technically part of Khao Laem Ya - Koh Samet National Park, Koh Samet is a popular weekend getaway for Thais and foreigners living in Bangkok, so there are dozens of beach resorts, bars, and restaurants on nearly every beach, although visitors are allowed to camp if they wish to do so.

Quiet and relaxing on the weekdays, raucous and fun on the weekends, Koh Samet is, despite its proximity to Bangkok, a beautiful island with powdery white sand, generally great year round weather, and a variety of lodging options.

Koh Samet derives its name from the cajeput trees that grow on the island, called samet in Thai. In the past however, it was called Koh Kaew Phitsadan, the "Magic Crystal Island". Its no surprise from that name that Koh Samet was chosen to be part of a national park.

Visitors to Koh Samet looking for unspoiled beauty have to get away from the more developed beaches along the east coast, though even the most popular beaches are quite beautiful. Those looking for more relaxation can book rooms at the more upscale resorts on the west coast, which are spectacular places to watch sunsets.


Koh Samet is a small island around 200km south-east of Bangkok and just over 5 km off the coast of Rayong province. The island is part of the Khao Laem Ya Koh Samet National Park though all of Koh Samets beaches have been developed to cater to the large stream of Bangkok residents who flock to the island each weekend. Drawn by its 14 fine, white sand beaches that feature a number of beachside bars and restaurants, Thai and foreign visitors return again and again to Koh Samet to enjoy the excellent weather on the island and appreciate its great natural beauty, home to exotic wildlife species including monkeys, hornbills, gibbons, and butterflies.

Transport

As it is such a popular island, Koh Samet is easy to get to, with various boat companies providing ferry and speedboat service to the island from the pier at Ban Phe on mainland Ranong.

Once at Nadan pier on Koh Samet, songtaews (covered pick-up trucks with seats in the back) provide transportation to the national park entrance 1 km away and then onto Haad Sai Kaew or Ao Pai for 10 or 20 baht. For beaches farther south, the fare increases dramatically, particularly if there are fewer passengers.

Once on the island it is possible to get around with your own vehicle, if you brought one, or via songtaew or rental motorbike, both of which are available on most beaches.

Getting to and from Ko Samet

  • By Car:
    From Bangkok to Rayong:
    Rayong is roughly 200 km southeast of Bangkok. There are several different routes to drive between Bangkok and Rayong and the boat pier in Ban Phe.
  • By Bus:
    Busses from Bangkok to the boat pier in Ban Phe, Rayong depart Ekkamai Eastern Bus Terminal. From Ekkamai, the busses, which leave throughout the day, complete the journey in about 3 ½ hours.

    There are also busses from Bangkoks Mo Chit Northern Bus Terminal to Rayong town, from where visitors must take a songtaew to Ban Phe.

    From Pattaya, busses also head to Rayong, from where visitors must also get a songtaew or tuk tuk to the pier at Ban Phe. Minibuses from Pattaya go directly to Ban Phe.
  • By Air:
    The nearest airport to Koh Samet is U-Tapao, about 45 km from Ban Phe. There are limited flights on Bangkok Airways to and from U-Tapao, namely into and out of Koh Samui and Phuket.
  • By Other:
  • By Boat
    Once in Ban Phe, visitors must take a ferry to Koh Samet, which typically takes between 30 and 45 minutes. It may be preferable to buy a one way ticket as there are numerous ferries returning throughout the day and you can purchase a ticket for whichever boat is most convenient.

    In Ban Phe there are actually several piers from which different boats leave: Nuan Thip Pier, Phe Pier, and Sri Ban Phe Pier. Fares to Koh Samet range from 50-150 baht for a one way ticket. Each pier has boats that stop at different beaches on the island, but the piers in Ban Phe are all a short walk from one another so its not difficult to find the one thats best for you. Ferry service runs until 5:00 pm, so if you will arrive later than this you will need to charter a speedboat or stay the night in Ban Phe.

    There are a couple of speedboat companies that operate from the Phe Pier and charge at least 600 baht to Nadan pier and more for the southern beaches. Private speedboats offer the convenience of taking you directly to your destination on Koh Samet.

Getting Around Ko Samet

Unless you have brought your own car, getting around Koh Samet is possible by walking, hiring a motorbike, or climbing in the back of a songtaew (a pick-up truck with benches in the back). The island is fairly small, so getting around is not much of a problem.

By Foot:
Haad Sai Kaew (Diamond Beach), the most developed beach on the northeast coast of Koh Samet, has a sandy path that is fine for walking between guesthouses and restaurants. Diamond Beach is only a 10 minute walk from the ferry port at Nadan and most of the beaches from Diamond Beach to Ao Pai and Ao Cho are accessible by walking along the shoreline or the sandy path that connects the beaches.

By Songtaew:
There is only one main road on Koh Samet, which runs north to south and has smaller roads branching off it that lead down to each of the islands beaches. Some parts of the road are concrete and some parts are dirt. Songtaews will pick up passengers at each destination, as well as passengers along the way. Songtaew journeys between beaches cost around 30 to 40 baht per person per trip, depending on distance and negotiating skills. If there is no one else to join the drive, then expect to pay 200 baht for a private trip. It is also possible to hire a songtaew for the entire day.

By Rental Motorbike:
Motorbikes are available for rent for around 300 to 500 baht per day. It is typically required to leave your passport as a deposit. Make sure to inspect motorbikes carefully and drive cautiously so as not to pay exorbitant fees for damage (real or otherwise) in order to get your passport back. 4x4 ATVs are also available for rent at around 1600 baht per day.


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