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Ko Samet is just 200 kilometers from Bangkok, to the east, in the Gulf of Thailand. Being so near to Bangkok - a couple of hours or so by car - Ko Samet is sought out by residents and tourists in Bangkok, as somewhere to chill out for a few lazy - or otherwise - days. Ko Samet is as 'tropical' as any of the southern Thailand islands, and blessed with good sunshine, few showers, and glorious white sandy beaches - in all about 14 or 15. A ferry from Ban Phe pier finishes the trip in just another 20 minutes. There are assorted boat runs out to the island, and if you book a resort, you could get a boat trip as part of the deal. |
Ko Samet is a national park, and you will be required to pay an entrance fee on arrival. (You will be either met at the boat, or have to go through the payment channel). I was charged a 200 baht 'foreigner' fee (Low season) whilst my Thai partner forked out 40 baht. This difference in charges is prevalent throughout Thailand for many attractions. Don't get upset. that's how the system works. It is not to do with the fact that foreigners have more money, is is said to be based upon the fact that Thais already pay tax in the Kingdom!
Entrance fees can be as much as 400 baht per foreigner, so be prepared for that. Once you are there, it will have been well worth it for Ko Samet can be anything to everyone.
The main coast of the island faces the east, and it is here that most visitors will end up. The few beaches and hotels over on the west side, command rather higher prices than those on the east.
A section of Ao Wai beach at the south of the island.
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What: Ko Samet is a beautiful island with pure white sand
beaches aplenty. It is relatively unspoilt for a popular place, even though
some of the environment is being stretched a little by new developments!
Where: It is in the province of Rayong, Eastern
Thailand and sits in the Gulf of Thailand sea, not
too far away for Bangkok weekenders or Pattaya 'getaways'.
When: Most times of the year are acceptable, but avoiding weekends
if you want a bit of space to yourself - or head to the south
of Ko Samet. (If you avoid the weekends, you will
also find better prices - maybe as much as 75% less for a stay. The rainy
season is normally safe, for it seems to miss much of the heavy mainland
rain!
Why: Because it is just beautiful, with beaches and all that can be
done in clear seas available.
Who: Thais and foreigners alike descend upon Ko Samet - because of
it's nearness and accessibility to Pattaya - and Bangkok.
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There are a few ATM's on the island, as are their hosts, the 7-elevens. Where would we be without them - even on Ko Samet.
Several boat trips are available to surrounding beauty spots. At most beaches - certainly up to the north east, there are countless options to get on - or in - the water.
Further afield, there are scuba diving opportunities with helpful tours and trips from the island.
Cheapest are the few places at the northern most tip. Not much here other than solitude and glorious white sand. The normal ferry landing spots are at Na Dan - at the north of the island. For the better beaches, head south a little.
Plenty to eat and drink at most places on Koh Samet, with the odd internet cafe for those who just cannot get away from it all!
Left to right images show >>>>
A rental bungalow at SametVille Resort. Air-con, but others are available
here, in great array.
The method of embarkation to and from your supplied ferry boat - courtesy
of the Sametville Resort.
Part of the rocky bays up Ao Sai Kaew - Thap Phim area.
Seafood as you would expect when surrounded by the Gulf of Thailand Sea
Some slightly posh (pricier) bungalows for rent in the same area.
The images above were taken at the beach near where the ferry or speedboat
lands. far left are sculptures of the mermaid and prince who have been made
famous throughout Thailand by the poet Sunthorn Phu - The mermaid helped the
prince find refuge at the beautiful island of Ko Samet.
How to get to Ko Samet.
from Bangkok, you can drive by car or catch bus to Rayong. Busses leave from Eastern Bus Terminal - Ekamai and go straight to Ban Phe - a journey that will probably take around three and half hours, and cost around 160 baht. The bus will finish at the Ban Phe - just across the road from the piers. There is also a bus service from Mo Chit - but only to Rayong. It is a short trip from there by songthaew for around 20 - 30 baht to Ban Phe Piers.
Mini-vans also do the route, from the Victory monument in Bangkok. The fare is around 250 baht. You will go straight to the pier. These are rather faster (!) than the busses, and long-legged farangs might be a little cramped. The bus is more comfortable - generally!
Travel from Pattaya by van, and the trip can be as short as 45 mins, and cost 200 baht.
Ferries or speedboats finish the trip for you from Ban Phe pier. The ferry - whilst slower (no matter!) is considerably less than chartering the speedboat option, but the latter is fun. just hold on to your hat!
The Quiet End
Samet Ville Resort is about as far to the south as you can comfortably go. There are numerous bungalow options available at this resort on Ko Samet. Whilst it is possible to get away from Ao Wai by way of taxi - up the unmade road, the area is very quiet with little to do other than to chill out and maybe take a few walks. The beach is absolutely glorious with pure unspoilt white sand, fringed with plenty of shade trees. water here is very clear and either shallow snorkelling or popping off on a hired kayak are great ways to spend the odd hour or two. There is an adequate bar and restaurant, and the staff are ever helpful.
As with the rest of the island, mosquitoes are an absolute pest. Take a spray - for your room, and wear plenty of light 'cover-up' clothes to avoid them. Whilst at one time the island was considered malarial, it is now said to be free of malaria!
Map of the Ko Samet
