Koh Samet in Thailand is a hidden gem and a beloved destination among both local Thais and tourists. Due to the island’s convenient location, just 220 kilometers from Bangkok, it is the perfect place for a relaxing getaway. The island is small but nice. It offers a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful white sandy beaches, clear blue sea water, and lush green nature. To get the most out of your stay at Koh Samet, we have written down our tips for you. In this article you can read about the most beautiful beaches on Koh Samet, but also about the best activities and the best hotels to stay!
The island of Koh Samet in Thailand
The island of Koh Samet in Thailand is part of the Khao Laemya National Park, which has been a protected nature park since 1981. However, it takes some getting used to when you arrive on the island from the mainland. The chaos (read: a busy street full of restaurants, music and traffic) is, to say the least, not the image you have of a protected nature reserve. But if you get further than this part of the island, so more towards the south, you will soon see the other side of the island. The greener and lusher side, the place where you want to be.
Because the island is part of a protected nature park, you pay 200 Baht to enter the island.
What to do on Koh Samet: fun tips and activities
Koh Samet is not a standard beach destination that is added to a tour of Thailand, but it is certainly worth considering. Especially if you want to stay around Bangkok, but still want to enjoy the pearly white sandy beaches that Thailand is known for. These are the best tips and activities to do on the island of Koh Samet in Thailand:
1. Discover the most beautiful beaches of Koh Samet
For an island that is only 13 km2, it offers a large number of beaches. There are 14 beautiful white sandy beaches to discover on Koh Samet and on many of these beaches, you will find green cajeput trees. This is also what the island is known for and the name of the island is also derived from this. Samet means cajeput in Thai.
Where the beaches in the north are busy and touristy, the beaches in the south are much quieter and more idyllic. These are the most beautiful beaches to discover on Koh Samet:
- Ao Prao – the only beach on the west coast of the island and a paradise to spend the day;
- Ao Karang – because the beach is so remote, it is often very quiet. And because of the cajeput trees, there is a lot of shade, so it is wonderful to stay there;
- Ao Wai – a beautiful bay with a white sandy beach and rugged rocks at the ends of the bay;
- Ao Nuan – a small but very nice bay with a white sandy beach and clear blue sea water;
- Ao Lung Dam – although not the most beautiful beach on the island, it deserves a place on the list because of its very pleasant atmosphere;
- Ao Tubtim – a beautiful white sand beach and a good place to book a hotel for those who want to stay in a quiet area but still want to be close to the nightlife of Koh Samet.
2. Drive to the southernmost point of the island: End Viewpoint
One of the best things to do at Koh Samet is renting a scooter. This gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore the island at your own pace. It is a big advantage that Koh Samet is not that big, you can drive to the southernmost point in 30 minutes. Here you will find the viewpoint End Viewpoint where you can enjoy beautiful views of the island and the surrounding sea.
3. Explore the hiking trails of Khao Laemya National Park
The national park covers a large part of the island and is worth exploring. Put on your walking shoes in the morning and take a nice walk through the park. This is the best time of day to go for a walk because you avoid the hottest part of the day. Plus, you can relax on one of the most beautiful beaches afterward.
The Nature Trail is the walk on the island of Koh Samet and is about 2 kilometers. It takes about 40 minutes, which in our opinion is very doable.
There is some climbing and descending, and the path is not very well maintained. But still fun to do and in the end you are rewarded with a beautiful view!
4. Enjoy beautiful sunsets
Almost all beaches on Koh Samet are on the East Coast, and this is the ideal side for watching a beautiful sunset. You will also find restaurants on or near the beach on many beaches. The perfect setting for a romantic evening out.
Hotel Tips: Nice Places to Stay on Koh Samet
As you may have noticed, we would recommend staying in the southern part of the island of Koh Samet. You are out of the hustle and bustle and often with your hotel located on one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. We have therefore collected our favorite spots for you, these are:
- Le Virmarn Cottages & Spa on the West Coast (Ao Prao)
- Ao Prao Resort on the beautiful Ao Prao beach
- Samed Villa Resort on Ao Phai Bay
Tip: Don’t want to stay at one of these resorts? Then it is good to know that the resorts are often also accessible to day visitors. The beach is often free, only for renting a bed you pay a small fee.
The best time to visit Koh Samet in Thailand
The best time to visit Koh Samet is from October to April. Why? Because the average temperature is around 30 degrees, there is no rain and the sun shines all day long.
The rainy season is in July and August, but because Koh Samet has its microclimate, even these months there is little rain. Except for a heavy tropical rain shower (which lasts no more than fifteen minutes).
It is good to remember that Koh Samet is a popular island among locals, especially those living in and around Bangkok. It is therefore a valuable tip to avoid weekends and holidays.
Getting to Koh Samet: How to get there
The vast majority of travelers who want to go to Koh Samet depart for the island from Bangkok. At the Ekkamai bus station, you can take a direct bus to the Ban Phe pier from where the ferry to the island departs. The bus ride takes about 3.5 to 4 hours. You can buy your ticket at the bus station or via the website of 12GO.
Once at Ban Phe pier, you can choose to take the speedboat to the island or buy a ferry ticket. Remember that when you buy a ferry ticket, you can choose between a one-way or a return trip. If you don’t want to be dependent on the company and the times they sail, buy a ticket for the crossing only.
Are you on Koh Samet? Then there are jeep taxis ready to take you to your hotel. For about 300 Baht you can go to the other side of the island. This is good to know before you get in!
Traveling around Thailand: we’re happy to help you on your way!
After reading this article, you can undoubtedly enjoy a wonderful stay on the Thai island of Koh Samet. But Thailand offers many more paradise islands to discover. And not only that, there is a beautiful culture to discover and experience and so much more in vibrant cities and authentic villages. Do you want to combine Koh Samet with other beautiful destinations in Thailand ? We are happy to help you on your way!
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