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KOH SAMET
 A favorite get-away island for Bangkokians, Koh Samet offers extensive pristine
beaches with clean white sand and strangely shaped rocks. A haven for
relaxation, this T-shaped island is a perfect retreat for those looking for sun,
sand and sea. The climate is always pleasantly cool with an abundance of rain in
August and windy monsoons in May.
There are a wide range of accommodations on the island with prices at the
low-end starting from 200 baht for a bungalow with basic amenities, while
bungalows with furniture and air-conditioning may start at the rate of 600 baht.
Mid-range hotels and resorts mostly located around the Hat Sai Kaew area are
also available. Reservations for accommodations should be made in advance as the
place gets crowded especially during the festive season.
How to Get to Koh Samet - By Boat (to Ko Samet)
Ferry Timetables (from Ban Phe) :
Destination: Nadarn Pier (Saikaeo / Ao Phai / Ao Thapthim)
Departure from Ban Phe : Every hour
Fare/Trip : 50 baht
Departure from Destination : Every hour
Destination: Ao Wong Duen (Ao Nuan / Ao Saengthian)
Departure from Ban Phe : 9.00 a.m., 12.00 p.m., 1.30 p.m., 5.00 p.m.
Fare/Trip : 60 baht
Departure from Destination : 8.30 a.m., 12.00 p.m., 3.30 p.m., 4.00 p.m.
Destination: Ao Wai
Departure from Ban Phe : 11.30 a.m., 2.00 p.m.
Fare/Trip : 100 baht
Departure from Destination : 2.00 p.m.
Destination: Ao Kui
Departure from Ban Phe : 10.00 a.m.
Fare/Trip : 120 baht
Departure from Destination : 10.00 a.m., 12.30 p.m., 3.00 p.m., 5.00 p.m.
For charters (15-60 persons) from Ban Phe Pier contact:
1. Nuan Tip Pier Tel: 0 3865 1956, 651 508 or
2. Sri Ban Phe Pier Tel: 0 3865 1902
Attractions on Koh Samet include:
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Hat Sai Kaeo
One of the most beautiful and most popular beaches on Koh Samet, Hat Sai Kaew is
1 kilometer long and 25 – 30 meters wide. The name speaks for itself, Hat Sai
Kaew, which literally means Crystal Sand Beach, is a nice beach filled with
activities. From dusk to dawn, visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, jet
skiing, windsurfing, riding on a banana boat or even partying at night.
Accommodations provided include bungalows and villas.
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Ao Noi Na
Ao Noi Na, which is located near Hat Sai Kaew, has different ambience. It is
quieter and therefore more suitable for those looking for a truly relaxing
experience on the white, clean sandy beach.
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Ao Hin Khok
Ao Hin Khok is separated from Hat Sai Kaew by a small rocky sea point where a
mermaid statue is located. The beach, which is half the size of Hat Sai Kaew, is
famous for its strangely shaped rocks. There are inexpensive bungalows/huts
located along the beach, and also value-for-money restaurants providing fresh,
quality seafood dishes.
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Ao Pai
Located close to Hat Sai Kaew, Ao Pai is therefore quite crowded. For visitors
interested in sunbathing, this is the ideal place as swimming is not recommended
as there is whirlpool on the sea, as designated by the red flag.
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Ao Phutsa
Ao Put Sa is a small bay on Koh Samet which draws repeat visitors intent on
relaxing. Suitable for those who are tired of crowded beaches and nightlife
activities, Ao Put Sa offers a quite retreat that reunites visitors with nature
in its crystal clear waters.
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Ao Thapthim
Ao Tub Tim, which is set in a tranquil atmosphere, is located near Ao Put Sa and
is well known for its white sand and clear water. Ao Tub Tim has a small, cozy
resort, which provides nice services in a well decorated compound.
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Ao Nuan
Ao Nuan is located near Ao Put Sa and is a perfect hideaway for holidaymakers in
search of tranquility.
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Ao Wong Deuan
Ao Wong Deuan is the second largest beach on the island (the first being Hat Sai
Kaew). Ao Wong Deuan attracts tourist groups during both the high and low
seasons due to its beautiful white sandy beach and good accommodations. On top
of this, good seafood restaurants with nice views are also available.
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Ao Thian (Candlelight Beach)
Ao Thian’s topography is painted by rocky beach in which some nice spots for
skin diving are available. This beach is very quiet and free from group tours
with bungalows and resorts available around the beach area.
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Ao Wai
Ao Wai is located within a short walking distance of Candlelight Beach. Shaded
by coconut trees, the beach is a quite, scenic and serene spot for sea lovers.
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Ao Kiu Nok
This bay is a perfect secluded den for those planning to keep their distance
from the busy, crowded beaches and vibrant nightlife. From Aow Kiew Nok,
visitors can actually walk to Aow Kiew Nai which is the ideal spot to see the
spectacular sun rise and sun set.
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Ao Karang
The best place to experience the traditional lifestyle of the residents of Koh
Samet is at Ao Karang where there also are a number of seafood restaurants
providing fresh seafood dishes at reasonable prices.
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Ao Wiang Wan
Ao Wiang Wan is located on the west of Na Dan Pier, a large bay where lots of
sport activities such as fishing, etc. take place.
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Ao Phrao
Ao Prow is one of the quietest beaches of Ko Samet. Located quite far away from
the lively nightlife of Ko Samet; Ao Prow is preferred by travelers who quietly
enjoy the deep blue sea and white sand in the sunshine. Ao Prow has a long white
sandy beach which is ideal for swimming.
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Phra Chedi Klang Nam (Wat Samut Khongkha or Wat Pak Nam)
Built at the center of the isle at the mouth of the Rayong River, the pagoda is
located about 2 kilometers from town. The origin of the pagoda, which stands
about 10 meters high, is still unknown. Sailors once used it as the sign of
arrival in Rayong. An annual celebration held during November, features an
exciting boat and Loy Krathong Festival.
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Suan Si Mueang
Dubbed as "Ko Klang" by the locals, Suan Sri Muang is a public park and health
center. Located behind the former city hall, the park is well known for its
landmark – the Phra Buddha Angkhirot (Buddhist Shrine) housed in a traditional
Thai style shrine.
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Suan Son
This beach is located approximately 4 kilometers from Ban Phe. Travel along the
beach-front road and visitors will find a place that offers true relaxation
under the shade of pine trees. The scenic beach is eminently suited to
relaxation and swimming. Accommodations and food shops are also available.
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The City Pillar Shrine
A pavilion located on Lak Muang Road, the shrine was previously made from wood,
and later was restored, using brick and mortar, as a Chinese-style pavilion.
Highly revered by the locals, the shrine is usually crowded especially during
the Song Kran Festival.
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The King Taksin Shrine
Located at Wat Lum Mahachai Chumpon on Taksin Road, the shrine was built to
commemorate King Taksin the Great's brief stopover in Rayong to mobilize his
troops and liberate the Kingdom of Ayutthaya from the Burmese. Legend has it
that King Taksin the Great’s elephant was believed to be stabled at a large
Parkia tree (in front of the shrine). A well-regarded place by the locals,
especially the Sino-Thais, the shrine attracts big crowds during Chinese New
Year and on December 28th.
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The Sopha Arboretum
The extensive grounds located near the entrance to Ban Phe, just about 200
meters off Highway No.3 at Km. marker 238 are home to various flowering plants.
A 100-year-old Thai-style wooden structure houses porcelain ware from various
periods, in particular the Ban Chiang style. The place is open daily except
Thursdays from 8.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m. Contact Tel: 0-3865-1688 for more
information.
Ticket Fee: 50 Baht /person.
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Wat Lum Mahachai Chumphon
Also dubbed "Wat Lum Market” by the locals, the temple is located next to a
market which offers interesting local Thai and Chinese food.
Just watching the old houses located along the street behind the market can
inspire your imagination on daily activities and lifestyles of the past.
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Wat Pa Pradu
Believed to be constructed during the Ayutthaya era, the temple houses a
12-meter-long Reclining Buddha which measures 11.95 meters long and 3.60 meters
high. Unlike other reclining statues, the image lies on the left, instead of the
right. The viharn was later built over the image in 1981.
Information by Tourism Authority of
Thailand
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