Koh Samet is a great place for a relaxing holiday! Excursion to Samet Island from Pattaya: you will definitely want to go there! Where is the island of Koh Samet

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 is 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. In the low season on the islands, this is a common occurrence. 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 buy it in Makro in Pattaya and take it with them to Samet. Food in cafes 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 of the 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.

We filmed every day on the island, plus evening gatherings in a cafe, so if you are planning an independent trip to Samet, be sure to watch our videos below, they will help you see and experience more on the island and spend less.

Samet Island (Koh Samet) is a resort island in the Gulf of Thailand in the eastern part, not far from the mainland, belongs to the Rayong province, Thailand. Small behind 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 seats 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 the 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 Kyu Nok is 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, far 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.

An incredibly 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:

1. Windsurfing and water skiing.
2. Boat trips are organized every day.
3. Snorkeling and diving.
4. 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.

The small island of Koh Samet belongs to the province of Rayong and is located in the Gulf of Thailand, just 6 km from the mainland. The distance to the capital Bangkok is about 200 kilometers, and the most popular resort is 85 kilometers.

In the southern part of Koh Samet there is a National Park with jungles, wild monkeys and tropical birds. In the northern part, there is a fishing village and a fish farm where locals grow tropical fish and turtles. The western part of the island is covered with rocks, except for the small beach of Ao Phrao, surrounded by luxury hotels. And all the most beautiful beaches of the island are located on the east coast.

Tours in Samet

Prices for tours for 2 people for 7 nights with departure from Moscow

The territory of the island is not so large, and there are no paved roads on the island: it is most convenient to move around the resort on foot. If there is a need for more thorough transport, then you can rent a motorbike and even use a taxi. If you decide to rent a motorbike, then please pay attention that you need to be extremely careful when driving on the dirt roads of the island.

The small resort island of Thailand - Samet, with an area of ​​5 sq. km is known and popular among tourists from different countries. Part of the territory located just 6 km from the mainland of Samet is part of the National Park. So, in addition to beautiful beaches with crystal clear water, vacation on the island of Koh Samet, Thailand is an opportunity to spend time in the bosom of untouched nature.

As such, there is no territorial zoning on the island, but tourists who have been here at least once divide Samet into 4 parts:

Samet is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand, which is included in the Rayong province. Its area is 13.2 km2. There is a small settlement - the village of Nadan, where tourist ships most often arrive.

The main attraction of the island is Khao Laem Ya National Park. Most travelers come here to get acquainted with the unique flora and fauna, virgin forests and their inhabitants.

• Language: Thai;
• Currency: Thai baht (THB) - 1 baht = 2 rubles;
• Religion: Buddhism - over 95%, up to 4% - Islam, Christianity.

Samet on the map:

Climatic conditions

The weather on Koh Samet is constant throughout the year.
The air temperature fluctuates between 28 -31 degrees. Rainfall is much less than in other resorts of the country. Conventionally, the rainy season falls on the period from May to July. However, even in these months, the rains are not prolonged and fall mainly at night.
Water warms up within 28-29 degrees.

Monthly average temperatures:

The abundance of precipitation is typical for September and October. There are 15 out of 30 rainy days.

Ecology

Few people know that since November 1, 2018, it is forbidden to import plastic and polystyrene here. Even plastic bags are no exception! So the Thai government takes care of the ecological state of the national park and its environs.

Those who disregard this rule will be forced to say goodbye to all plastic things they have with them at the entrance, and violators will be punished with a fine of 1500 THB.

The Thai government also plans to completely abandon plastic on Koh Samui in the near future and by the end of 2021, the whole country should move to a new ecological level.

How to get there?

The fact that you can only get to Koh Samet by boat does not make the island less popular. The apparent difficulties of the transfer are more than offset by the purity of the sea and the variety of beaches. Some remoteness also attracts lovers of "wild" recreation. Samet will appeal to even sophisticated travelers who know a lot about island holidays.

Many people buy tours in advance, one of the stopping points of which is Koh Samet. This option already includes a transfer to all points of the route and you don’t have to worry about vehicles. This method is chosen by those who have already settled in one of the hotels or, but do not want to sit still or are tired of a lazy beach holiday. In one day, travelers are given the opportunity to travel around dozens of beaches and expand their geographical knowledge.

If you decide to spend more than one day on the island or stay here for a long time, plan your route in advance.

The starting point to the island will be Pattaya airports or, depending on the individual preferences of tourists.

From the airport we go directly to the small village of Ban Phe, which, by the way, is famous for being the main starting point for Koh Samet and its National Park.

We get to Ban Phe in the most pleasant way for us: it can be a bus, taxi, rented scooter or car. You don’t need to worry about where to leave your scooter or car: next to the pier, you can easily find paid guarded parking.

From Bangkok

Buses from Bangkok to the pier depart from Ekamai Bus Station. The first bus leaves at 5 in the morning, the next - with an interval of 40 minutes each. The last one departs from the stop at 20:30. A one-way ticket will cost a tourist 157 baht. Public transport is attractive because the fare is significantly lower than in a taxi, but in Bangkok there is a great alternative: renting a scooter.

By using a bike, you can combine business with pleasure: see the surroundings and save on travel. In addition, you will not be dependent on the schedule. Of course, you will have to spend money on gasoline, but this expense instantly pays off: fresh air and stunning views will make anyone forget about the difficulties of the transfer.

From Pattaya

In terms of economy, getting to the island from Pattaya is more profitable than from Bangkok. True, you will have to make one stop, as the bus will only go to the administrative center of Rayong. Next, songhteo will deliver the shaft straight to the pier for only 30 baht. In total, it turns out: 1.5 hours on the road, about 70 baht to Rayong, 30 baht to Ban Phe pier, plus a boat trip to Na Dan pier with a symbolic statue of a huge woman, sung by the Thai poet Suthon Phu, and you are there!

There are two types of water transport between Ban Phe and Koh Samet: ferries and speedboats.

Ban Phe Pier is literally teeming with touts who are trying in every possible way to offer their services. The only thing that cannot be changed is the high price of such trips. Regardless of which way you decide to get to your destination, you will have to purchase a standard ticket from a representative of one of the hundreds of companies that manage the transfer of passengers from the mainland to the island.

Experienced recommend not to peck at the bait of the first person you meet, but to take a walk along the pier for some time. Going a little further than inexperienced tourists do, you can come across very advantageous offers at a lower price.

Entry prices

Visiting the island itself is free. However, you will have to pay 200 baht for an adult visitor and half the full price for a child to enter the national park.

Many people manage to avoid visiting fees by using the same private carriers from Ban Phe Pier, which have slightly different itineraries. By bypassing the toll collection point and delivering their customers directly to the beach, near which the travelers are going to stay, the carriers make it possible to get into the territory "hare".

One way or another, you should be prepared for the fact that even before sailing you will be required to pay an entrance fee to the territory of the National Park. By the way, be careful: a ticket bought for 200 baht is valid for 5 days. After the expiration date, you must purchase a ticket again. But, most tourists note that Koh Samet is not as fun as they would like, so 5 days of peace and quiet are more than enough.

Beaches

In total, the island has over 15 beaches scattered throughout the coastal area. Among them, there are 8 most colorful and occupying TOP lines in the ratings.

Ao Phai

The infrastructure of Ao Phi is 4 small beaches, united under one name:

• Ao Pai;
• Hin Kok;
• Ao Put San;
• Ao Nuan.

Despite the fact that these are the most visited beaches (due to the low price tag for accommodation, the presence of cheap bars and cafes), every year the reviews left by tourists about these places are getting worse. Many say that the area is not protected in any way and is unsafe, some do not like the surroundings, some do not like the quality of the water, etc.

One way or another, Ao Phi is still in the top of the most popular beaches of Samet.

Haad Sai Kaew

Sai Keu (or Diamond Beach - diamond beach) is a favorite place for all party-goers. It is here that all the entertainment activities of a small island are concentrated. Those who want to have a fun evening, dance, eat delicious food, try local drinks and exotic cocktails, definitely need to visit the diamond beach!

In addition, this place is incredibly popular among the Thais themselves: Bangkok residents on Diamond Beach are regular guests. Such a neighborhood only plays into the hands of foreign tourists, since the presence of local vacationers on the island is a guarantee that you will be able to taste real Thai cuisine.

Ao Cho

Ao Cho is an unremarkable calm beach with a gentle entrance and clear water. Here, relatively low housing prices and a lot of tiny stalls with souvenirs. Ao Cho is suitable for families with children, as there are practically no waves here, and it is not popular with noisy companies.

Ao Thain

The most romantic beach, whose name can be translated as "by candlelight". This also proves its lyrical focus. The smallest, but at the same time, the coziest and cutest beach on the island. People come here for wedding ceremonies, anniversaries and family holidays.

Ao Phrao

Ao Phra is an incredibly beautiful beach on the west coast. The coastal area is strewn with expensive hotels with luxurious rooms and first-class service. This is a kind of elite of the island.

Wong Deuan

Wong Deun is in the top three beaches of the island. Large selection of hotels, huts and bungalows, calm, down to earth atmosphere. Suitable for both families and single travelers.

There is an opportunity to choose a hotel according to the possibilities of your wallet. You can stay both in expensive apartments and in modest bungalows.

Ao Tubtim

Less hyped neighbor Ao Phai. This place does not differ in something special and will not be able to please tourists who are hungry for entertainment either. Here you can relatively calmly swim and sunbathe with children.

A boring coastline is adorned with a bizarre composition of stones stacked on top of each other.

Kiu Na Nok

This is a private beach on the territory belonging to the most expensive hotel in the southern part of Samet. If you dream of being in a place that looks like a picture from an advertisement, with sky-blue water, white, clean beach and rare palm trees, then this is the place.

Outsiders are not allowed on Kiu Na Nok (the area is fenced and guarded) and in order to visit this beach, you need to rent one of the local villas. There are only about 20 of them. The cost of rent, in comparison with the northern regions, is prohibitively high, but such is the price for comfort and privacy.

Where to stay?

The hotel infrastructure of the resort is represented by hotels of various comfort levels and price categories. There are inexpensive guesthouses, separate bungalows and more familiar rooms in buildings.

The minimum room rate is 1000 baht. There are cheaper options, but the price in this case will fully correspond to the quality of accommodation.

In accordance with the pricing policy, there are 4 categories of hotels, or 4 zones, in which these hotels are better to look for:

1. Expensive;
2. middle class;
3. Budget;
4. Cheap.

You can easily find expensive hotels in the area of ​​Wong Deuan, Sai Kae, Ao Kiu beaches. The last beach is a private area belonging to the Paradee Hotel and is considered the safest place on the island.

Middle-class hotels can be found everywhere, without being tied to any particular territory. On almost any beach, there is an opportunity to comfortably accommodate in rooms of an average price category.

It is better to look for budget and cheap places in the Ao Phai area, on one of its 4 beaches.

Important. When deciding what to take with you to the island, do not forget to grab a fumigator or mosquito net. Especially if you are going to Samet for more than one night.

Almost every standard hotel has massage rooms, swimming pools, air conditioning and in-room amenities.

Attractions

As such, it will not be possible to meet sights or ancient monuments on the island. The only thing for which lovers of walking on excursions come here is Khao Laem Ya National Park. Moreover, it is not entirely clear what attracts tourists more, the island itself or the national park on which it is located.

The only temple located on the Na Dan pier near the village of the same name is notable for a giant white Buddha statue about 5 meters high.

If you are completely bored, you can go to Sai Keo Beach, where a sculpture of a mermaid with a baby is erected. The locals dubbed her the phrase "True love". The poem that prompted the sculptor to create it was about a sailor who abandoned a mermaid with a baby in his arms because he got bored with her and sailed away on the nearest ship.

Entertainment

The choice of entertainment on the island is also limited. There are no water parks, dolphinariums and amusement parks here. People come here to enjoy a lazy beach holiday away from the noise, and for exciting experiences it is better to go to the mainland, for example, Pattaya.

observation decks

For lovers of sunsets and sunrises, special viewing platforms are equipped. It will not be difficult to find them: it is enough to meet a sign with a special designation on your way.

Windsurfing, water skiing, quad biking

Those who are not indifferent to active sports can rent special equipment available in almost every hotel and spend time with benefit.

Fishing

Fishermen will be able to try their hand at deep-sea fishing and even catch squid, which will then be cooked for you by local chefs. Of course, for a fee.

Thai boxing

One of the novelties of the island is the opportunity to learn from local Thai boxing masters. Of course, most classes are held as demonstration performances by pupils, but for lack of a better one ...

If there is a desire to take this type of wrestling seriously, then you should choose in other places in Thailand.

Fire show

Every evening, the coastal area becomes a real platform for fiery tricks. Vacationers can enjoy an enchanting performance performed by professional stuntmen.

Massage and spa

On the island, private masses are widely practiced. It is made on beaches, in cafes, in hotels and even in the market. You do not have to look for a massage therapist, he will find you!

shopping

If you go to Samet in order to buy something interesting and exotic, you will be in for a great disappointment. All products are delivered here from the "mainland", which means that its range is very limited, and the price tags are too high. A lot of shopping stalls are full of boring souvenirs and necessary beach paraphernalia: mosquito sprays, sunscreen, panama hats, ducks for swimming and other cheap knick-knacks.

Samet for children

The beaches of Koh Samet are ideal for families with children. It is difficult to assess which of its advantages is the main one: there are so many of them.

Firstly, the environment, which is given great attention here. The ban on the import of plastic is just one item from a long list of what is being done to preserve the purity of nature on the island.

Secondly, blinding beaches with white sand and emerald water. The pictures that the imagination once drew materialize here. The sea is calm and there are almost no strong waves. Most of the beaches have a gentle entrance, fences are installed for vacationers. The coastal stalls are full of inflatable balls, circles, ducks and other children's protection.

Thirdly, having enough “eating” the sun and the sea, you can go to Pattaya for entertainment: water parks, dolphinarium, amusement parks, parties, shopping, etc. The convenience lies in the fact that you do not need to spend a lot of time and money on the road. After walking and having fun, you can return to the quiet island life with peace of mind. And parents who come here with small children do not need to worry that someone or something will prevent their child from sleeping at night.

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.

It is part of the 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.