As someone living in Bangkok, I chose Koh Samet as my go-to place whenever I need to escape the chaos of the Thai capital. One of the island’s biggest advantages is its proximity and easy access from Bangkok. I’ve visited Koh Samet multiple times over the past year and stayed in a few different places. So, I’m excited to share my Koh Samet guide, packed with practical tips on what to do, where to stay, and what to expect in each part of the island.
This guide is perfect for anyone traveling to Koh Samet for the first time and trying to figure out transportation and the best area to stay based on their preferences.
Basic info about Koh Samet:
📍 Location: Eastern Thailand, about 220 km from Bangkok
✈️ Transport: By minibus and boat (3.5 hours from Bangkok) → Search for tickets
🕒 Best time to visit: November to May, June was also nice
💰 Currency: Thai Baht, 1 THB
🏨 Accommodation: Cheap double rooms from 29 EUR per night → Find accommodation
Map of Koh Samet areas
To help you visualize the island’s size and the distances between its main areas, here’s an overview map.
Why Koh Samet is worth a visit
If you’re planning a beach holiday in Thailand and don’t want to spend too much time traveling, Koh Samet is the perfect weekend getaway from Bangkok. It’s located only about three hours by road and a short ferry ride from Ban Phe Pier or Nuanthip Pier.
Koh Samet is a small island compared to Koh Samui or Phuket. There are no cars, except for the local songthaews (shared taxis), and you can walk between most beaches. It’s peaceful and stunning, with soft white sand, clear turquoise water, and a mix of local charm and comfort.
How to get to Koh Samet from Bangkok
Getting to Koh Samet is simple. Take a minivan from Ekkamai Bus Station in Bangkok (right next to the BTS station Ekkamai). The ride to Ban Phe Pier in Rayong province takes about three hours. From there, you can hop on a ferry to Koh Samet (30 minutes) or a speedboat if you want to arrive faster.
I always book my tickets on 12Go Asia a few days in advance. The one-way ticket costs 750 THB and includes both the minivan and boat transfer which is very convenient.
Where to stay in Koh Samet: By beach area & experience
Each beach on Koh Samet has its own personality. Most are located on the east coast, while the only beach for sunsets is on the west side. Here’s my personal guide:
Sai Kaew Beach – The Busiest and Most Convenient
Sai Kaew is the island’s main beach, located on the northeast side. It’s lively, packed with bars, restaurants, and plenty of beachfront accommodation. You’ll also find 7-Eleven stores, pharmacies, and even a small hospital nearby.
Where to stay in Sai Kaew Beach:
Ao Phai – A Bit More Peaceful
South of Sai Kaew Beach lies Ao Phai, a small stretch of sand dotted with beach resorts, massage spots, and bars. The beach can get a bit crowded since many resorts provide sunbeds for their guests, but the southern part is slightly rocky and makes for more interesting snorkeling.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly yet comfortable option, consider Samed Villa Resort, which offers cozy villas nestled in a lush green garden. During our last stay, there was some loud music coming from one of the bars at the beginning of the beach. I’m a very light sleeper and still managed to fall asleep, so if you’re not as sensitive to noise, you’ll be just fine.
For something a little more upscale, stay at Samed Tamarind Beach Resort, which features beautiful Thai-style wooden design, a beachfront bar and restaurant that actually serves surprisingly good pizza.
Where to stay in Ao Phai:
Ao Nuan – Old-School Thai Island Feel
Just around the corner from Ao Phai is Ao Nuan, a small beach with simple wooden bungalows. Staying here feels like stepping back in time, waking up to the sound of waves and having the beach nearly to yourself.
Ao Prao beach – The Only Sunset Beach
Located on the western coast, Ao Prao Beach is perfect for couples or honeymooners. It’s calm, clean, and has only a few luxury resorts. You can walk to the busier side of the island in about 25 minutes.
Where to stay in Ao Prao beach:
Ao Chor – Laid-Back with Rasta Vibes
I loved Ao Chor mainly for its relaxed atmosphere and the Rasta Bar that serves cold beers and offers free sunbeds if you order a drink. A chilled, easygoing spot for slow travelers.
Where to stay in Ao Chor:
Ao Kiew – Luxury “White Lotus” Experience
This beach belongs to the island’s resort Paradee. I was lucky enough to spend a day there, and it was truly a luxurious experience. Most villas feature a private pool, an outdoor bathtub, a semi-open shower, and include perks such as afternoon tea, as well as complimentary use of snorkeling gear, catamarans, kayaks, and paddleboards. The restaurant served the best meal I had on the entire island.
According to the hotel, you can also spend a day here for (as a non-guest) a 2,000 THB day pass, which includes food and drinks. I recommend arranging this in advance with hotel management, as I’ve read about occasional misunderstandings with security guards who weren’t clearly informed about the policy.
Opposite the hotel is the charming Sunset Bar, another great spot to watch the sun go down. Guests who book a stay at Paradee also enjoy a complimentary speedboat transfer directly from the hotel’s private pier.
This place is perfect for anyone seeking an upscale island escape — with just a hint of White Lotus vibes.
✹ Paradee Resort – Check rates and book
What to do in Koh Samet
Koh Samet isn’t about wild adventures, it’s more about relaxation and simplicity. Still, there’s plenty to enjoy:
Try watersports
Most resorts rent snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards which is a fun way to explore the coastline and spot some marine life.
Walk along the beaches
You can explore several beaches simply by walking from Sai Kaew Beach in the north all the way down to Wong Duean Beach. Beyond that point, you’ll need to continue along the road if you want to go farther south.
Alternatively, you can start your “hike” from the northern tip of the island, at Noi Na Beach or Brown Cabin Chocolate Café, located just past the main port. The café is a charming stop, it serves tasty drinks and features a cozy wooden cottage design shaped like a triangle, perfect for a quick rest before your walk.
Watch the evening fire show
Every major beachfront restaurant on the island hosts evening fire shows performed by local boys. They’re genuinely impressive and fun to watch, especially the first time. But after a few nights they start to feel repetitive, and I wasn’t a huge fan of the lingering smell of petroleum while trying to enjoy my dinner.
Visit the southeast point Laem Toei
At the very southern tip of Koh Samet lies Laem Toei, a rocky headland with dramatic cliffs, a small bridge, and stunning sea views. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain can be uneven and rocky. The best way to get here is by motorbike or songthaew (local shared taxi). There are no shops nearby, so bring some water with you.
The ideal time to visit is during sunrise or sunset, when the light is most beautiful and the area is quiet and uncrowded.
Check out the statues
At Hat Sai Kaew Beach, you’ll find statues of the mythical Prince Phra Aphai Mani and a mermaid, characters from classic Thai literature. Another striking sculpture, blending both masculine and feminine features, greets visitors at the island’s main port.
Practical tips for visiting Koh Samet
- Stay longer than one night: Although the journey from Bangkok takes only about 3,5 hours, it still eats up half your day. From my experience, staying at least two nights is the minimum to make the trip worthwhile.
- Bring cash: There aren’t many proper ATMs from Thai banks on the island, and cards aren’t accepted everywhere. It’s best to bring enough cash with you. If you have a Thai bank account, you can also pay almost anywhere using the Thai QR code system.
- Walk the island: Koh Samet is small enough to explore comfortably on foot, so take your time to wander between beaches.
- Book early: The island is extremely popular among Bangkok locals, especially on weekends and Thai public holidays, so it’s wise to book accommodation in advance.
- Entry fee: Koh Samet is part of a national park, so upon arrival, visitors are required to pay an entry fee of 200 THB (and 40 THB for Thai nationals).
Transport on Koh Samet
As I mentioned earlier, there are no cars or traditional buses on the island. You can either walk or rent a scooter, which costs around 400 THB per day. Another option is to use the local open-air taxis, known as songthaews, which you can catch along the main roads.
Songthaews usually wait at the port for new arrivals. Each one fills up with about ten passengers and then drops them off at their respective accommodations. The fare is typically 40 – 60 THB per person. However, if there are no other passengers, you might need to pay for the whole vehicle and prices vary depending on distance, generally between 200 – 500 THB.
They also have a few unofficial stops marked with signs showing the fares. You can find them at the port, opposite Gecko Bar near Ao Phai Beach, and between Ao Cho and Wong Duean Beach.
FAQ Koh Samet: Most searched questions
When to visit Koh Samet?
The best time to visit Koh Samet is from December to April, when the weather is dry, the temperatures are pleasant, and the sea is calm. Unlike other Thai islands, Koh Samet has less rainfall even during the rainy season (May – October), so if you want to avoid the crowds, you can visit even outside the main season.
It’s worth noting, however, that I was on the island in February last year, and it rained almost every day, with two days without any sun at all. On the other hand, in June it was sunny. So if you don’t have time to come during the “dry season,” feel free to visit in May or June, the weather will be more or less the same, and you’ll save a lot of money on accommodation, which is much cheaper outside the peak season.
Is Koh Samet expensive?
I’d say it’s mid-range. It’s definitely cheaper than Samui or Phuket. A portion of fried rice with chicken at a beachfront restaurant costs around 140 THB, a coffee in a café is about 100 THB, and a beer at a beach bar is roughly 120 THB.
Is Koh Samet worth visiting?
If you’re looking for a quick and peaceful escape from Bangkok, then absolutely, this island and its beaches are truly stunning.
Are cars allowed in Koh Samet?
No, if you’re coming by car, you’ll need to leave it parked on the mainland.
How long is a boat ride to Koh Samet?
From Nadan Pier in Ban Phe, it takes around 30 minutes by standard boat. If you opt for a speedboat, the trip is a bit faster.
What are the best beach restaurants?
To be completely honest, the one thing Koh Samet falls short on is good restaurants. Most places serve very similar dishes, and many of them feel like watered-down versions of Thai cuisine, often bland, very oily, and clearly catered toward tourists who will come either way.
One of the better options is Reef Restaurant. The food is decent, and they even have a pizza oven. Just be prepared for a long wait, and don’t be surprised if your pizza arrives without basic things like cutlery, plates, or napkins.
The best meal I had on the island was at the Paradee Resort on the southern tip of Koh Samet. Unfortunately, the restaurant is only open to hotel guests. However, I’ve heard that you can purchase a 2,000 THB day pass, which allows you to use the resort facilities and redeem the amount toward food and drinks. I recommend contacting them in advance to confirm availability and avoid disappointment.
How many days do you need in Koh Samet?
I’d say the absolute minimum is 2 days. If you’re happy just walking around, reading, relaxing, and doing water sports, you could easily stay for a week or two.
If you would like to check my travel blog in Czech ➞ click here.
❤️ This article includes affiliate links. They help me keep this blog running and they don’t cost you anything extra. Thanks for your support!
