Khao Laem Ya – Mu Ko Samet National Park is located in the Gulf of Thailand off the coast of Rayong, about 180 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. Many people only know the island of Koh Samet, but the park also extends to the mainland and offers a beautiful coastal landscape. I will describe this part here, although the entrance fee covers the entire park, including Koh Samet. In 1981, the Royal Forestry Administration of Thailand declared the Ko Samet archipelago a national park. Besides Koh Samet, it includes nine other small neighboring islands: Koh Kudi, Koh Tai Khang, Koh Kruai, Koh Makham, Koh Gled Chalam, Koh Plai Teen, Koh Yung Kluea, Koh Talu, Koh San Chalam, Koh Chan, and Koh Hin Khao, as well as Cape Khao Laem Ya (which is the main focus of this page) and Mae Rampueng Beach. The aim was to protect these beautiful natural areas from development by real estate developers. The mainland part of the park, Cape Khao Laem Ya near Ban Phe, offers a small forest trail leading to the sea and then along the shore via wooden boardwalks (the hike can, of course, also be started in the opposite direction, at the sea). Monkeys can sometimes be spotted there, though rarely on busy days. The coastline, with its rocks and the shimmering blue of the Gulf of Thailand, offers picturesque, postcard-perfect views.

Entrance fee for foreigners: 200 THB per adult and 100 THB per child (also applies to Koh Samet). Open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On weekends and public holidays, a free songthaew service is available from the visitor parking lot to the coast. Otherwise, you will need to walk; the walk takes approximately 15 minutes.

Khao Laem Ya National Park offers bungalows priced between 1,500 and 3,900 baht per night, depending on size. Tents are also available for rent at 150 or 600 baht per person per night, depending on size (2 to 8 people). Setting up a private tent costs 30 baht per person per night. For more information, please contact us at +60 38 653034. The coastal section of Khao Laem Ya National Park is 3 km from Ban Phe Pier, where boats depart for Samet Island (also part of the national park). There is no public transport to Samet Island, but tuk-tuks are readily available at the pier. They will wait in the parking area and bring you back. The fare should be around 600–800 baht, depending on your bargaining skills and the length of your stay (I recommend 1 hour).

How to get there

How do I get to Khao Laem Ya National Park? Khao Laem Ya National Park offers bungalows priced between 1,500 and 3,900 baht per night, depending on size. Tents are also available for rent at 150 or 600 baht per person per night, depending on size (2 to 8 people). Setting up a private tent costs 30 baht per person per night. For more information, please call 038 653034. The coastal section of Khao Laem Ya National Park is 3 km from Ban Phe Pier, from where boats depart for Samet Island (which is also part of the national park). There is no public transport to Samet Island, but you can find tuk-tuks at the pier that will take you there, wait in the parking lot, and bring you back. The price should be around 600-800 baht, depending on your bargaining skills and the time spent there (I recommend 1 hour).