Koh Samet (เกาะเสม็ด) is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand, belonging to Rayong Province, about 200 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. Strictly speaking, Koh Samet is part of Koh Samet National Park and is a habitat for wildlife such as monkeys, hornbills, gibbons, and butterflies.

For a long time, Koh Samet has attracted tourists from all over the world with its beautiful beaches and abundant water activities. For both Thais living in Bangkok and foreigners, Koh Samet is a very popular weekend getaway.

Koh Samet gets its name from a type of laurel tree that grows on the island, called "Same" in Thai. However, it was formerly known as "Koh Kaew Phitsadan," meaning "Magic Crystal Island," highlighting its captivating charm. Koh Samet boasts 14 beautiful white sand beaches, along with numerous beachfront bars and restaurants. Here, you can fully enjoy the island's stunning scenery and tranquil, leisurely lifestyle.

Transportation to Koh Samet

Bangkok to Koh Samet

■ Minibus

There are direct minibuses from Bangkok Airport to Koh Samet. Additionally, on Khao San Road in Bangkok, where many foreign tourists congregate, almost every travel agency sells transportation packages to Koh Samet, including a minibus ride from Bangkok to the pier on the other side of Koh Samet (approximately 3.5 hours) and a boat ticket to Koh Samet (approximately 40 minutes). If you are taking the morning bus, it is best to buy your ticket the day before.

■ Bangkok Eastern Bus Station

You can take a bus from Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal to the eastern provinces of Thailand, such as Pattaya, Rayong, and Koh Samed, and arrive at Ban Phe Pier to take a boat to Koh Samet.

Pattaya to Koh Samet

Take a minibus from South Pattaya to Rayong Pier, the journey takes about 1 hour, and departure times are 8:00/12:00/15:30. After arriving at Rayong Pier, take a boat to Koh Samet, which takes about half an hour. To return to Rayong Pier from Koh Samet, you can take a speedboat, which takes only about 15 minutes.

Internal transportation of Koh Samet

Transportation on Koh Samet mainly consists of tuk-tuks and songthaews, and some hotels also offer internal shuttle services.

Koh Samet accommodation

As you enter the park and pay your entrance fee, you'll see resorts lining the beach. Koh Samet is a long, narrow island running north-south, and over 90% of the resorts are located on the east coast. Almost all guest rooms are within a 5-minute walk of the beach. The rooms are generally built on small hills overlooking the sea or nestled in dense forests.

Star-rated hotels and resorts

Paradee Resort & Spa Hotel ★★★★★

Paradeere Resort is situated on a beach on Koh Samet, lined with palm trees. The hotel's rooms are thatched-roof villas with separate living areas and spacious bathrooms, decorated with teak and Thai silk, and featuring private balconies and free Wi-Fi. A library is also available on site. 66 38 644288 From 20,000 THB/night (for reference only) 76 Moo 4, Tumbol Phe, Amphur Mueng, Ko Samet, 21160, Thailand www.paradeeresort.com

Sai Kaew Beach Resort ★★★

Located within Khao Laem Ya National Park, this resort is a 2.5-hour drive from both Bangkok and Rayong. It offers boat transfers from Seree Ban Phe Pier and Koh Samui, and features three outdoor swimming pools, two beachfront restaurants, and various water sports facilities. Prices start from 7000 THB per night (for reference only).

Koh Samet 8/1 Moo 4 Tumbol Phe,Amphur Muang, Rayong 21160,Thailand www.samedresorts.com

Mooban Talay Resort ★★★

The rooms at Moobantalay Resort are stilted bungalows with outdoor rain showers and a sports center offering various water sports facilities. The hotel features a spa with outdoor massage services and a swimming pool with a bar. Located on Noina Beach, the hotel offers two complimentary daily boat trips between its private jetty and Nuanthip jetty. 66 81 8388682 From 4500 THB/night (for reference only) 1/8 Moo 4, Banpae, Muang Rayong, Rayong Province 21160, Thailand www.moobantalay.com

Samed Pavilion Resort ★★★

Located just 40 meters from Obanpai Beach, the Sham Mye Resort features an outdoor swimming pool with a sun deck, a restaurant, and a tour desk. Rooms boast different color themes, large windows to ensure ample natural light, and garden or beach views. Each air-conditioned room...

All rooms are equipped with satellite TV, a minibar, a refrigerator, an electric kettle, and complimentary coffee makers. Private bathrooms feature hot water showers. The resort also offers meeting facilities and laundry services, free Wi-Fi in the lobby, and a restaurant serving Thai and international cuisine.

The resort is just a 15-minute drive from Na-dan Pier, and Suvarnabhumi International Airport is a 3.5-hour journey by land and ferry.

89/1 Moo 4 Tambon Amphur Muaung,Phe, Rayong, Thailand www.samedpavilionresort.com

Budget accommodation

Sunrise Villas Resort

Sunrise Villas Resort is located on the north shore of Koh Samet, just a 1.5-hour drive from Pattaya and about a 3-hour drive from Bangkok. Air-conditioned rooms all feature balconies with sea views. The simply furnished rooms have tiled floors, satellite TV, a refrigerator, and a safe. Private bathrooms include shower facilities. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi, free parking, and laundry services, and features a barbecue area. The beachfront Romeo restaurant serves authentic Thai and Italian cuisine throughout the day, including breakfast.

36/1 Moo 4 | Nadan, Koh Samet 21160, Thailand

Smile Samed House

Opened in 2011, Smile House Koh Samet boasts a prime location just 2 kilometers from the city center, offering convenient access to all activities. The hotel offers a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle, perfect for unwinding. Within walking distance of attractions such as Koh Samet Temple, an open-air cinema, and the Koh Samet pier, it's a wise choice for travelers. The hotel offers a range of services including shops, bicycle rentals, Wi-Fi, laundry/dry cleaning, and tours. It features 9 beautifully appointed guest rooms, each equipped with a refrigerator, non-smoking facilities, free Wi-Fi, and a balcony or terrace. The hotel's various recreational facilities will ensure you enjoy your stay even more.

35/3 Moo 4 | Phe, Koh Samet 21160, Thailand

Visit Koh Samet

The best time to visit Koh Samet is from November to April of the following year, when the temperature is pleasant, the sun is mild, and it's ideal for various water activities. April to September is the rainy season on Koh Samet, with more rainfall.

Maritime activities

Koh Samet's beautiful underwater world and crystal-clear waters offer an excellent setting for water sports enthusiasts. Whether it's night diving, snorkeling, surfing, parasailing, or any other sport you can imagine, Koh Samet promises a refreshing and enjoyable experience.

Romantic sunset viewing

Enjoy the sunset with your loved one on the West Coast and create your own private paradise. Whether on the balcony, on the beach, or anywhere along the entire West Coast, it's your own private haven.

Koh Samet has no freshwater resources; freshwater must be transported from the mainland or obtained through rainwater collection.

There are three ATMs on Koh Samet: one is located at a 7-Eleven convenience store near the Naadam port.

Outside; the other two are near the entrance to the national park in Haad Sai Kaew, next to the convenience store outside the phone booth.

Food on Koh Samet

Most resorts on Koh Samet offer standard seafood and Thai cuisine, but it would be unwise to miss out on the island's upscale restaurants and authentic seafood eateries. Most of the island's smaller restaurants and barbecue stalls offer affordable and delicious seafood dishes. Enjoying a delicious seafood meal near the beach at sunset, or sipping beer or other beverages under the stars at night, are also great ways to beat the heat.

Specialty restaurants

Antique Café

The quaint café boasts a dreamlike atmosphere, classic taste, and friendly hospitality. Delicious food, interesting guests, and a welcoming ambiance make it feel like a tranquil island open to anyone. The café serves Asian fusion cuisine, primarily vegetarian.

12/24 Moo 4, Phe, Ko Samet 21160, Thailand

Red Ginger

This restaurant boasts a friendly and inviting atmosphere, making it a favorite among tourists. Primarily serving Western and Thai cuisine, almost every dish is worth recommending, especially the braised beef and brownies. Located on the main road near the entrance to Ocean Park, close to the beach, the restaurant offers beautiful views and tasteful decor.

Main Street | across from medical clinic and police station, Ko Samet,Thailand 150~500 baht

Buddy Bar & Grill

This is a fantastic seafood restaurant located on Sai Kaew Beach, boasting stunning views. Enjoy dinner here while watching a magnificent sunset. They offer excellent Thai cuisine and wines.

10 Moo 4 | SaiKeaw Beach, Ko Samet, Thailand 150~550 Thai Baht

Koh Samui (เกาะสมุย), located in the southern Gulf of Thailand, is the third largest island in Thailand, with an area of ​​247 square kilometers. It is about 80 kilometers from the mainland and surrounded by 80 smaller islands. Koh Samui is only 5 kilometers wide at its narrowest point and 21 kilometers wide at its widest. Its clean, long, white sand beaches make it a tropical island paradise in everyone's dreams. It is only 84 kilometers from Surat Thani province and belongs to a true island group, being the largest of the more than 80 tropical islands, with only four islands inhabited.

One of Koh Samui's defining features is its 50-kilometer-long loop road that encircles the entire island, allowing visitors to enjoy stunning views of the northern, eastern, and western beaches. The loop passes through Sleeping Fish Village, winds through coconut and palm groves, and passes most of Koh Samui's famous waterfalls, with a side road extending into the island's hilly areas. Along the way, attractions include butterfly farms, snake shows, monkey training centers, and spa facilities.

Twenty years ago, Koh Samui was essentially a secluded paradise. Due to its relatively short history of development, it still retains a pristine charm. Koh Samui boasts numerous beaches, all with clear waters and white sand, offering stunning scenery. Chaweng Beach stretches for 6 kilometers; this crescent-shaped beach is beautiful and has the most hotels and various entertainment facilities on the island. Lamai Beach, located south of Chaweng Beach, also offers numerous recreational activities. On Koh Samui, you can enjoy diving, snorkeling, canoeing, or sailing with your loved one, experiencing the breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and sky. After visiting Koh Samui, you can also explore the surrounding areas, such as Ang Thong National Marine Park, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, and Koh Nang Yuan.

Fine sand gently caresses the skin, sunlight filters through broad palm trees casting palm-shaped shadows, endless seafood delights, and a vibrant nightlife... all of these elements, like magic, imbue Koh Samui with an enchanting glow, immersing all visitors in a perfect holiday that will be unforgettable.