Koh Samet is a small island off Rayong, about 7 km long, and can be reached from Bangkok in 3.5 to 5 hours by bus and boat. It's the closest island to the capital with a proper beach. Most of the island is a national park, and foreigners pay an entrance fee of 200 baht upon arrival. The sand is the main reason to visit: white and fine, like Sai Kaew, and the bays along the east coast, each more tranquil than the last. On the west coast, Ao Prao offers breathtaking sunsets.

It's one of Thailand's driest islands, making it a good choice even during the rainy season. However, this is well-known in Bangkok, and the island fills up quickly on Thai weekends and holidays. Plan for two nights, travel during the week if possible, and expect to pay around 1,300 baht per day.

Accommodation in Koh Samet

This route ends in Koh Samet. Search for hotels in Koh Samet for your travel dates or narrow your search to the region you wish to visit. Filter for hotels with free cancellation if you'd like to book a room and decide later.

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My picks in every price category on Koh Samet

  • ParadeeLuxury · 5 stars · 4.5 (627)
  • Ao Prao ResortMid-range · 4 stars · 4.6 (966)
  • Samed Villa ResortBudget · 3 stars · 4.3 (2,331)

    • Key facts

    3.5 to 5 hours from Bangkok, by bus and boat

    Buses and minibuses run from Bangkok to Ban Phe Pier in Rayong. From there, the ferry crossing to Na Dan takes about 40 minutes, while the speedboat takes about 15 minutes. Combined tickets for bus and boat cost approximately 350–670 baht.

    Foreigners pay a parking fee of 200 Baht upon arrival.

    Children pay 100 Baht in cash at the checkpoint behind Na Dan Pier. Please keep your ticket, as it covers your entire stay.

    The beaches on the east coast are connected by a path.

    From Sai Kaew, you can hike through Ao Phai and the bays beyond. A ride in a songthaew costs about 20–60 baht per person (in a shared bus), and 200–600 baht to the southern beaches.

    Weekdays are a different island.

    Samet is a popular weekend destination in Bangkok, so it's very crowded and expensive from Friday to Sunday and on Thai public holidays. During the week, the beaches beyond Sai Kaew are quieter.

    Bring cash from the mainland.

    ATMs are scarce on the island and concentrated around Sai Kaew. Expect to spend around 1,300 baht per day for budget travelers and 3,300 baht for those on a mid-range budget.

    Dry for most of the year

    The months of December to February are the driest, with approximately 12–20 mm of rainfall per month at the nearest weather station in Pattaya. September and October are the wettest months, and even then the island receives less rain than the mainland.

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    Is Koh Samet worth a visit?

    Yes, if you're in Bangkok and looking for a proper beach without having to fly. Samet has whiter sand and clearer water than any of the mainland beaches near the capital, and the island is small enough that you can visit several beaches in one day.

    It's not a remote island. Sai Kaew is busy and densely built-up, with speedboats cruising the bays, and on a Thai bank holiday weekend, every beach near the pier is packed. It's primarily a beach island; if snorkeling and diving are your main focus, the Andaman Islands or Koh Tao are better choices.

    Koh Samet or Koh Chang? Samet for a weekend, with the whitest sandy beach just a few hours from Bangkok. Koh Chang for a week, with a larger island, jungle, and excursions to Koh Mak and Koh Kood.

    The most beautiful beaches of Koh Samet

    For a first visit, I would choose these five places. The east coast becomes increasingly quieter the further south you travel, and Ao Prao has the west coast practically to itself.

  • 1. Ao Wai, South Coast of the East Coast: Calm, clear water. A sweeping, shaded bay with calm, clear water for swimming and significantly fewer visitors than the beaches near the pier. It is accessed through the resort behind it. Ao Wai 4.6 (783) Directions
  • 2. Ao Prao, the west coast: Sunsets and the most exclusive resorts. The only west-facing beach with resorts, a quiet bay with some upscale hotels and the most beautiful sunsets on the island. Sometimes trash washes up from the mainland.
  • 3. Sai Kaew, northeast, near the pier. The famous white sand beach and the liveliest day-trip destination. The largest and most well-known beach on the island, approximately 1 km of dazzling white sand, lined with resorts, restaurants, and bars. It is the busiest beach on Samet and a meeting point for speedboats and day-trippers. Those seeking a quieter atmosphere should head south. Sai Kaew Beach 4.4 (1,217) Directions
  • 4. Ao Phai, the east coast south of Sai Kaew: beach restaurants and nightlife. A compact bay with a white sand beach, restaurants along the shore, and bars that stay open after dark. Just a short walk from Sai Kaew and considerably quieter. Ao Phai 4.4 (512) Open 24 hours daily. Directions
  • 5. Ao Wong Duean, in the middle of the east coast. Family-friendly. The island's second largest beach, a sheltered crescent with mid-range resorts, restaurants, and calm waters. Boats from Ban Phe go directly here, making it a popular spot for day trips.
  • 6. Ao Thian (Candlelight Beach), south coast of the east coast: Small, rocky coves. A series of small bays separated by rocks, with calm water and waterfront restaurants. One of the quieter beaches on the island. Ao Thian 4.5 (70) Getting there

    • The best things to do on Koh Samet

    Samet is primarily a beach island; the rest is secondary. The order reflects my priorities for two nights.

  • 1. Snorkeling trip to the small islands of Koh Kudi, Koh Thalu, and the islets around Samet. A day on the water. Speedboat trips stop at several small islands for snorkeling and at a beach, for approximately 1,000–1,500 Baht per person. Or, Snorkeling trip Koh Samet Rayong 4.6 (122) Daily 9:00–20:00. Directions
  • 2. Viewpoint at the southern tip of the island: Sunrise or sunset from a single location. A rocky viewpoint at the narrow southern tip of the island offers views of both sunrise and sunset. Visit in the late afternoon to enjoy the spectacular colors. Koh Samet Sunrise and Sunset Viewpoint, 4.7 (140), open 24 hours daily. Directions.
  • 3. Fire shows on the beach, Ao Hin Khok and Ao Phai: The island's nightlife. Beach bars in the bays south of Sai Kaew offer fire shows almost every evening from approximately 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM. Admission is free, but tips are appreciated. Ao Hin Khok 4.3 (180) Directions
  • 4. The story of the mermaid and the poet, between Sai Kaew and Ao Hin Khok. A piece of Thai literature: Sunthorn Phu, Thailand's most famous poet, set part of his epic poem Phra Aphai Mani on the coast of Samet. Statues of the prince and the mermaid who led him there stand on the beach. Monument "Mermaid (and Child)." 4.6 (381) Open 24 hours daily. Directions.
  • 5. A beach walk along the east coast, from Sai Kaew to Ao Wong Duean. Explore every bay. A path connects the beaches of the east coast, allowing you to walk from Sai Kaew via Ao Phai and the small bays beyond to Ao Wong Duean, stopping for a swim along the way and returning by songthaew.

    • Is Koh Samet a party island?

    Not really. In the evenings, beach bars, seafood dishes served on the beach, and fire shows in the bays around Ao Phai beckon. A Full Moon Party is an unforgettable experience, and the south of the island is quiet at night.

    Those who want to go out in the evening should stay near Sai Kaew or Ao Phai. Those who prefer to sleep will find suitable accommodation further south or on Ao Prao.

    How many days does one need on Koh Samet?

    Two nights are ideal for most people. This allows for a full day at the beach, snorkeling, or hiking along the east coast and enjoying the sunset. One night is perfectly sufficient to make the trip worthwhile, and a third night is perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed pace.

    A day trip from Bangkok is possible, but the journey takes about ten hours for five hours of beach time. If you only have one day, I would choose a closer destination.

    Accommodation on Koh Samet

    Ao Phai and Sai Kaew are known for their restaurants and bars, Ao Wong Duean for families, Ao Prao for its sunsets, and the south for its tranquility. The beaches on the east coast are within walking distance, so the choice is less crucial than on a larger island.

  • 1. Samed Villa Resort, Ao Phai – An ideal starting point for first-time visitors. A small resort on Ao Phai with balconies, a beach restaurant, a bar, and a spa, just a short walk from Sai Kaew. Samed Villa Resort, 4.3 (2,331 reviews), open daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Directions.
  • 2. Le Vimarn Cottages & Spa, Ao Prao – A delight on the Sunset Coast. Holiday homes and villas on the tranquil west coast with a spa, pool bar, and dive center. Le Vimarn Cottages & Spa, 4.7 (646 reviews), open daily 8:00 AM–10:00 PM. Directions.
  • 3. Ao Prao Resort, Ao Prao – Sunsets from the pool. A beachfront resort on Ao Prao with a west-facing infinity pool, an open-air restaurant, and a dive center. Ao Prao Resort 4.6 (966) Open daily 8:00 AM–10:00 PM. Directions
  • 4. Vongdeuan Resort Koh Samed, Ao Wong Duean – Family-friendly rooms and villas in a garden setting on the protected Ao Wong Duean with a pool, bar, and included breakfast. Vongdeuan Resort Koh Samed 4.2 (876) Daily 7:30 AM–10:00 PM Directions
  • 5. Baan Ploy Sea, North Coast, near Na Dan Pier. Close to the boats. A beachfront resort with an infinity pool, open-air restaurant, and included breakfast, not far from the pier. Baan Ploy Sea 4.7 (573) Directions
  • 6. Paradee, Ao Kiu, in the far south: Villas with private pools and absolute seclusion. An exclusive, secluded resort on Ao Kiu near the southern tip, featuring villas, some with private pools, and a beach accessible only through the resort. Paradee 4, 5 (627) Directions

    • The best-rated hotels in Koh Samet

    Here is my ranking of the 10 best hotels on Koh Samet. Each button will take you directly to the hotel's page on Booking.com, where you can enter your travel dates.

  • #5 Le Vimarn Cottages & Spa 4.7 (646 reviews) Luxurious beach houses and villas on Koh Samet with spa, pool bar and dive center. Check prices
  • #6 Baan Ploy Sea 4.7 (573 reviews) Beach resort on Koh Samet with an infinity pool, open-air restaurant, and free breakfast. Check prices
  • #8 Vongdeuan Resort Koh Samet 4.2 (876 reviews) Cozy beachfront resort on Koh Samet with rooms, villas, pool, bar and free breakfast. Check prices

    • Arrival in Koh Samet

    Each route consists of two parts: a car ride to Ban Phe Pier on the Rayong coast, followed by a boat trip. The cheapest option is the bus from Cherdchai in Ekkamai, departing at 7:00, 9:00, and 11:00 for approximately 190 baht. The easiest option is a combined bus and boat ticket for approximately 350–670 baht. A private transfer including a boat costs from approximately 3,000 baht. From Ban Phe, the wooden ferry takes about 40 minutes to reach Na Dan Pier, and speedboats go directly to the beaches in about 15 minutes. The entire journey takes 3.5 to 5 hours. For all options, including travel times and return directions, see our guidebook, "From Bangkok to Koh Samet."

    There is no ferry from Pattaya. Ban Phe is about 81 km from the center of Pattaya, a little over an hour by car, and the same boats depart from there.

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    Getting around on Koh Samet

    Since visitors are not allowed to bring cars, green songthaew trucks wait in Na Dan for the boats and take them to the beaches. A ride costs approximately 20–60 baht per person in a shared taxi and 200–600 baht for a trip south. The songthaews run on fixed routes and may not arrive exactly when you need them.

    The beaches on the east coast are connected by a path, so you can easily reach everything from Sai Kaew to Ao Wong Duean on foot. You can rent scooters for about 300–400 baht per day, but the main road in the park is partly unpaved and bumpy. Therefore, I would only recommend renting a scooter if you already own one.

    Money and costs on Koh Samet

    Samet is slightly more expensive than Koh Chang due to its size and high demand on weekends. According to my calculations, a day in the budget range costs around 1,300 baht, and a day in the mid-range around 3,300 baht. Room rates increase on weekends and Thai holidays.

    ATMs are scarce and concentrated around Sai Kaew. Therefore, bring enough cash from Bangkok for park fees, songthaews, and small restaurants. Single-use plastics are prohibited in the national park, so bring a reusable water bottle and a bag.

    When should you go?

    The best time to visit is from November to April, as the sea is calm and it almost never rains. December is the driest month with about 12 mm of rainfall at the Pattaya weather station, and Samet generally receives less rain than the mainland.

    From May to October, it rains frequently, with the heaviest rainfall in September and October, averaging around 214 and 224 mm respectively. Nevertheless, Samet is considered one of the drier destinations in Thailand during these months. However, the calendar is a crucial factor. Those seeking a quiet beach should travel from Sunday to Thursday and avoid Thai holiday weekends, Songkran, and New Year's Day.

    Plan the rest of your trip.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently asked questions about the Koh Samet travel guide.

    Yes, it's ideal for a weekend getaway with white sand and clear water, just a few hours from Bangkok, especially during the week. It gets very crowded near the pier and on Thai holidays, so it's more of a beach holiday than a snorkeling trip.

    Take a bus or minibus to Ban Phe Pier in Rayong, then a ferry (40 minutes) or speedboat (15 minutes). Buses from Cherdchai depart from Ekkamai at 7:00, 9:00, and 11:00 AM and cost approximately 190 baht. Combined bus and ferry tickets cost approximately 350–670 baht. The entire journey takes 3.5 to 5 hours.

    Ao Wai for peace and clear water, Ao Prao for sunsets, Sai Kaew for the famous white sand beach and lively atmosphere, Ao Phai for restaurants and evenings, and Ao Wong Duean for families.

    No. Take a taxi or Grab, about 81 km to Ban Phe Pier, a little over an hour, then the ferry or speedboat to the island.

    Not really. There are beach bars and fire shows in the bays around Ao Phai, but nothing comparable to Koh Phangan, and the south of the island is quiet at night.

    Two nights are ideal for a day at the beach, a snorkeling trip, or a hike along the east coast, followed by a sunset at a viewpoint. One night is enough to make the trip worthwhile.

    Yes. Foreign adults pay 200 baht and children 100 baht in cash at the national park checkpoint behind Na Dan Pier. The entrance fee covers your entire stay.

    That's possible if you leave early, but it's about a ten-hour drive for five hours on the beach. One night is worthwhile, two are better.

    There are very few, concentrated around Sai Kaew, and those at Ban Phe Pier charge high prices. Bring cash from Bangkok.

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    I lived in Bangkok for four years and traveled throughout the country from there. The guidebooks reflect my personal opinion and are written as I would explain things to a friend planning a trip.

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