Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

Sai Kaew is Koh Samet's main beach, a roughly one-kilometer-long stretch of dazzling white sand on the island's northeastern tip, just a short boat ride from Na Dan Pier. It's the largest, busiest, and most developed beach on the island, lined with resorts, restaurants, and bars, and a popular meeting point for speedboats and day-trippers. Those seeking the famous sandy beach and vibrant nightlife will find it here. For a quieter experience, head south for a stroll.

The statues of the prince and the mermaid in the sand are from Phra Aphai Mani, the epic poem by Sunthorn Phu, which is partly set on Samet. Speedboats cruise along the beach, the promenade is lined with sun loungers and seafood restaurants, and just beyond lies the Saikaew Beach Resort with its three pools, located within the national park. Ao Phai, a short walk south along the coastal path, is quieter, and fire shows take place in the bays beyond almost every evening from about 6:00 to 10:30 pm.

Samet is Bangkok's weekend getaway island, so Sai Kaew is heavily booked from Friday to Sunday and on Thai holidays, and room rates are high. It's significantly quieter during the week. Samet is also one of the driest places in Thailand, with only about 12 to 20 mm of rainfall per month from December to February. September and October are the wettest months, with over 200 mm. Therefore, Samet is a good alternative when other islands are dry.

The journey from Bangkok takes 3.5 to 5 hours. You travel by bus or minivan to Ban Phe Pier in Rayong and then take the ferry to Na Dan (approximately 50 to 70 baht each way). Foreigners pay the national park fee of 200 baht (100 baht for children) in cash at the checkpoint behind the pier. Shared taxis (songthaews) to Sai Kaew cost approximately 20 to 60 baht. The island's few ATMs are located near Sai Kaew. Therefore, bring cash, a water bottle, and a bag, as single-use plastics are prohibited in the park. Phuket and Sattahip also each have a Sai Kaew beach, so be sure to check with your local islands when booking.