I wouldn't recommend asking the question "Is Koh Samet worth visiting?" in Bangkok, at least not in polite circles. The fact that this idyllic island in Rayong province is the most beautiful within a few hours' drive of the Thai capital is considered an undisputed fact in the city – at least among all English speakers.

Ironically, it was only through my own trip to Koh Samet that I realized why people are so reluctant to answer this question or even acknowledge it.

Below, I describe my impressions of a visit to Koh Samet from Bangkok and suggest some alternatives should you have a similar experience. (Don't be shy: In our circle, things don't always have to be polite!)

How far is Koh Samet from Bangkok?

For most who answer the question "Is Koh Samet worth visiting?" with a resounding "yes," the island's proximity to Bangkok is a major reason. According to most, Koh Samet is "only a few hours" from the capital, though few elaborate on the actual travel time or the necessary steps involved in getting from Bangkok to Koh Samet. Is a car even necessary to get there?

In my experience, the journey (by public transport) took three hours each way. The most time-consuming part of the trip (by bus from Bangkok to Rayong and then by ferry to the island) was the section of Sukhumvit Road between Ekkamai Station and Mega Bang Na Shopping Centre. The traffic will be long enough to allow you to check the 1xbet app and play some of your favorite games!

Tips for visiting Koh Samet

Take a private car.

The only way to avoid the long and slow bus ride to Koh Samet is to travel by car. Don't have a driver's license (or a driver) in Bangkok? Then negotiate a fare with one of the countless taxis in Bangkok, use Grab, or arrange to meet a friend who owns a car and drive to Koh Samet. I repeat: If you take the bus, you'll be very annoyed when you arrive in Rayong.

Choose your beach wisely

Is Koh Samet worth a visit? To be honest, I don't find most of the beaches particularly worth seeing. I had booked a hotel on Ao Tubtim (which no longer exists – apparently the Samet Villa Resort was built there), and although the subsequent walks north and south to other beaches were interesting, none of them really impressed me.

Consider how you will get around the island.

Apart from the hotel car that was waiting for me upon my arrival on Koh Samet, I explored the entire island on foot. This might seem sensible on a map, but Koh Samet is much larger than it appears. Since I don't ride a motorbike, my only alternative would have been a bicycle, which would have been easy (the island is mostly flat), but hot and uncomfortable.

Check the weather forecast

Speaking of heat and storms: Koh Samet generally has very similar weather to Bangkok. For example, it was raining when I left Bangkok; the storm hit Samet around the same time. Is Koh Samet worth visiting? Perhaps, but only if your idea of ​​"escaping" the capital involves significantly different climatic conditions in the two locations.

Think about it twice

In case you hadn't noticed: I wasn't a big fan of Koh Samet. It wasn't terrible – when is lying on a beach in Thailand ever bad? – but I'm not sure if all the stress of getting there was worth what I found. On the other hand, perhaps my expectations were completely unrealistic. Maybe Koh Samet just seems mediocre if you're expecting paradise.

Nearby alternatives to Koh Samet

Since I consider Koh Samet rather average, I'll venture a rare recommendation: If you want a weekend beach holiday from Bangkok but don't want to fly, simply go to Pattaya. (However, you should bear in mind that I have a rather lukewarm opinion of Pattaya (although my opinion has improved recently), which should give you some idea of ​​my dislike for Samet.)

Is Koh Samet worth visiting? Honestly, not just for the beaches (or the hotels). To be honest, even Samet's best beaches aren't much better than the decent beaches in Pattaya, especially Jomtien Beach. Furthermore, Pattaya offers a significantly wider selection of hotels than Koh Samet, not to mention that you don't need a boat to get from Bangkok to Pattaya (unless you're taking a day trip to nearby Koh Larn).

More frequently asked questions about Koh Samet

Is Koh Samet expensive?

In my opinion, Koh Samet is somewhat expensive considering the quality of its beaches. This is partly due to the island's small size, which limits the selection of accommodations and restaurants. Another factor influencing prices on Koh Samet is its proximity to Bangkok. This means the island is constantly visited by many day-trippers, resulting in high demand and low supply.

Is Koh Samet beautiful?

Koh Samet is certainly more scenic than the crowded streets and smog of Bangkok – which is why so many Bangkok residents spend their weekends on the island. On the other hand, Koh Samet's beaches can't compare to those of Phuket, Krabi, Samui, and the island groups of Trang and Trat.

What is Koh Samet known for?

Koh Samet is primarily known as a popular weekend getaway from Bangkok. Furthermore, due to the large number of gay singles and couples among the aforementioned weekend visitors from Bangkok, the island is also considered one of the most gay-friendly places in Thailand.

Conclusion

Is Koh Samet worth a visit? In my opinion, not really, although I'd advise you to find out for yourself if you have the time and inclination. Koh Samet isn't just a rather average island, but it's also not exactly close to Bangkok, considering the expected traffic and the inconvenient boat trip. Unless you're perfectly happy with a basic beach, flying to Phuket or Krabi makes much more sense and takes about the same amount of time. Need help planning your perfect Thailand beach holiday? Then let us create a personalized Thailand itinerary for you!