Koh Samet is one of the 103 national parks that are located in Thailand. The island lies only 7 kilometers offshore from Ban Phe in the Rayong province on the Eastern Gulf of Thailand some 220 kilometers from Bangkok.

Koh Samet is about 3-4 hours total travelling time from Bangkok and less than 2 hours from Pattaya. Boat and ferry connections are fast and fares are reasonable.

Koh Samet is popular with foreign tourists and as a weekend getaway for residents of Bangkok and Pattaya, most of the island (excluding the Na Dan area) belongs to the Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet National Park.

The whole of Koh Samet is typified by glorious white sand, making the beaches excellent places to relax and unwind.

The western coast of Koh Samet consists of long bays and shallow crystal clear water and coral reefs, a series of paths link the bays.

Hat Sai Kaew (Diamond Beach) is on the eastern side of the island, it consisits of wide open bays with pure white sand. The beach is about 760 meters long and is Koh Samets most popular beach with many resorts, restaurants and bars.

Ao Vong Duan is a 500 meter long half moon shaped beach with the most fantastic sunrise on this island. The sand is as inviting as on Hat Sai Kaew.

Ao Prao is the only beach on the west coast of Koh Samet the beach is about 200 meters long with a few elegant resort hotels. The sunset on a clear night provides a memory that will probably last a lifetime.

Ao Pakarang is the best place to experience the traditional lifestyle of the local Thai residents of Koh Samet. At Ao Karang you will find a number of seafood restaurants providing delicious seafood dishes at reasonable prices.

In 1981 the Royal Forest department declared the archipelago of Samet. The headland of Khao Laem Ya and the 11 kilometer of Mae Ramphueng Beach a Marine national park.

The Samet island group comprises of islands, Koh Kudi, Koh Kruai, Koh Ma Kham, Koh Ma Kham, Koh Plai Tin, Koh Thaiu and Koh Chan.

National Parks Thailand

By car, taxi or minibus the journey from Bangkok to Ban Phe takes about 3 hours, First class bus services from Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) to Ban Phe usually takes just over 3 hours and terminates opposite the ferry piers.

Ferries from Ban Phe to Koh Samet take around 30 to 45 minutes. Alternatively, there are also speedboat companies that operate from the Phe Pier.

The easiest way to get around the island is simply by walking and taking songthaews when required. Those of you that want alternative transportation, motorcycles are available to rent.

Air Rail and Bus Time Tables

Koh Samet doesn't have much in the way of shopping beyond basic beach accessories. If you are relaxing on the beach during the day there are plenty of hawkers selling fresh fruit, BBQ chicken wings, dried squid, papaya salad and even ice creams at reasonable prices.

Some of the best seafood barbeques are found along Ao Phai and Haat Sai Kaew beaches a number of the restaurants also make club sandwiches and offer western style breakfast.

Hotels and bungalow resorts have their own restaurants, many have a selection of western food and set up tables and chairs at night, for dining on the beach.

Koh Samet has superb beaches, lovely coral reefs, excellent dining and an atmospheric night life, scuba diving and snorkeling at the coral reefs around southern Koh Samet.

Boat trips, fishing and windsurfing are available. The short distance from Bangkok, makes Koh Samet an idea 3 or 4 day family vacation.

Koh Samet offers many resorts and hotels to suit all tastes and budgets from simple bungalows and small beach houses to resort hotels with all services and amenities.

Simple rooms, beach huts or bungalows costs from 400-500 Baht per night. Standard air condition hotel rooms from 800 Baht per night. Luxury resort hotels can cost 4000 Baht per night up. Depending on services required.