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An update from Evaneos
Ko Samet

Ko Samet (Thailand)

Practical information on Ko Samet

  • Family
  • Relaxation
  • Romantic
  • Beach / Seaside Resort
  • Nature Reserve / Wildlife Observation / Safari
  • Island
  • Water Sports
4 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
50 minutes by boat from Rayong
When to go
From December to April
Minimum stay
2 to 3 days

Reviews of Ko Samet

Romain Beuvart Seasoned Traveller
89 written opinions

Ko Samet is a small island forming part of a national park and located off the coast of Rayong in eastern Thailand.

My suggestion:
It's possible to sleep over on the island without having to pay the national park entrance fee if you stay in the northern part close to the landing stage you arrive at.
My review

Ko Samet is all length and not very much width, a bit like a pin with its head, the part a little wider, lying to the north. Though the island is small, it is still possible to hire motorbikes or, better still, mountain bikes there. It is definitely the type of island to go to for a romantic holiday as a couple ; that, in any case, was the spirit in which I went there with my wife for a break out at sea. This is also one of the closest islands to Bangkok.

On Koh Samet, rest and relaxation are the order of the day ; because, and this goes without saying, there isn't much to do there. As it's a national park, its coastline is protected, which means there are few buildings. The consequence of this is that there aren't many restaurants, hotels, etc., to choose from. The options available are a walk in the forested area found in the center of the island, underwater diving, or admiring the sunset. 

There are various places on the island where you can encounter statues; there is one of Aphai Mani and a mermaid at Hat Sai Kaew Beach for example. 

Beach on Ko Samet
Seasoned Traveller
18 written opinions

At less than three hours from Bangkok in the Gulf of Siam, the island of Koh Samet boasts stunning beaches and a calm setting for visitors wanting to enjoy a family holiday.

My suggestion:
After a long trip or extended holiday in Bankok, Koh Samet is the ideal place to unwind before heading home.
My review

Koh Samet is easy to get around so you'll quickly feel at home. I liked that this island was so close to the capital, as well as its small size and calm atmosphere. Even if the coastline doesn't lack resorts (the big island being a favourite with the Thais at weekends), Ko Samet has amazing mangroves, idyllic white, sandy beaches and incredible plantlife.

I settled down on the white sands at Hat Sai Kaeo and recharged my batteries at Ao Kiu Na Nok as well as Ao Nuan. I left Ao Phrao with the image of a perfect sunset in my head and, as I snacked on a pancake, I told myself I wouldn't miss the island's softly lit beaches once I got home...How wrong I was!

Waiting for nightfall in Koh Samet