Located in the eastern seaboard of Thailand off the coastline of Rayong Province, Koh Samet is a T-shaped island famed for its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. It is said to be the largest and westernmost of a cluster of islands not far from the coast in Thailand.
Koh Samet is part of the Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park and every visitor is obliged to pay an entrance fee. We only paid 40 baht, not the usual 200 baht for foreigners, because we look like Thais! Haha! This is just one of the many advantages of being Asian backpackers. We opted to stay in Sea Breeze Bungalows behind Silversand. It’s a decent guesthouse offering fan bungalows with private bathroom for only 400 baht per night. What a bargain!
If you want to wander around Koh Samet, hiring a private vehicle is recommended. Walking isn’t advisable as many parts of the island are steep and dirt trails. You can either hire a songthaew (pickup truck) or rent a motorcycle. The cost ranges from 200 to 500 baht depending on your haggling skills. ATV and 4×4 vehicles are also for rent, but they are much more expensive.
There are several beaches in Koh Samet but my personal favorite is Ao Phai at the northern end of the island. Many budget guesthouses and bars where night parties happen are located in this beach. Some of the best restaurants in Koh Samet offering seafoods and barbecues can also be found along Ao Phai.
Don't forget to check out and take a photo with giant statues of a flute-playing prince and a mermaid. These statues stand on a rock atop the sandy beach.
Koh Samet may not be as striking as the beaches in Krabi or Koh Phi Phi, but it is still a beautiful island, a sight to behold, and, most notably, has a practical proximity to Bangkok. It is also way better than the nearby and overcrowded Pattaya.
How to Get to Koh Samet
Getting to Koh Samet is very easy. If you’re staying at Khao San Road, you can easily book tickets to Koh Samet from your guesthouse or nearby travel agencies. The trip to Ban Phe, Rayong costs 250 baht and takes about 2 hours and a half from Bangkok. The mini-van drops you off at Ban Phe Pier where you take a 30-minute boat ride to Koh Samet. One-way ferry ticket only costs 50 baht.
Koh Samet is part of the Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park and every visitor is obliged to pay an entrance fee. We only paid 40 baht, not the usual 200 baht for foreigners, because we look like Thais! Haha! This is just one of the many advantages of being Asian backpackers. We opted to stay in Sea Breeze Bungalows behind Silversand. It’s a decent guesthouse offering fan bungalows with private bathroom for only 400 baht per night. What a bargain!
If you want to wander around Koh Samet, hiring a private vehicle is recommended. Walking isn’t advisable as many parts of the island are steep and dirt trails. You can either hire a songthaew (pickup truck) or rent a motorcycle. The cost ranges from 200 to 500 baht depending on your haggling skills. ATV and 4×4 vehicles are also for rent, but they are much more expensive.
There are several beaches in Koh Samet but my personal favorite is Ao Phai at the northern end of the island. Many budget guesthouses and bars where night parties happen are located in this beach. Some of the best restaurants in Koh Samet offering seafoods and barbecues can also be found along Ao Phai.
For those looking for delicious but reasonably-priced food and drinks, I highly recommend Gecko Bar and Restaurant located next to Silversand. This bar offers a good selection of affordable Thai cuisines as well as cocktails.
Koh Samet may not be as striking as the beaches in Krabi or Koh Phi Phi, but it is still a beautiful island, a sight to behold, and, most notably, has a practical proximity to Bangkok. It is also way better than the nearby and overcrowded Pattaya.
Hello! My name is Sherwin -- Ish, for short, and I hail from the archipelagic country of the Philippines. I am an occasional nomad, a multidisciplinary writer-researcher, and a photography enthusiast. I created this travel blog with the aim of inspiring others do the same thing without spending a fortune. Yes, traveling while carrying a Philippine passport does not have to be expensive and difficult. With proper planning, lots of research, little money, and a ton of guts, you can do it! Here you will read advice and tips on budget travel, free volunteering opportunities, and backpacking on a shoestring to different destinations around the world. 
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