Ko Samet

Ko Samet is a small T-shaped island in the Gulf of Thailand, 200km from Bangkok, known for its white sandy beaches, tropical coral reefs, and relatively clean seas. Unlike over-developed Ko Samui or Ko Chang, the island has maintained a more laid-back atmosphere while still offering good infrastructure. It's ideal for Bangkok residents wanting a quick beach escape without the rigmarole of traveling to southern islands, with the journey taking just 2½ hours to Ban Phe plus a 20-minute ferry.

Most visitors travel from Bangkok by bus to Ban Phe pier (around 250-300 THB), then catch a 20-minute ferry to the island. Ferry services run regularly throughout the day. Upon arrival, all visitors enter Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park, which covers most of the island including all the best beaches. Foreign adult visitors pay 200 baht, children 100 baht (Nov 2024), while Thai nationals pay 40 baht adults and 20 baht children. Those who can demonstrate they live or work in Thailand may qualify for the local rate.

The island is small enough to explore on foot, but a single main road (part concrete, part bumpy dirt trail) runs its length. Songthaews (open-air pickup trucks with bench seats) cost 200 baht for private trips or 20-60 baht per person when full, depending on your destination. Motorbike rental is 300 baht/hr or 500 baht/day, usually available through your hotel without needing a passport deposit. ATVs are no longer available on the island. Signboards at each beach show fixed prices to other destinations.

Ko Samet is the driest archipelago in Thailand, receiving significantly less rainfall than other Thai islands even during the May-Sep rainy season. Peak tourist seasons are Nov-Feb and Jun-Aug. Weekends and public holidays bring heavy crowds from Bangkok, making accommodation harder to find. The island's name 'Samet' comes from Melaleuca trees that grow abundantly here, and much of the interior remains densely forested.

Most accommodation clusters on the east coast beaches. Hat Sai Kaew and Ao Hin Khok offer many Thai concrete bunker-style bungalows at the northern end, with a few upscale resorts. Southern beaches range from basic shacks to four-star mini suites. Budget travelers can find fan bungalows for 300-600 baht, while air-conditioned rooms start around 800 baht. High-end resorts charge 2,000-7,000 baht. Most budget places operate first-come, first-served and fill quickly; upscale resorts take online reservations. Arrive early on the island for the best selection.

Seafood dominates the dining scene, with excellent barbecues along Ao Phai and Hat Sai Kaew beaches. Beach restaurants set up tables at night for oceanfront dining. Daytime hawkers sell fresh fruit, BBQ chicken wings, dried squid, papaya salad (often extremely spicy), and ice creams at beach locations. Roti stands (crepe-like desserts with banana and chocolate or condensed milk) appear everywhere at night for 40 baht. Near Nadan pier, traditional Thai restaurants serve good local food at local prices with English menus. For breakfast, mobile vendors near the Tourist Police checkpoint on Hat Sai Kaew serve khao man gai tom (boiled chicken on rice), khao man gai tot (fried chicken on rice), or jok (rice porridge) for 20-30 baht.

The island's main draw is its beaches, but several activities keep visitors entertained. Boat trips range from round-the-island slow boat tours to 7-island speedboat day trips visiting surrounding islands. Samet Boat Trip, one of the original operators, offers daily trips with both large slow boats and speedboats available. Diving is excellent for all levels, with calm waters, 5-25m depths, and small class sizes often offering one-on-one instruction. Outer islands like Ko Talu feature stunning coral reefs. Hat Sai Kaew offers motorized water sports including jet skiing (700 baht/hr), windsurfing (700 baht/hr), and catamaran sailing (1,000 baht/hr). Sunset viewing from dramatic cliff-side locations along the southwest coastline is a daily ritual.

Ko Samet is generally safe for travelers. However, ATM availability is extremely limited—there is only one ATM on the island, located opposite the Hat Sai Kaeo Tourist Service Centre. ATMs were removed from the 7-Elevens following a dispute, and ATMs at Ban Phe pier charge extortionate fees, so bring sufficient cash to the island. Weekend nightlife on Hat Sai Kaew and Ao Phai attracts backpackers, with Thursday through Saturday being the biggest party nights. Fire twirling shows run from 18:00-22:30 at Hat Sai Kaew and Ao Hin Khok beaches, with donations appreciated.

The article does not specify current SIM card providers or WiFi availability. Head to the main town area near Nadan pier for the best chance of finding internet cafes and mobile signal. Sai Kaew Villa is noted as a 2-minute walk from 7-Eleven and internet cafes.

Daily budget for a backpacker on Ko Samet: accommodation ranges from 300-800 baht for fan bungalows to 800-4,000 baht for air-conditioned rooms. Meals cost 20-200 baht depending on whether you eat at hawker stalls or restaurants. Transport around the island runs 20-60 baht by songthaew or 300-500 baht for daily motorbike rental. National park entry for foreigners is 200 baht. Water sports (jet skiing, windsurfing) run 700-1,000 baht per hour. Boat trips vary but are generally good value. Budget travelers can manage on 600-1,000 baht/day excluding accommodation.

The surrounding archipelago offers excellent day trip opportunities. The popular 7-island speedboat tour visits many of the islands surrounding Ko Samet. PADI diving certification is available on the island with calm waters and small class sizes. Outer islands like Ko Talu feature stunning coral reefs worth exploring. The round-the-island boat trip offered by Samet Boat Trip allows exploration of hidden coves and beaches inaccessible by road.

Beach areas near monk accommodation (such as Ao Hin Khok) have signs asking visitors to keep noise down—respect these requests. When visiting Buddhist temples or during religious occasions, dress modestly covering shoulders and knees. Tipping is not expected at local eateries but appreciated at upscale restaurants. Bargaining is appropriate at markets but less common at restaurants with displayed prices.

From Ko Samet, travelers can head back to Bangkok (most common return route), continue to Ko Chang for more sandy beaches and jungle, visit the less-visited Ko Kut, explore the relaxed atmosphere of Ko Si Chang, venture to Pattaya (now trying to clean up its image), or travel to Rayong where beaches near Ranong offer decent surfing.