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| Koh Samet |
Koh Samet, in Ban Phe sub-district of Amphoe Muang Rayong province, is a beautiful destination not too far from Thailand’s metropolis Bangkok. Koh Samet has assorted accommodations in all different price ranges to suit a budgeting backpacker or five star travelers It is especially a great place for travelers to visit that don’t have plenty of time to travel the southern beaches of Thailand. Koh Samet is a great destination for families travelling to Thailand and provides a very relaxing low-key feel, that can be hard to find on some of the busier southern islands such as Koh Phi Phi or Koh Phangnan. There are many beaches on Koh Samet (Ao Sapparos, Hat Sai Kaeo, Ao Cho, Ao Wong Duean, Ao Lung Dam, Ao Wai, Ao Kio Na Nok, Ao Pakarang, Ao Phrao, and Ao Noi Na ....with plenty of smaller beaches scattered between them)
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| Koh Samet |
How to get from Bangkok to Ban Phe Pier?
There are a few different ways of getting to the ferry which will take you to Koh Samet, but the easiest are either: Take a mini-van from Victory Monument in front of Century Shopping Plaza( A yellow building right beside the Victory monument sky train station). This should approximately 200 baht and will not leave until all seats in the minivan are full. Mini-vans are generally faster than the buses, but most foreign travelers don’t find them very comfortable as they don’t have much space inside and air-conditioning can’t be relied on.
The preferred mode of travel would be a bus from Ekkamai Bus Station. They leave right on schedule once every hour and cost 124 baht. The three hour trip has fairly comfortable seats as well as air-conditioning and a toilet on board. If you buy a bus ticket from Ekkamai you will have the option of paying for your ferry as well, it’s best to do it all there at the bus station so you don’t get harassed by ticket sellers once you get to the pier. Once you get to the Ban Phe Pier you have the option of taking a speed boat or a ferry. Most travelers choose the ferry because it’s much cheaper. The most popular beach to take a ferry to is Had Sai Kaew. From Had Sai Kaew you can take a motorbike, passenger pick-up truck, or walk your way into the island. Benefits of walking include getting to stop at various accommodations, cheap food places, and possibly avoiding the national park fee which can be quite pricey for foreign nationals... last I heard is that it was 400 baht a per foreigner. The passenger pickup truck and the motorbike might stop at the park “toll booth” for the park patrol to collect the fee from you.
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| Koh Samet |
The east side of the island is busier compared to the rest of the island. During the day one can enjoy himself on the beach sunbathing or doing one of the many water activities they have available, such as snorkeling, jet skiing, para sailing, banana boat riding etc. There are also a few places where motorbikes and 4-wheeler are available for rent, so you can check out other parts of the island. At night there’s a fire show at and plenty of beach lounging area set up where you could enjoy good low-cost seafood, beer, sheesha, and usually a live band or some good music.
Koh Samet is a great destination to travel in Thailand, and I highly
recommend it to first time visitors looking for a tropical get-a-way.
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