Koh Samet
The island of Koh Samet is a popular Thailand getaway with its 14 beautiful beaches, a breathtaking setting and a variety of great hotels to choose from.
Koh Samet in a nutshell
A tiny slice of paradise just 200km from Bangkok, the island of Koh Samet is a popular weekend escape, with 14 beautiful beaches, a breathtaking setting, a variety of accommodation and an authentic quality despite the hordes of locals who come here to relax. The main towns are surrounded by resorts that look after visitors well, enabling them to enjoy an unsurpassed beach break and explore the inland jungle area.
A favorite pastime is taking boat trips to surrounding islands to enjoy snorkelling and diving. You can also embark on a boat trip around Koh Samet. Popular activities on the island itself include kayaking, jet skiing, para sailing and banana boat rides. And those who love to party will find a vibrant nightlife to enjoy.
Best time to visit: Visit between November and May when the weather is glorious.
Best Area for Sightseeing: There’s plenty to do in and around this tiny island. See Things to do in Koh Samet below for some great ideas.
Shopping in Koh Samet: There is little to buy here, aside from beach offerings and what is available is expensive. On the popular beaches, hawkers offer everything from sarongs to sunhats, so you’ll probably land up buying something while you’re on the island.
Food & Restaurants in Koh Samet: Most of the resorts have beachside restaurants serving global and local fare. Some beaches, including Sai Kaew Beach and Ao Phai, offer traditional eateries serving seafood.
Nightlife: Some resorts and hotels offer evening entertainment and the bars overlooking local beaches offer happy hour and other incentives. Weekends are the busiest times.
Beaches: It’s such a small island, yet Koh Samet has 14 gorgeous beaches to enjoy, including Haad Sai Kaew, the most developed beach. Along the east coast you’ll find numerous stunning stretches of sand including 2 small beaches loved by the islanders, called Ao Phai and Ao Hin Khok, secluded nearby beach Ao Tubtim, the small Ao Kiew Na Nok beach which is accessible by boat and Ao Phrao on the west coast which is a popular hangout for Bangkok socialites.
Things to do in Koh Samet:
- Head for Haad Sai Kaew and Ao Phai beaches at night to watch exciting entertainment including fire shows put on by the local resorts.
- Take a boat trip to surrounding islands to snorkel for the day.
- Explore the interior jungle area on a motorbike.
- Enjoy scuba diving off Koh Samet.
Best way to get around: You can walk around this tiny island, or rent a motorbike. Alternatively, take a songthaew (pick-up truck type taxi) to visit the beaches.