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It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of busy cities like Bangkok. We can forget that we need a break, but luckily Thailand has miles and miles of beautiful coastline all within a short drive away from the city.

Let’s also keep in mind that no one likes crowded beaches. I mean, you came all this way to enjoy the beach, not battle for a space to lay in the sand or swim in the ocean.

So, with that being said, if your goal is to soak up as much sun as possible and be a complete beach bum, Koh Samet is the place for you. Skip the tourist hot spots like Pattaya and Phuket for a relaxing and much less crowded experience on Koh Samet, the small Thailand island (sometimes called Koh Samed).

This post will give you all the information about the island and all the best things to do in Koh Samet.

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Location, Location, Location

Koh Samet is located in the Gulf of Thailand just south of Pattaya in Rayong province. It is about 220 km from Bangkok to the main pier. That’s about 3 hours driving in a private car. It is only 13 square kilometers big.

From Bangkok, you can catch a bus or van from Ekamai which will cost between 200-400 baht. Buses take much longer than vans. If you’re traveling with a group of friends or family, hiring private transportation is very affordable. A 9-person van can cost 2,000 baht ($60 USD) one way and split between even 4 people is less than $20.

Once you arrive at Ban Phe Pier, you will take either a ferry or speed boat to the island. The ferry costs 60 baht but takes 45 minutes and the speed boat cost 200 baht but only takes 15 minutes. Return tickets are not required to be purchased together. The main pier on the island is Nadan Pier; however, you can also get dropped off at Sai Kaew Beach, Ao Wai Beach, or Ao Wong Beach depending on where your accommodation is located.

Ticket prices upon entrance to the island is 20 baht. The ticket to enter Khao Laem Ya Mu Ko Samet National Park is 200 baht for foreigners.

No cars are allowed on the island, so there are green songthaew taxi’s to take you from place to place. Motorbike rentals are also an option if you want to explore on your own. Motorbike rentals range from 300-500 baht per day and have to be brought back by 4 pm or 5 pm. It’s best to get a bike early in the day as they will all be rented out by 10 am. They’re also a lot of speed bumps on the roads, so drive carefully.

Where to Stay on Koh Samet

There is a mixture of accommodations from beachside bungalows, beach resorts, and budget-friendly hotels.

Most of the hotels are located in the northeastern part of the island which is also the most developed. Further south on the island there are mostly beach resorts and luxury bungalows.

For budget-friendly try Sidewalk Boutique Hotel and Cafe. They are located on the main road and a short walk to Sai Kaew Beach. Their breakfast is fantastic as well.

For a beach resort try Grand View Resort. They are located on Sai Kaew Beach.

For a luxury, bungalow try Le Vimarn Cottages and Spa. They are located on Ao Phrao Beach.

Best Things to do in Koh Samet

As previously mentioned, Sai Keaw Beach is the main beach on Koh Samet. There are a number of beachside restaurants and bars. You can also find water activities such as jet-skiing, paddle boarding, and parasailing. This beach also very crowded during the day and difficult to swim in because many boats pick up and drop off people onto the shore throughout the day.

Along this beach, there are also vendors selling day trips to other islands or snorkeling tours. Tours can be books through your accommodation as well.

Ao Wai is near the southern part of the island on a private beach for Samed Ville Resort. This white sand beach has calmer waters and is good for just soaking up the sun. There aren’t any activities here.

Wong Duean Bay is located in the middle of the island. There are many restaurants along the beach and a few hotels. This beach has a big shoreline and shallow waters.

The best beach, in my opinion, is Ao Phrao beach. This beach has calm waters making it easy to swim and snorkel. It is also much less crowded and quieter.

What to Eat and Drink?

Of course, since you’re on an island, you’re going to want to eat some seafood. Fish, mussels, shrimp, lobster, scallops and so on. All of these are readily available throughout the island. It is usually prepared by BBQ or fried. Thai’s eat with groups of people all sharing everything paired with rice. So the best way to order seafood is to try one of everything with a group and order a bowl of rice.

Some places to try are Talay Bar located on the north end on the Sai Kaew Beach. The guys will also put on a fire show at night. Buddy’s Bar and Grill is also beachside and offers an array of dishes.

When you’re finished with food, make your way to Friendly Bar on the southern end of Sai Kaew Beach. They have bean bag chairs with glowing tables in the sand. Happy hour is from 3 pm – 11 pm and drinks are only 100 baht ($3 USD).

And that’s it! It is a small island and the best things to do in Koh Samet all have to do with the beach and soaking up the sun.