“The busiest main pier on Koh Samet, serving as the central hub for transportation, vehicle rentals, shops, and essential amenities. It is the first must-visit check-in spot.”
Na Dan Pier is the main transportation hub of Koh Samet and the first point of contact for most tourists arriving on the island. Located on the northern side of Koh Samet within the Khao Laem Ya-Mu Koh Samet National Park, it directly connects the mainland at Ban Phe Pier in Rayong Province with Koh Samet, making it bustling throughout the day, especially during the morning and afternoon with continuous ferry arrivals and departures.
Upon docking at Na Dan Pier, tourists will find a lively atmosphere with shops, small restaurants, return ticket counters, and various services such as motorbike rentals and local green songthaews (shared taxis), the primary mode of transportation to various beaches around the island, including Sai Kaew Beach, Ao Wong Duean, and Ao Prao. This pier is more than just a passenger pick-up and drop-off point; it truly serves as a central transportation hub on the island.
The surrounding area of Na Dan Pier is a densely populated tourist area with accommodations, convenience stores, cafes, and tourist service points conveniently located close together, allowing visitors to easily arrange their onward travel immediately after disembarking. Additionally, there are popular photo spots and Koh Samet landmark signs that have become popular check-in points, creating a memorable start to a Koh Samet trip.
Another crucial role of Na Dan Pier is its connection to the national park system. All tourists entering Koh Samet must pay the national park fee according to the regulations of the protected area, reflecting the importance of nature conservation on Koh Samet. Although the pier area is bustling, a short walk away reveals the pristine natural beauty of the coastline and the Gulf of Thailand.
Overall, Na Dan Pier is more than just a pier for tourists; it's the starting point for the entire Koh Samet travel experience. It's a central hub for transportation, services, and hospitality, seamlessly blending convenience with an island atmosphere. This makes it one of the most important areas on Koh Samet, both economically and for tourism.
How to Get There
- Take a ferry or speedboat from "Ban Phe Pier" in Rayong to "Na Dan Pier." The journey takes approximately 30–45 minutes by ferry or 15 minutes by speedboat.
Travel Tips
- Choose early ferry trips to avoid crowds at Na Dan Pier
- Bring cash for ferries, park fees, and local transport
- Quickly secure transport after arrival during peak seasons
- Chartering a songthaew is better for groups and more cost-effective
Admission Fees:
- Free admission (however, there is a National Park entrance fee for Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park).
Opening Hours:
- Ferries operate daily from 08:00 – 18:00 (Schedules may change based on weather conditions).