Koh Samet is a famous tourist island in Rayong province, located within the Khao Laem Ya-Mu Koh Samet National Park in the eastern Gulf of Thailand, approximately 6-7 kilometers from Ban Phe coast. It's one of the most popular seaside destinations easily accessible from Bangkok, with a total travel time of only about 3-4 hours. This makes Koh Samet popular with both Thai and international tourists, especially during weekends and the peak seaside tourist season between November and April. The island's name comes from the "Samet Khao" tree, a native plant that historically inhabited the island. Much of the island retains its natural beauty, with sparse forests interspersed with stunning coastlines.

The main highlight of Koh Samet is its long stretches of fine white sandy beaches in numerous bays. The water is clear and has a turquoise-green hue. Each beach offers a different atmosphere. "Sai Kaew Beach" is considered the most famous and bustling beach, filled with accommodations, restaurants, cafes, beach bars, and various water activities such as jet skiing, banana boating, and kayaking. In the evenings, the beach is packed with tourists enjoying seafood while watching fire-spinning performances, a unique feature of Koh Samet. Other bays offer different atmospheres. Areas like Ao Phrao, Ao Wai, Ao Nuan, and Ao Wong Duean offer a quieter and more private atmosphere, ideal for those seeking relaxation amidst nature.

Besides beach relaxation, Koh Samet is a popular destination for marine activities, especially snorkeling around the island and nearby islands such as Koh Thalu, Koh Kudi, and Koh Kham, which boast shallow coral reefs and diverse marine life. Tourists can also choose to take a boat tour around the island, watch the sunset over the sea, or rent a private speedboat to easily explore different bays. Some areas of the island have nature trails and viewpoints offering expansive views of the Gulf of Thailand, particularly Ao Phrao, one of the most popular sunset viewing spots on the island.

Although Koh Samet has been a well-known tourist destination for a long time, much of its area remains under the care of the National Park, resulting in strict environmental and land use controls. Tourists visiting the island must pay an entrance fee to the National Park, with a portion of the revenue used for natural resource conservation and marine ecosystem maintenance. The island offers relatively complete facilities, including various levels of accommodation, convenience stores, seafood restaurants, cafes, and local shared taxis for travel between the bays. However, some roads on the island are steep and sandy or rocky, so tourists renting motorcycles should exercise caution, especially at night or after rain.

Another charm of Koh Samet is its diverse atmosphere throughout the day. In the mornings, many beaches are tranquil, perfect for leisurely strolls and watching the sunrise. Midday is ideal for water activities and relaxing on the beach, while evenings and nights are vibrant with beachfront restaurants, live music, and a relaxed tourist atmosphere. This makes Koh Samet appealing to a wide range of travelers, from groups of friends and couples to families and those seeking escape from the hustle and bustle of big cities to relax in nature by the sea.

• Drive to Ban Phe Pier in Rayong (approx. 3 hours from Bangkok). Park your car at the pier and take a public ferry or speedboat to Koh Samet.

• Book accommodations early during long weekends and peak seasons.

• Check the last ferry departure time before planning your return trip.

• The sea is usually clearest between November and April.

• Carry some cash since certain shops may not accept cards.

Admission Fees:

• Thai Adults 40 THB, Children 20 THB 

• Foreigners: Adults 200 THB, Children 100 THB (National Park Entrance Fee Thais)

Opening Hours:

• Open daily, 24 hours