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Koh Samet Everything You Can Experience Here

Koh Samet: Everything You Can Experience Here

| Last Updated: March 2024

Count the pristine beaches and put in the mix the rich nightlife and you have a hint why people keep coming back to Koh Samet. It’s armed to the hilt with exciting activities for fun-loving tourists eager to go R&R on the best beaches of Thailand.

So, whether you’re down for an exciting experience or a more relaxed retreat, this paradise island will meet those needs. Follow our guide and learn everything you need to know to make the most of your time in Koh Samet!

Things to Know

Time Zone: Indochina Time (UTC/GMT+7)

Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)

Language: Thai (Central Thai)

Calling Code: (+66), (038)

Location: Phe, Mueang Rayong District, Rayong, Thailand

Nearest Ports: Sri Ban Phe Pier (4.8 km), Nuan Thip Pier (5.04 km)

Operating Hours: 24/7

Best Time to Visit Koh Samet

The best time to visit Koh Samet is from October to April. During these months, the island will enjoy calm waters which makes traveling safer and the fewer rainfalls are great for exploration and beach activities.

You can enjoy exploring the island all day, but some activities like kayaking and canoeing are best done during the afternoon. This way, you can enjoy the cooler temperature and beautiful sunset as it hits Koh Samet’s coastlines.

How to Get to Koh Samet

Ferry: The best way to get to Koh Samet is through the daily ferries that depart from Sri Ban Phe Pier, Nuan Thip Pier, or Phe Pier. These ferries can drop you off at Koh Samet Pier or directly to most beaches within the island.

These piers are only an hour away from U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya International Airport, so they’re easy to reach from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Krabi. The ferry tickets to Koh Samet cost around 70 baht for one-way trips and 100 baht for roundtrips.

Bus: There are buses from Bangkok’s Ekkamai Bus Terminal that can take you directly to Nuan Thip Pier for only 155 baht. These buses are available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and depart every hour and a half.

It will take you up to 3 hours depending on the traffic conditions, but it’s a cheap way to travel to Koh Samet. Bus transfers are available at Koh Samet Pier, so getting around the island this way won’t be an issue.

Private Boat Tour: There are boat tours that depart from Nuan Thip Pier going to Koh Samet and its nearby islands. It’s a great option if you want to go island hopping within Koh Samet-Khao Laem Ya National Marine Park.

You can book these tours via travel agencies like Mamy Booking and Civitatis. They’ll hook you up on a private speedboat so traveling between the islands will be fast.

They can drop you off at Koh Samet at the end of the tour if you wish to stay on the island.

What to See and Do in Koh Samet

Try extreme water sports at Sai Kaew Beach

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Directions

Koh Samet is the place to be if you love extreme water sports. Sai Kaew Beach, in particular, is a water sports hotspot thanks to the numerous beach resorts and water sports centers offering these exciting activities.

Think jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, and catamaran. For the adventurous at heart, the strong offshore winds and ocean currents that this beach enjoys make it the ideal island destination.

Sure, extreme water sports will burn a hole in your wallet, but the adrenaline rush you get makes it worth every penny.

Ride a kayak or canoe around the island

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If you prefer something less expensive or intense, renting a kayak or canoe is a solid alternative. These are great activities if your goal is to explore Koh Samet’s coastlines and its nearby islands. 

Rental kayaks and canoes are widely available at the numerous beach resorts and hotels on the island. We recommend renting a kayak or canoe that can carry up to two people, so you can enjoy this activity with a friend or family.

You’ll find that it’s more fun to paddle with someone than to individually rent a single-seat kayak or canoe.

Get a relaxing beachside massage

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The beaches in Koh Samet offer the quintessential Thai beach experience. They’re great places to get a relaxing beachside massage.

A beachside massage is one of the more unique experiences that Thailand is known for, so you don’t want to miss this opportunity during your visit. It’s available at the resorts and beachside shops in Sai Kaew Beach, Prao Beach, and Noi Na Beach.

However, it’s important to note that beachside massages at Prao Beach are more expensive than the other locations. After all, this beach is popular for its wellness centers and health courses.

Watch the bright fire show in Ploy Talay

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Directions

This restaurant and nightclub is well-known to those who have been to Sai Kaew Beach. It’s a lively venue that holds the most exciting fire shows on the island.

That’s why it’s the beach’s most massive crowd-pleaser by night. It attracts big crowds, so it’s perfect if you enjoy the company of other people.

It’s also a great place if you plan to meet new people during your vacation in Koh Samet.

Observe the marine life in Prao Beach’s rocky coastline

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The rocky coastline of Prao Beach is one of the best snorkeling spots in Koh Samet. There are scores of small fish swimming near the beach which makes it a fun place to snorkel, especially since they’re not afraid of humans.

Just be sure to watch out for sea urchins because their stings are painful. You can get used to it if you get stung a lot, but the first time it happens is far from pleasant.

Arrange a diving trip to Koh Kudi

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Directions

Koh Kudi is a small island within Koh Samet-Khao Laem Ya National Marine Park with white sandy coasts. It’s a popular diving spot because the waters around it are rich with coral reef formations and numerous fish species.

Here, you can spot manta rays, porcupine pufferfish, batfish, and other common reef fish. If you love corals, this place is a must-visit to see interesting varieties like black corals and sea fans.

Go for a peaceful swim at the island’s less crowded beaches

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Though most visitors go to the more popular Sai Kaew Beach, Prao Beach, and Ao Phai Beach, sometimes you just want a peaceful time in a less crowded location. That makes underrated beaches like Ao Chor, Ao Thian, and Ao Wai ideal for peaceful swims.

In these locations, you don’t have to worry about huge crowds, parked speedboats, and jet skis. These are tranquil places where you can relax and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Koh Samet to your heart’s content.

Embark on a Koh Samet fishing trip

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Going on a fishing trip is one of the most fun experiences you’ll ever have in Koh Samet. Our team particularly enjoyed joining a nightly squid fishing trip.

With this, you’ll learn basic fishing techniques, and you get to eat the fresh catch which is cooked on-board or served raw. You can find fishing boats at Koh Samet Pier or ask your hotel if you want to arrange a fishing trip.

Most resorts offer this service or can connect you to an establishment that does, so you shouldn’t have a hard time booking a fishing trip during your vacation.

Join the night party at Ao Phai Beach

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Directions

If your idea of having fun is joining a wild beach party, Ao Phai Beach won’t disappoint. The Silver Sand Hotel, in particular, is famous for its night parties at this beach.

During the night, their restaurant is usually packed with tourists who are attracted to the electrifying music and crazy party atmosphere. It’s the most popular party destination in Koh Samet for various reasons: fire shows, live DJs, drinking bars, and good food.

See the giant Buddha statue in Wat Koh Samet

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Wat Koh Samet is a more relaxed attraction on the island. It’s a Buddhist temple, so expect to see golden Buddha images, naga statues, prayer halls, and numerous unique temple structures.

The giant Buddha statue in the courtyard is the most interesting sight on the temple grounds. It’s in a seated lotus position like most statues, but it’s unique for being a smiling Buddha image.

If you’re lucky, you might meet the temple’s friendly head monk during your visit. He’s known to guide visitors and give them lucky amulets for free. 

Check out the island’s Mermaid Monument

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The Mermaid Monument is important to the locals of Koh Samet, and we think it’s worth checking out during your visit. It tells a famous story about an ancient prince who met, fell in love, and had a son with a mermaid on this island.

It’s a beloved classic Thai story so visiting this monument is a great way to learn more about it. Plus, it’s one of the most photographed spots on the island and it’s within Sai Kaew Beach which makes it hard to miss.

Where to Stay in Koh Samet

Sai Kaew Beach Resort

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Address: 8/1 Moo 4 Tumbol Phe Koh Samet Koh Samet Rayong 21160, Thailand

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 38 644 195

Website: https://samedresorts.com/saikaew

Costs: ฿฿

Sai Kaew Beach Resort is arguably the best hotel on the island because it ticks many boxes. It has a friendly staff, outdoor pools, a wellness center, a gym, a meeting room, and an on-site restaurant.

It’s also on the island’s most popular beach so it gives you quick access to the numerous shops, services, and attractions Koh Samet has to offer. That makes staying here a no-brainer.

Paradee

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Address: Koh Samet 76 Moo 4 4 Tumbol Phe, Phe, Muang, Rayong 21160, Thailand

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 38 644 283

Website: https://www.samedresorts.com/paradee/index.html

Costs: ฿฿฿

If you’re looking for the most luxurious accommodation in Koh Samet, there’s Paradee. It’s a 5-star hotel, so expect private villas, private pools, a full-service spa, private dining, a Thai cooking class, and a water sports center.

It’s the perfect place for visitors who have the money to burn. It’s in the less popular Ao Kiew Beach, so you’ll have a more relaxed time here.

Le Vimarn Cottages & Spa

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Address: Koh Samet 40/11, Phe, Muang, Rayong 21160, Thailand

Operating Hours: 2:30 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 38 644 104

Website: https://www.levimarncottagesandspa.com/

Costs: ฿฿

This private resort in Prao Beach is great for couples and families who value their privacy. It’s a tranquil hideaway, so expect to have a more laid-back experience than other locations on the island.

This place has scores of palm trees and a large garden area which makes it ideal for relaxation. If you love to go for beach walks, we think this place is definitely worth considering.

Samed Villa Resort

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Address: Ban, 89 Moo 4, Ao Phai, Koh Samet, Phe, Muang, Rayong 21160, Thailand

Operating Hours: 3 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 81 761 5578

Website: https://samedvilla.com/

Costs: ฿

Samed Villa Resort is one of the cheaper accommodations in Koh Samet, so it’s perfect if you plan to stay for seven or more days. It has large clean rooms, an outdoor pool, a full-service spa, an on-site restaurant, and a beachside bar so it’s not a pushover.

That makes it a great option if you want a comfortable accommodation without breaking the bank.

Where to Eat in Mai Khao Beach

Banana Bar

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Address: Phe, Mueang Rayong District, Rayong 21160, Thailand

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. (Daily)

Website: https://www.facebook.com/love.bananabar/

Costs: ฿

This family-run restaurant in Koh Samet is a fan favorite. It serves affordable and quality Thai food, so expect the place to be packed most of the time.

In fact, it attracts so many customers that it’s common for others to share tables. Their extensive menu includes classic dishes like massaman curry, green curry, Pha-nang curry, vegetable stir-fry, tom yum goong, tom kha gai, and more.

Winkks Beach Club

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Address: Koh Samet 8 1, Phe, Mueang Rayong District, Rayong 21160, Thailand

Operating Hours: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 38 644 195

Website: https://www.saikaewbeachresort.com/winkks-beach-club/

Costs: ฿฿

Winkks Beach Club is a trendy bar and restaurant in Sai Kaew Beach, so it’s a great option if you’re looking for a place with a nice view and atmosphere. Their menu is massive, so expect to see various dishes from different cuisines.

They serve burgers, steak, seafood platters, french fries, Italian pasta, quesadillas, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and more. Numerous classic Thai dishes like tom yum goong, tom kha gai, green curry, and khao pad are also available.

The Canteen Koh Samet

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Address: 12, 55 Main Road, Phe, Mueang Rayong District, Rayong 21160, Thailand

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. (Daily)

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054435132122

Costs: ฿฿

If you love gourmet burgers and pizza, you can’t go wrong with The Canteen Koh Samet. Overall, this restaurant is a solid option for foreigners who prefer Western food.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even sample their crocodile meat pizza. It’s a double-cheese pizza with cheddar and mozzarella.

Reef Bar & Restaurant

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Address: 75 Phe, Mueang Rayong District, Rayong 21160, Thailand

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 98 760 9979

Website: https://reefbarandrestaurant.com/

Costs: ฿฿

Reef Bar & Restaurant has a diverse menu, so there’s plenty to choose from. It’s a great restaurant if you value variety.

Most of the items they serve are Thai and Italian dishes, so expect to see curries, pasta, salads, and pizzas. However, they’re also famous for their vegan and vegetarian bowls.

Of these, the “Quinoa Time” is a solid pick. It has toasted quinoa, sweet potato, pumpkin, toasted seeds, chickpeas, yogurt mint dressing, and the option to add tuna or grilled chicken.

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