Koh Samet

A national-park island just about 3 hours from Bangkok, with fine white sand and clear, shallow water — Thais' favorite weekend beach getaway.

Koh Samet lies in the Gulf of Thailand off Rayong Province in eastern Thailand, about 220 km from Bangkok, and is part of Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park. The island is long and narrow from north to south, about 7 km long and less than 3 km at its widest, with most beaches on the east coast: Sai Kaew Beach at the northern end is the liveliest, followed heading south by Ao Phai, Ao Phutsa, Ao Nuan, Ao Cho, Ao Wong Duean, Ao Thian (Candlelight Beach), Ao Wai and, at the southern tip, Ao Kiu. The west coast has only Ao Prao, the place to watch the sunset. The east-coast bays are linked by coastal footpaths and the island's central road, so you can walk, ride a motorbike or take a songthaew. Seasons: November to April is the dry season, with clear water; May–October is the rainy season with frequent showers, but Koh Samet sits in a rain shadow and gets less rain than Thailand's other islands, and the east coast is less affected by the monsoon. On weekends and Thai public holidays the island is packed and room rates rise, so try to avoid them. Getting there: from Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) or Suvarnabhumi Airport, take a bus or private transfer for about 3 hours to Ban Phe Pier in Rayong, then a ferry of about 40 minutes to Na Dan Pier, or a speedboat of about 15 minutes directly to the bays. An entrance fee is payable at the national park checkpoint on arrival (about 200 baht for foreigners; check posted notices). The main draws are beach relaxation, evening seafood barbecues and fire shows, and speedboat island-hopping and snorkeling trips (to Koh Kudee and others); 2–3 days is recommended. Note: fresh water and electricity are relatively expensive on the island and ATMs are limited; roads are steep for motorbike rentals and an International Driving Permit is required; smoking is banned on the beaches (in some areas), with fines for violators.

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