Koh Samet Travel Guide: 11 Best Beaches & Things to Do
Everything you need to know about Koh Samet, including what to see, where to stay and our top tips | Hi! We’re Alex & Victoria – a digital nomad couple from Copenhagen escaping 9-5 to chase adventures in our beautiful world. Learn more about us here. |
A holiday paradise close to Bangkok
The small island of Koh Samet has a bit of everything.
In the main town of Na Dan, you’ll find street food, massage clinics, scooter hire and a lively bar scene. On Sai Kaew Beach, there are fire shows, jet ski rentals and beach vendors.
It may sound like many of Thailand’s other popular tourist islands, but what sets Koh Samet apart is its location within Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park. This means there are also tranquil bays and protected natural areas where you can escape the crowds and unwind.
For decades, Koh Samet has been a favourite weekend getaway for Thais seeking a nearby escape. The island is just an hour from Pattaya and 2.5 hours from Bangkok.
Victoria first visited Koh Samet in 2012, and in 2024, we returned together for a week with our 9-month-old son. We relished the island’s holiday atmosphere, particularly its stunning, swim-friendly beaches.
In this comprehensive travel guide to Koh Samet, we cover the best things to do (including the best beaches), how many days to spend on the island, where to stay, how to get around, how to get to Koh Samet and our best tips.
Where to stay in Koh Samet?
- Budget: Blue Moon Samet – Cheap double beds (and family rooms) in a quiet location behind the main street; close to restaurants and the beach.
- Budget: Green Bay Samed Resort – Comfy budget resort with only 12 rooms right by the quiet part of beautiful Sai Kaew Beach.
- Value for money: Ao Prao Resort – Experience a sense of luxury without the hefty 5-star price tag in Koh Samet’s only sunset beach.
- Luxury: Paradee – Koh Samet’s sole exclusive 5-star resort.
Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Koh Samet here (adlink).
Table of contents
- Where is Koh Samet?
- 5 reasons to visit Koh Samet
- 5 reasons not to visit Koh Samet
- How many days to stay in Koh Samet?
- The best things to do and beaches in Koh Samet
- Where to stay in Koh Samet?
- Best places to eat in Koh Samet
- How to get around Koh Samet
- Transportation to and from Koh Samet
- When to visit Koh Samet?
- Our best tips for Koh Samet
- Sustainable travel tips
Where is Koh Samet?
Koh Samet (also sometimes spelled Ko Samet or Koh Samed) is just a few kilometres off the coast from the small town of Ban Phe. It’s approximately an hour’s drive to Pattaya or U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport and a 2.5-hour drive to Bangkok.
Koh Samet is just 7 kilometres long and 3 kilometres wide at its broadest point. Na Dan in the north is the only town (apart from a few small settlements), and almost all the beaches face east.
5 reasons to visit Koh Samet
- Koh Samet is the closest holiday island to Bangkok, making it a popular getaway for those looking to escape the city (especially at the weekend).
- The speedboat ride from Ban Phe on the mainland takes just 10 minutes.
- The island is part of the Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park, with around 80% of its land covered by forest.
- Koh Samet has a total of 14 beaches, many with soft, white sand that gently slopes into clear, swim-friendly waters.
- The island experiences less rainfall than many other Thai islands, and it tends to stay relatively dry during the European summer holidays.
5 reasons not to visit Koh Samet
- There is a 200 baht national park fee per adult to arrive in Koh Samet. It’s around 5.5 EUR / 6 USD.
- The range of hotels and restaurants is fairly limited.
- There aren’t as many activities as you might find on islands like Phuket or Koh Samui.
- If you’re seeking local charm and authentic island life, you may be somewhat disappointed as the island is quite touristy. Despite being a national park, we were surprised to find that not all areas were equally well-maintained.
- Koh Samet can feel busy and tourist-oriented on weekends, particularly if you’re staying in the main town of Na Dan or at the main beach Sai Kaew Beach.
How many days to stay in Koh Samet?
If you simply want to explore some of the beaches in Koh Samet, swim, and enjoy great food, a day trip to the island can be very rewarding.
However, most people opt to stay for 1-3 nights, and we believe this is ideal for most visitors.
That said, there’s no harm in spending a week (or more) at a lovely resort, where you can unwind by reading, swimming, relaxing, getting a massage, and enjoying plenty of Thai food.
We ourselves stayed for 7 nights in Koh Samet. While a shorter stay would have sufficed, we were glad to have the chance to settle in a bit, revisit some of our favourite spots as well as experience both the peaceful weekdays and the livelier weekend.
The best things to do and beaches in Koh Samet
- Sai Kaew Beach – Closest beach to the city (and the most beautiful on the island)
- Na Dan – The main town in Koh Samet
- Ko Kaeo Phetchabun Temple – Koh Samet’s only temple
- Beach hopping – Visit the island’s many beautiful beaches
- Aphai Mani and the Mermaid – Statue from a Thai fairy tale
- Fire shows – Daredevils throwing fire on the beach
- Koh Samet’s southernmost tip – Enjoy the views
- Hiking in the jungle – Walk along the (overgrown) nature trail
- Massage – Relax with a traditional Thai massage
- Snorkeling – Experience the national park below sea level
- Day trip to other islands in the national park
1. Sai Kaew Beach – Closest beach to the city (and the island’s most beautiful)
Sai Kaew Beach is Koh Samet’s longest and arguably prettiest beach, with soft sand and crystal-clear water. It’s also one of the most swim-friendly beaches, featuring a smooth sandy bottom. On top of that, it’s the closest beach to both the town and the ferry port.
It’s almost too good to be true.
But these qualities come with a drawback — Sai Kaew Beach is by far the busiest in Koh Samet.
Hotels and restaurants line the shore right up to the sand, with plenty of beach chairs, vendors and tourists.
Finding a quiet spot to yourself can be challenging, especially on weekends. However, the crowds tend to thin out towards the ends of the beach.
2. Na Dan – The main town in Koh Samet
When we visited Koh Samet, we stayed in the main town of Na Dan. It’s also called Koh Samet Town.
Here, you are close to the Na Dan Pier ferry port, Sai Kaew Beach (Samet’s prettiest and most swim-friendly beach) and the island’s largest selection of restaurants.
Even if you’re not staying here, it’s worth visiting the town to soak up the atmosphere and pick up essentials at one of the markets or the three 7-Eleven stores.
The main street has a pavement and is mostly one-way for cars.
3. Ko Kaeo Phetchabun Temple – Koh Samet’s only temple
There is only one Buddhist temple in Koh Samet: Wat Ko Kaeo Phetchabun. The temple is situated in Na Dan, just behind the lake in the town centre.
When we visited the temple, we were the only ones there (besides two monks).
You don’t need to have explored much of Thailand to have seen more impressive temples, but it’s still a pleasant experience to stroll around the temple grounds. And entrance is free.
Remember to dress modestly and cover your shoulders and knees.
4. Beach hopping – Visit the island’s many beautiful beaches
One of the best things to do in Koh Samet is to go beach hopping.
Many beaches in Thailand are called haad (or hat) followed by the beach name, which simply means beach. In Koh Samet, however, the beaches are called ao, meaning bay.
Although Koh Samet is a fairly small island, there are plenty of bays to explore.
The easiest way to get around is to rent a scooter, but you can also use the island’s songthaews or walk between the beaches. But don’t underestimate the hills!
Here are some of the most beautiful beaches in Koh Samet:
- Ao Noi Na. The beaches to the north-west of Na Dan’s ferry port aren’t directly connected but are collectively known as Ao Noi Na. While some areas are rocky, there are also beautiful sandy stretches in-between.
- Sai Kaew. Koh Samet’s longest beach, located closest to the harbour and the main town of Na Dan, offers plenty of hotels, restaurants and activities.
- Ao Phai. A natural extension of Ao Sai Kaew, this beach is quieter and more laid-back, except near the small town at the end, where you’ll find a few backpacker bars.
- Tubtim Beach. A small but quite nice beach. Reef Bar & Restaurant looks good.
- Ao Chor. A small beach just north of Ao Wong Duean, known among other things for the Rasta Bar.
- Ao Wong Duean. The only other small town in Koh Samet, apart from Na Dan, features a lovely beach in a bay, along with several hotels, restaurants and small grocery stores.
- Ao Thian. Also called “Candlelight Beach”. A somewhat wild beach with very clear water, which transitions into Ao Lung Dum at the southern end.
- Ao Lung Dum. A charming little bay with a couple of hotels, located right by the popular sunset spot along the main road.
- Ao Wai. Private, but accessible if you dine or have a drink at Samed Villa Resort (adlink).
- Ao Pakarang. Koh Samet’s southernmost beach. Rocky with some sand and trees, it feels quite remote.
- Ao Prao. Also called “Paradise Bay”. The island’s only west-facing beach, making it the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset. It has a slightly upscale vibe. Turn left just before the road leading down to the beach and take in the sunset view from above.
5. Aphai Mani and the Mermaid – Statue from a Thai fairy tale
The Story of Phra Aphai Mani is an iconic Thai fairy tale which is originally a very long poem from the 19th century.
The fairy tale has been adapted into both a film and a comic, and in Koh Samet, you can spot references in several places — such as paintings on the side of the island’s school and two statues between Sai Kaew Beach and Ao Phai.
It’s one of the best things to see in Koh Samet if you want to get a glimpse of how Thai folklore intertwines with the island’s identity.
At the end of Sai Kaew Beach, you’ll also find a large statue of a mermaid with her child, known as the Mermaid (and Child) Monument.
6. Fire show – Daredevils throwing fire on the beach
Can you really say you’ve been to Thailand if you haven’t witnessed a fire show on the beach?
It’s difficult to believe it’s particularly safe for the performers to play with fire… And we understand that they often earn very little (if anything at all), but there’s an undeniable allure to the spectacle.
One of the most popular spots in Koh Samet to catch a fire show is at Ploy Talay Restaurant on Sai Kaew Beach.
7. Koh Samet’s southernmost tip – Enjoy the views
The only place where Koh Samet truly feels like part of a national park is at the southernmost tip of the island.
Here, you’ll find information boards, some basic national park facilities (including toilets), two well-maintained paths, a scattering of rocks and a stunning sea view.
The two “viewpoints” offer prime spots to watch the sunrise and sunset, but the area is equally beautiful throughout the day.
It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Koh Samet if you want to get away from the crowds.
8. Hiking in the jungle – Walk along the (overgrown) nature trail
For a glimpse of Koh Samet’s most untouched side, head towards the jungle area in the island’s northwestern corner.
A nature trail runs from the roundabout at the end of the main street near Sai Kaew Beach, leading all the way to the water reservoir.
The trail is approximately 2 kilometres long and the official sign at the start suggests that the trip takes 2 hours to walk.
When Alex tried to run the route, the path quickly became so overgrown that he had to abandon the attempt. To avoid this, it’s best to speak with the national park staff beforehand or be prepared for some serious bushwhacking to make it through.
In return, you will be rewarded with the best nature that Koh Samet can offer. In the relatively few metres Alex moved into the jungle, he saw a lot of butterflies and smaller reptiles.
If you’re looking to walk or run in Koh Samet (without venturing into the jungle), we recommend following the main road northwest towards Noi Na Beach from the harbour or heading south from Ao Phai. Both routes have minimal traffic, particularly on weekdays.
9. Massage – Relax with a traditional Thai massage
Massages in Thailand are excellent. And getting a massage is touchingly cheap.
A one-hour Thai massage typically costs 250 baht (~ 7 EUR / 7.4 USD), while an oil massage starts at 300 baht (~ 8.4 EUR / 9 USD).
Na Dan’s main street is lined with small massage clinics, many of which stay open late. Some beaches and hotels also offer massages.
To avoid places that provide “extra services”, it’s a good idea to check reviews on Google in advance.
10. Snorkeling – Experience the national park below sea level
Most of Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park consists of ocean, so there are several protected reefs around and close to Koh Samet.
Many hotels and tour operators on the island can arrange snorkeling trips, but you can also borrow a mask and explore directly from the shore. Just be sure to ask about the currents beforehand.
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11. Day trip to other islands in the national park
One of the most popular things to do from Koh Samet is to visit some of the smaller islands in the national park.
The three most popular trips visit either 9, 6, or 5 islands, lasting approximately 7, 5, and 3 hours, respectively. Each tour typically includes snorkeling, beach time, a scenic viewpoint, refreshments such as water and fruit as well as plenty of time on the water.
Where to stay in Koh Samet?
- Budget: Blue Moon Samet – Cheap double beds (and family rooms) in a quiet location behind the main street; close to restaurants and the beach.
- Budget: Green Bay Samed Resort – Comfy budget resort with only 12 rooms right by the quiet part of beautiful Sai Kaew Beach.
- Value for money: Ao Prao Resort – Experience a sense of luxury without the hefty 5-star price tag in Koh Samet’s only sunset beach.
- Luxury: Paradee – Koh Samet’s sole exclusive 5-star resort.
Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Koh Samet here (adlink).
Budget
Blue Moon Samet
During our week-long stay on Koh Samet, we stayed in a private villa located right next to Blue Moon Samet.
It was one of the employees at Blue Moon who took care of our check-in (where he also heroically protected us and our luggage in a very heavy downpour with an umbrella – the big cafe-like kind! – on the way to the villa). Blue Moon was also in charge of the cleaning.
Based on our experience, we can confidently say that the service at Blue Moon Samet is excellent. The positive reviews from other guests further confirm that many are equally impressed with the staff.
The prices for double rooms with air conditioning and private bathrooms are among the most affordable on the island. Located just behind the main street in Na Dan, it’s the perfect spot to explore a variety of restaurants and enjoy a short walk to Koh Samet’s best beach.
Tip: Google Maps doesn’t show it, but there’s a small “shortcut” at the southern end of Blue Moon Samet that leads directly to Banana Bar on the main street. This route allows you to reach the street or beach faster than what Google Maps suggests.
See prices and availability at Blue Moon Samet here (adlink).
Green Bay Samed Resort
Green Bay Samed Resort is perfectly situated between the quieter part of Sai Kaew Beach and the even more peaceful Ao Phai.
The resort has only 12 rooms, and based on the great reviews, it’s clear that guests find the service exceptional.
It also seems that guests can borrow a range of useful beach items for free — such as umbrellas, caps, snorkelling gear and more. On top of that, there’s a complimentary minibar (!).
Prices are very reasonable, and while Blue Moon usually is cheaper, Green Bay is a great option for staying close to the beach on a budget.
See prices and availability at Green Bay Samed Resort here (adlink).
Value for money
Ao Prao Resort
Ao Prao, Koh Samet’s only west-facing beach, is home to just three hotels, with Ao Prao Resort standing out as the best among them.
Experiencing the sunset here are a spectacle of their own.
Tucked away at the northern end, the resort enjoys a private setting. While the beach isn’t officially private, it likely feels that way to guests.
With two pools — one designed for children and another better suited for swimming — the resort offers everything needed for a relaxing stay, making it a place you may not feel the need to leave.
See prices and availability at Ao Prao Resort here (adlink).
Luxury
Paradee
If you’re seeking a luxurious holiday in Koh Samet, Paradee is undoubtedly the place to book. It’s the island’s only 5-star resort.
With a completely private beach, tranquillity is assured. Here, it’s easy to imagine losing all sense of the outside world.
Several of their villas feature private pools, and they all have one thing in common: breathtaking views.
See prices and availability at Paradee here (adlink).
Best places to eat in Koh Samet
Although we weren’t blown away by the food options in Koh Samet, we still had several yummy Thai meals.
It would also be a missed opportunity not to try at least one fresh coconut or fruit juice/smoothie, which are available at various spots along the main street in Na Dan and in most restaurants. There are a few fruit stalls scattered around the island, too.
Our three favorite places to eat in Koh Samet:
- Praew. In the “street food market” located in the middle of the main street in Na Dan, there are several stalls and restaurants. We dined several times at Praew (the one with the blue chairs). The owner spoke good English, offered fair prices and was more than happy to prepare entirely plant-based versions of the vegetarian dishes on the menu.
- Flow Beach Café. A lovely spot in the centre of Ao Phai Beach, just 600-700 metres from the main street in Na Dan. The menu offers a mix of Thai dishes and Western options, including excellent smoothie bowls. They also have fully vegan choices available.
- Noodle/smoothie shop right next to Banana Bar. Known as “Boba tea, smoothies & food” on Google Maps. Here, we enjoyed noodle dishes with tofu, such as pad thai and pad see ew, for just 70 baht, along with refreshing mango smoothies.
How to get around Koh Samet
Koh Samet is a small island, and if you live in the main town of Na Dan or on the main beach Sai Kaew Beach, you can easily walk around. On the main street there is even a sidewalk.
If you’re staying at one of Koh Samet’s other beaches, it’s best to either rent a scooter or use the “buses” (songthaews) to get around.
Renting a scooter
Renting a scooter in Koh Samet is a popular way to get around the island.
In general, we hesitate to recommend renting a scooter in Thailand without caution. The traffic can be chaotic, you drive on the left side and far too many tourists end up injured.
However, we would think that Koh Samet is a very easy place to drive a scooter (compared to bigger islands and cities).
There is essentially only one road here, and the traffic mainly consists of songthaews and other tourists on scooters.
That said, Koh Samet is surprisingly hilly, so it’s important to ensure your brakes are in good condition. There are also quite a few road bumps that aren’t always comfortable to drive over.
The rental price for a scooter seems fairly standard, typically 100 baht for an hour (~2.8 EUR / 3 USD) or 300-400 baht for a day. If you rent a scooter for several days, you can likely negotiate a better price.
Public transport (songthaews)
Officially, songthaews on Koh Samet are referred to as buses with fixed prices. However, we would describe them more as a kind of taxi that runs a fixed route (there is only one road on the island, after all).
The price to travel between beaches is displayed on signs in the relevant areas. These show the cost per person or the price to “rent” the entire vehicle.
The price per person can be a bit misleading, as it’s only applicable if 10 people are travelling together… At least, that’s what the drivers say!
On the plus side, you typically won’t have to wait long for a songthaew to pass by, even if you’re staying in the southern part of the island. Plus, you can always ask your hotel to arrange one for you.
Transportation to and from Koh Samet
To reach Koh Samet, you must take a boat from the town of Ban Phe on the mainland. There are generally three options for getting to the port:
- Slow ferry: 45 minutes, 70 baht one way, 100 baht return. Sails to Na Dan port.
- Fast ferry: 10 minutes, 150 baht one way. Sails to Na Dan port (seasonal).
- Speedboat: 10 minutes, 200 baht one way. Can also go to other beaches.
Both the slow ferry and speedboats operate year-round, generally from 07:00 to 18:00.
Private speedboats can also be hired after dark for around 2,000 baht (~ 56 EUR / 59 USD).
Some of Koh Samet’s more upscale resorts offer free boat transport to and from the mainland at set times.
Prices and schedules are from 2024.
How to get to Ban Phe?
To get to Koh Samet, you first need to travel to Ban Phe, which is well-connected to the rest of the country.
Most people take a minibus from Bangkok to Ban Phe. It costs around 200 baht per person (~ 5.5 EUR / 6 USD) and usually takes 3-4 hours. There’s also a public bus option, which is slightly cheaper but takes longer.
For our trip to Ban Phe, we opted for a taxi (via Grab) from U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport since we travelled with a baby. The journey took just over an hour and cost 700 baht (~ 19.5 EUR / 21 USD).
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When to visit Koh Samet?
Koh Samet can be visited all year round. However, it’s helpful to know that there are distinct seasons.
The high season offers the best weather, while the low season presents two very different experiences. During the hot season, you can expect dry and scorching heat, whereas the rainy season brings humidity, occasional rainfall and slightly cooler temperatures.
The cold season / high season (November – February)
The best time to visit Koh Samet for ideal weather is during the winter months.
This is when the island experiences the driest conditions, the most sunshine and the coolest temperatures, typically ranging from 25-30°C (77-86° F) during the day.
December, January, and February are the high season for Koh Samet (and the rest of Thailand), meaning prices tend to be higher. It’s a good idea to book your accommodation well in advance, particularly if you plan to visit over the weekend when the island also gets a lot of Thai visitors.
The warm season / low season (March – May)
Thailand is hottest in March, April and May, and Koh Samet is no exception. It tends to be slightly cooler on the island compared to the mainland, though.
The low season begins after the winter months, so if you visit Koh Samet on weekdays during the warm season, you might find some great deals on accommodation.
That said, we recommend staying close to the sea or having access to a pool, as temperatures often exceed 30°C (86° F).
Rainy season / low season (June – October)
Koh Samet’s rainy season tends to arrive later than in many other parts of Thailand.
From June, daily downpours become more common, but they are usually short and occur mainly in the afternoon, with the sky clearing up afterwards.
The rainy season intensifies in September and October, bringing more frequent and longer rains, but temperatures remain high until the northeast monsoon sets in, typically around November.
What is the best time of year to visit Koh Samet?
The best time to visit Koh Samet is during the cold season between November and February.
The weather is at its best in December and January, which is also the peak travel period for Thailand.
To save on accommodation costs while still enjoying plenty of sunshine, pleasant temperatures and minimal rain, we recommend planning your trip either before mid-December or in the latter half of January.
Our best tips for Koh Samet
- Koh Samet is beautiful. Make sure to bring a good camera! Here’s our guide to lightweight photography gear for high-quality travel content.
- The electrical outlets in Koh Samet generally feature two round prongs, fitting both most European and Asian appliances, as well as the flat prongs of USA and Japan. The standard voltage is 220 volts.
- Koh Samet can easily be experienced in one day. That said, staying for 2-3 nights is more typical, and we enjoyed a week on the island ourselves.
- Beachwear belongs on the beach. Though the inhabitants of Koh Samet are used to tourists, it’s considered inappropriate to wear beachwear anywhere else, especially at the temple.
- Be sure to book your accommodation well in advance if you’re travelling in the high season (July, August and December to March). Beds will always be available, but many of the best hotels and resorts get fully booked months ahead. The weekends can also be booked almost all year round.
- Wifi is everywhere in hotels and cafes, and it is usually fast. If you need internet elsewhere, you can consider buying a local SIM card with data. It is quite cheap and easy to acquire.
- Koh Samet is very family-friendly. The Thai people love children and there are many resorts with pools where they are used to families.
- The sun is strong. Remember your sun protection!
- Credit cards can be used in some places for a fee (typically 3%), but cash is most common in restaurants, shops and for transport.
- Bring enough cash for your stay as there are currently no ATM machines on Koh Samet (as of March 2025).
- The island has a small hospital and clinic for minor accidents or medical attention. For more serious care, you will need to travel to the mainland to reach larger hospitals.
- Bring your own water bottle and refill it at the water dispenser located near the two 7-Eleven stores opposite each other in Na Dan. Refilling a 6-litre bottle costs around 5-10 baht (we paid about 8 baht).
- Remember travel insurance! We compare the best travel insurance for digital nomads and long-term travellers here.
Sustainable travel tips
To travel as sustainably as possible, we recommend the following:
- Book eco-friendly accommodation such as hotels with a sustainability focus or owned by locals.
- Minimise the use of air conditioning and turn it off when you are not in the room.
- Buy handmade souvenirs directly from the artist instead of mass-produced items in larger stores.
- Respect local traditions and follow the temple dress code.
- Eat as plant-based, local and organic as possible.
- Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle.
- Avoid disposable plastics as much as possible.
- Sort your waste correctly and do not throw it on the ground.
- Take only photos and leave only footprints. Avoid taking things from nature with you.
- Respect the local wildlife.
Thank you for reading along
Thank you for reading our travel guide to Koh Samet. We hope it has been useful!
What do you think of the small island close to Bangkok and the mainland?
Don’t hesitate to ask us anything in the comments if you haven’t been to Koh Samet yet. We are happy to help.
If you’ve already been there, it would be great to hear your best tips and tricks.
Our favourite travel resources:
- Booking.com for cheap hotels.
- Momondo for the best flight deals.
- SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like World Nomads and True Traveller. All three compared here.
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- Panasonic GH5. Used for all of our photos and videos.
- DJI Mavic 2 Pro. Best drone out there!
- Sirui Tripod. Lightweight and strong.
- See all of our camera gear here.
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There are no longer ATM machines on Koh Samet
Thanks for the update! It seems like they’re in the process of hopefully installing new ATMs on the island now. Interesting development for sure. Better bring cash!