Koh Samet is a great place for a relaxing holiday! Infrastructure and photos of streets.

Koh Samet (Thailand) is a small but very comfortable island with wonderful hotels and beaches.

How to get to the island

Samet Island is located a short distance from the mainland. And its size is quite small. From here you can immediately say that you can get to it only by sea, that is, by ferry or boat. From the shore, on which the pier of departure of boats and ferries is located, carrying passengers every 20-40 minutes, travelers in half an hour set foot on the land of Samet. But you can get to the pier from Bangkok by bus of different comfort and spend 3.5 hours on the road. In addition to the bus, you can use the services of a minibus. You can also get from Pattaya. Minivans depart in the morning at 7 and 9 o'clock. They can pick up their passengers right at the hotel and deliver them to the island of Samet, unless, of course, the passengers pay for the ferry. But from Phuket you can only get by plane. The bus ride is too long - more than half a day.

Hotels in Koh Samet

Since the island of Samet is not very large, there are not very many hotels here either, but what comfort they have!

Club Koh Samet

This is a whole 3-star estate, consisting of 3 dozen rooms with an outdoor pool. Each room has air conditioning, refrigerator, minibar, bathroom with shower and toiletries. Served in rooms and bottled water. It offers water skiing, babysitting, if available, luggage storage. Or you can go canoeing or boating and look at the island from the sea.

Sunrise Villas Resort

This hotel has a private beach, free parking for rental cars, bike rentals and water activities. All hotel rooms are equipped with the most advanced furniture and appliances. Bathroom, shower, refrigerator, and gourmet breakfast in the morning. In the restaurant, chefs will offer you not only Thai, but also European and Mediterranean cuisine. Directly from the hotel, you can contact family and friends via the Internet and express your delight about how you are spending your vacation.

Silver Sand Resort

There is a garden next to the hotel, where you can spend an evening with your family and children if you are not here alone. Rooms at the hotel are family-run with air conditioning and a sun deck. You can order additional room service at the discretion of the residents. The rooms are equipped with tea, coffee and water facilities.

There is also satellite TV with internet. The proximity of the hotel to Sai Kaew Beach allows customers to easily reach the main cultural and recreational sites on foot and attracts many tourists here. In the restaurant and cafe you can enjoy dishes of any cuisine you wish.

Island beaches

Ao Prao

This is the most beloved and most beautiful beach on Koh Samet. Only near this beach are the most expensive hotels and hotels. It seems that it was created only for visiting its white sand by rich respectable vacationers. It has perfect cleanliness with lawns and tropical gardens. It is, as it were, isolated from all other places by coral reefs. And what beauty can be enjoyed by going to the observation deck or directly from the shore. And you can also swim on a yacht or catamaran and see marine life.

Wong Duan

In the form of a crescent, it curved along the sandy spit for 500 meters. Along it are also expensive hotels with their sophistication and desire to invite you to rest. Lush tropical vegetation is spread along the entire beach, which provides its shade to vacationers in hot weather. It is protected from wind and waves. Surprisingly fine white sand is a beach attraction. Amateur fishermen can go out to sea with the locals for a walk and try their luck at their hobby. The beach is very quiet and calm. And there are so many corals in the water!

Ao Noina

The cleanest and quietest beach on the island. Conducive to silence and solitude. The absence of stones in the coastal water and the shallow depth allow both children and adults to swim without fear of drowning. There are no discos or bars on it, but if you want to escape from the silence, then you can get to entertainment venues very quickly.

Ao Phai beach

This beach is intended for lovers of nightlife, but within reason. The beach during the day is quite calm and quiet, although many bars, restaurants and cafes are concentrated on it. White sand and the complete absence of stones on it is its main advantage.

Ao Klang beach

This beach can compete with any beautiful area, because many coconut palms and other lush tropical vegetation grow on its territory. He seems to be hidden from prying eyes and gazes. The extraordinary beauty of coral sand is able to bribe vacationers with its color. There are very few tourists on the beach.

Sights in Koh Samet

The island is a nature reserve and its main attraction is the beaches and nature itself, which can only be found directly here. There are no historical sites here. Is it only possible to single out the statue of the Big White Buddha, located in a small temple. Around the temple is a pond with fish. On the territory of Ao Putsa beach, you can see a whole set of stones of various shapes, which in an incomprehensible way stand, lie on top of each other and somehow keep their balance. This is a very interesting sight. Unusually beautiful underwater world of the island. This is where the breath is taken away from the color, type and shape of corals. Anyone who has not seen this has lost a lot in life. From the observation decks of the island you can see such beauty that you will dream for a long time on frosty winter nights and call to you.

Holiday prices

The price of a holiday on Samet closely depends on the date of the trip, the length of stay, the comfort of the hotel where the tourist is going to stay. If your stay on the island is short, then you can get by with 30 thousand rubles. And again, it is almost impossible to give the exact amount that you need to reserve in your budget for this purpose. And if you buy a last-minute tour, then the above amount should be enough for a good rest.

Tours

• Due to the small area of ​​the island, which you can get around on foot, there are practically no excursions. It is worth highlighting a visit to fish farms, boating around the island, an excursion to neighboring islets, also included in the national reserve.
• Visiting floating restaurants, where they will offer to taste freshly prepared dishes from the inhabitants of the deep sea.
• Journeys to the “bottom of the sea”, where the palette of colors of corals and fish will be presented to your attention. Here expanse for lovers of recreation on the water.

Weather on Koh Samet

Although the island is close to the mainland, the weather on the island can be said to be much better than on the mainland. There are a lot of sunny days here, the temperature is from +30 to +40. Dry and sunny on Samet from October to February. Heat - from March to May. Showers come here mainly in September. Tourists are especially comfortable here from November to February and from June to early September.

Samet Island (Koh Samet) - a resort island in the Gulf of Thailand in the eastern part, not far from the mainland, belongs to the Rayong province, Thailand. Small for the area - 13.1 km. sq. Its remoteness from the mainland is about 6.5 km, from Bangkok - 200 km, 80 km from Pattaya. Length 7 km, width - from 4 km to 200 meters.

This is a magical place, since most of the island is occupied by the National Park of Thailand, so the water is very clean and the nature is almost untouched. Entrance to the island is free, no one will take money from you for landing on the pier. Paid is only a visit to the Mu Ko Samet National Park, which is located on 4 islands, including Samet. The cost is 200 baht for adults and 100 baht for children.

Samet Island on the map

When planning a vacation, look at where the island is located on the map, so it will be easier for you to figure out how to get to it.

How to get there

There are several options. Since Samet is cut off from the mainland and there is no airport on it, it can only be reached by water. You can sail from the village of Ban Phe - the mainland of Thailand, it will take you about 30 minutes. Ferries run regularly between the mainland and the island, the cost is about 50 baht, but you can also order a boat, the estimated cost is 2000 baht.

From the capital of Thailand

There are buses from Bangkok to Ban Phe. The cost is about 160 baht, if you buy in both directions, it will come out cheaper, around 280 baht. They run from morning to evening, with an interval of 40-60 minutes. Travel time 3.5 hours.

The second option is to get from Bangkok to, the district center, and from it to Ban Phe. The bus to Rayong costs 120 baht, takes about 3 hours, you can get from Rayong to Ban Phe by songthaeo, which takes about 30 minutes. Please note that the last one leaves at 8 pm from Ban Phe.

It is always worth checking the time of the last bus, as no mode of transport operates around the clock. By car, you can take Route 3 or Sukhumvit Rd.

Taxi: Estimated cost 2000 baht, from the airport about 250 baht cheaper.

From Pattaya

From Pattaya to Rayong (district center) can be reached by bus in about 50 minutes, it will cost 70 baht. A taxi will cost you 850 baht, and in time it will be about 1.5-2 hours. Always check the cost as it varies.

By renting a bike and baying a full tank and getting on the Sukhumvit highway to your destination, Ban Phe. You can buy a full package from any street travel agency, which includes a transfer to Ban Phe and a ferry ticket. It will be more expensive than buying tickets on your own, but more comfortable, because you will be picked up from the hotel and taken right to the pier on the island of Koh Samet. You can also negotiate with them about the return trip.

Transport

There are practically no roads on the island itself. Only the section from the pier to the National Park has been paved. You can move around on foot, the distances are short, the whole island can be bypassed in about 2 hours.

Options for transportation can be quad bikes (rental 500-1500 baht per day) or local transport - songteo (departure with a full load) from 10 baht, which you can use as a taxi, having bought all the places for 100-600 baht.

There is no good road on the island, which can be dangerous for your life. Songthaew fares are fixed and are listed on posters at many beaches.

You can rent a motorcycle, but if you have never ridden one, it is not recommended to start on Samet.

Beaches and hotels

There are about 16 beaches on the island. The most famous of them are Hatsaikeu, Diamond Beach, Auvongdyan. All of them are located on the east coast, the length of the largest, Hatsaikeu, is about a kilometer, and the width is 25-30 meters. Auvongdyan Beach is located in a bay that forms almost a circle in shape. The smaller beaches are mostly quieter and there are always fewer tourists. Ao Kyu Nok is an isolated beach of the chic and most expensive hotel on the island of Paradee Resort and Spa.

Auphrao is a beach on the west coast, remote from the noisy life of Samet. Also not far from it there is a pier from which you can go on a boat trip.

There are a huge number of hotels on the island, which differ in cost and comfort of living. It can be bungalows, separate houses, guesthouses. The cost is approximately from 1000 baht per day, but you can find cheaper options, from 500 baht. The most important thing is the price-quality ratio.

On any site you can see photos of the rooms and the territory, which will help you in choosing. If you are going to travel during the high season, we recommend booking accommodation in advance.

Entertainment and attractions

The main attraction is the National Park, hiking trails, temples. For history lovers, it is worth visiting Auhin Kok Bay, where the only monument on the island is located.

An incredibly interesting place is the Turtle Farm, where rare species of fish and turtles are bred. It is located in the sea, not far from the pier. It is noteworthy that these fish are then released into the open sea. Water activities:

1. Windsurfing and water skiing.
2. Boat trips are organized every day.
3. Snorkeling and diving.
4. Fishing trips can also be arranged for you.

The beaches often offer massage services. You can take this opportunity and feel. Shopping consists only of beach accessories, but you can easily find a cafe or restaurant where you will have the opportunity to taste fresh seafood.

Samet Island is a great opportunity to plunge into relaxation, forget about problems and enjoy every minute. This is a way to relax your body and soul, as well as to be alone with nature.

The small resort island of Thailand - Samet, with an area of ​​5 sq. km is known and popular among tourists from different countries. Part of the territory located just 6 km from the mainland of Samet is part of the National Park. So, in addition to beautiful beaches with crystal clear water, vacation on the island of Koh Samet, Thailand is an opportunity to spend time in the bosom of untouched nature.

As such, there is no territorial zoning on the island, but tourists who have been here at least once divide Samet into 4 parts:

Samet is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand, which is included in the Rayong province. Its area is 13.2 km2. There is a small settlement - the village of Nadan, where tourist ships most often arrive.

The main attraction of the island is Khao Laem Ya National Park. Most travelers come here to get acquainted with the unique flora and fauna, virgin forests and their inhabitants.

• Language: Thai;
• Currency: Thai baht (THB) - 1 baht = 2 rubles;
• Religion: Buddhism - over 95%, up to 4% - Islam, Christianity.

Samet on the map:

Climatic conditions

The weather on Koh Samet is constant throughout the year.
The air temperature fluctuates between 28 -31 degrees. Rainfall is much less than in other resorts of the country. Conventionally, the rainy season falls on the period from May to July. However, even in these months, the rains are not prolonged and fall mainly at night.
Water warms up within 28-29 degrees.

Monthly average temperatures:

Month	Jan	Feb	mar	Apr	May	june	july	aug	sep	oct	but I	dec
min	22	24	26	27	27	27	26	26	25	24	23	22
max	33	32	33	34	34	33	33	32	32	32	33	32

The abundance of precipitation is typical for September and October. There are 15 out of 30 rainy days.

Ecology

Few people know that since November 1, 2018, it is forbidden to import plastic and polystyrene here. Even plastic bags are no exception! So the Thai government takes care of the ecological state of the national park and its environs.

Those who disregard this rule will be forced to say goodbye to all plastic things they have with them at the entrance, and violators will be punished with a fine of 1500 THB.

The Thai government also plans to completely abandon plastic on Koh Samui in the near future and by the end of 2021, the whole country should move to a new ecological level.

How to get there?

The fact that you can only get to Koh Samet by boat does not make the island less popular. The apparent difficulties of the transfer are more than offset by the purity of the sea and the variety of beaches. Some remoteness also attracts lovers of "wild" recreation. Samet will appeal to even sophisticated travelers who know a lot about island holidays.

Many people buy tours in advance, one of the stopping points of which is Koh Samet. This option already includes a transfer to all points of the route and you don’t have to worry about vehicles. This method is chosen by those who have already settled in one of the hotels or, but do not want to sit still or are tired of a lazy beach holiday. In one day, travelers are given the opportunity to travel around dozens of beaches and expand their geographical knowledge.

If you decide to spend more than one day on the island or stay here for a long time, plan your route in advance.

The starting point to the island will be Pattaya airports or, depending on the individual preferences of tourists.

From the airport we go directly to the small village of Ban Phe, which, by the way, is famous for being the main starting point for Koh Samet and its National Park.

We get to Ban Phe in the most pleasant way for us: it can be a bus, taxi, rented scooter or car. You don’t need to worry about where to leave your scooter or car: next to the pier, you can easily find paid guarded parking.

From Bangkok

Buses from Bangkok to the pier depart from Ekamai Bus Station. The first bus leaves at 5 in the morning, the next - with an interval of 40 minutes each. The last one departs from the stop at 20:30. A one-way ticket will cost a tourist 157 baht. Public transport is attractive because the fare is significantly lower than in a taxi, but in Bangkok there is a great alternative: renting a scooter.

By using a bike, you can combine business with pleasure: see the surroundings and save on travel. In addition, you will not be dependent on the schedule. Of course, you will have to spend money on gasoline, but this expense instantly pays off: fresh air and stunning views will make anyone forget about the difficulties of the transfer.

From Pattaya

In terms of economy, getting to the island from Pattaya is more profitable than from Bangkok. True, you will have to make one stop, as the bus will only go to the administrative center of Rayong. Next, songhteo will deliver the shaft straight to the pier for only 30 baht. In total, it turns out: 1.5 hours on the road, about 70 baht to Rayong, 30 baht to Ban Phe pier, plus a boat trip to Na Dan pier with a symbolic statue of a huge woman, sung by the Thai poet Suthon Phu, and you are there!

There are two types of water transport between Ban Phe and Koh Samet: ferries and speedboats.

Ban Phe Pier is literally teeming with touts who are trying in every possible way to offer their services. The only thing that cannot be changed is the high price of such trips. Regardless of which way you decide to get to your destination, you will have to purchase a standard ticket from a representative of one of the hundreds of companies that manage the transfer of passengers from the mainland to the island.

Experienced recommend not to peck at the bait of the first person you meet, but to take a walk along the pier for some time. Going a little further than inexperienced tourists do, you can come across very advantageous offers at a lower price.

Entry prices

Visiting the island itself is free. However, you will have to pay 200 baht for an adult visitor and half the full price for a child to enter the national park.

Many people manage to avoid visiting fees by using the same private carriers from Ban Phe Pier, which have slightly different itineraries. By bypassing the toll collection point and delivering their customers directly to the beach, near which the travelers are going to stay, the carriers make it possible to get into the territory "hare".

One way or another, you should be prepared for the fact that even before sailing you will be required to pay an entrance fee to the territory of the National Park. By the way, be careful: a ticket bought for 200 baht is valid for 5 days. After the expiration date, you must purchase a ticket again. But, most tourists note that Koh Samet is not as fun as they would like, so 5 days of peace and quiet are more than enough.

Beaches

In total, the island has over 15 beaches scattered throughout the coastal area. Among them, there are 8 most colorful and occupying TOP lines in the ratings.

Ao Phai

The infrastructure of Ao Phi is 4 small beaches, united under one name:

• Ao Pai;
• Hin Kok;
• Ao Put San;
• Ao Nuan.

Despite the fact that these are the most visited beaches (due to the low price tag for accommodation, the presence of cheap bars and cafes), every year the reviews left by tourists about these places are getting worse. Many say that the area is not protected in any way and is unsafe, some do not like the surroundings, some do not like the quality of the water, etc.

One way or another, Ao Phi is still in the top of the most popular beaches of Samet.

Haad Sai Kaew

Sai Keu (or Diamond Beach - diamond beach) is a favorite place for all party-goers. It is here that all the entertainment activities of a small island are concentrated. Those who want to have a fun evening, dance, eat delicious food, try local drinks and exotic cocktails, definitely need to visit the diamond beach!

In addition, this place is incredibly popular among the Thais themselves: Bangkok residents on Diamond Beach are regular guests. Such a neighborhood only plays into the hands of foreign tourists, since the presence of local vacationers on the island is a guarantee that you will be able to taste real Thai cuisine.

Ao Cho

Ao Cho is an unremarkable calm beach with a gentle entrance and clear water. Here, relatively low housing prices and a lot of tiny stalls with souvenirs. Ao Cho is suitable for families with children, as there are practically no waves here, and it is not popular with noisy companies.

Ao Thain

The most romantic beach, whose name can be translated as "by candlelight". This also proves its lyrical focus. The smallest, but at the same time, the coziest and cutest beach on the island. People come here for wedding ceremonies, anniversaries and family holidays.

Ao Phrao

Ao Phra is an incredibly beautiful beach on the west coast. The coastal area is strewn with expensive hotels with luxurious rooms and first-class service. This is a kind of elite of the island.

Wong Deuan

Wong Deun is in the top three beaches of the island. Large selection of hotels, huts and bungalows, calm, down to earth atmosphere. Suitable for both families and single travelers.

There is an opportunity to choose a hotel according to the possibilities of your wallet. You can stay both in expensive apartments and in modest bungalows.

Ao Tubtim

Less hyped neighbor Ao Phai. This place does not differ in something special and will not be able to please tourists who are hungry for entertainment either. Here you can relatively calmly swim and sunbathe with children.

A boring coastline is adorned with a bizarre composition of stones stacked on top of each other.

Kiu Na Nok

This is a private beach on the territory belonging to the most expensive hotel in the southern part of Samet. If you dream of being in a place similar to a picture from an advertisement, with sky-blue water, white, clean beach and rare palm trees, then this is the place.

Outsiders are not allowed on Kiu Na Nok (the area is fenced and guarded) and in order to visit this beach, you need to rent one of the local villas. There are only about 20 of them. The cost of rent, in comparison with the northern regions, is prohibitively high, but such is the price for comfort and privacy.

Where to stay?

The hotel infrastructure of the resort is represented by hotels of various comfort levels and price categories. There are inexpensive guesthouses, separate bungalows and more familiar rooms in buildings.

The minimum room rate is 1000 baht. There are cheaper options, but the price in this case will fully correspond to the quality of accommodation.

In accordance with the pricing policy, there are 4 categories of hotels, or 4 zones, in which these hotels are better to look for:

1. Expensive;
2. middle class;
3. Budget;
4. Cheap.

You can easily find expensive hotels in the area of ​​Wong Deuan, Sai Kae, Ao Kiu beaches. The last beach is a private area belonging to the Paradee Hotel and is considered the safest place on the island.

Middle-class hotels can be found everywhere, without being tied to any particular territory. On almost any beach, there is an opportunity to comfortably accommodate in rooms of an average price category.

It is better to look for budget and cheap places in the Ao Phai area, on one of its 4 beaches.

Important. When deciding what to take with you to the island, do not forget to grab a fumigator or mosquito net. Especially if you are going to Samet for more than one night.

Almost every standard hotel has massage rooms, swimming pools, air conditioning and in-room amenities.

Attractions

As such, it will not be possible to meet sights or ancient monuments on the island. The only thing for which lovers of walking on excursions come here is Khao Laem Ya National Park. Moreover, it is not entirely clear what attracts tourists more, the island itself or the national park on which it is located.

The only temple, located on the Na Dan pier near the village of the same name, is notable for a giant white Buddha statue about 5 meters high.

If you are completely bored, you can go to Sai Keo Beach, where a sculpture of a mermaid with a baby is erected. The locals dubbed her the phrase "True love". The poem that prompted the sculptor to create it was about a sailor who abandoned a mermaid with a baby in his arms because he got bored with her and sailed away on the nearest ship.

Entertainment

The choice of entertainment on the island is also limited. There are no water parks, dolphinariums and amusement parks here. People come here to enjoy a lazy beach holiday away from the noise, and for exciting experiences it is better to go to the mainland, for example, Pattaya.

observation decks

For lovers of sunsets and sunrises, special viewing platforms are equipped. It will not be difficult to find them: it is enough to meet a sign with a special designation on your way.

Windsurfing, water skiing, quad biking

Those who are not indifferent to active sports can rent special equipment available in almost every hotel and spend time with benefit.

Fishing

Fishermen will be able to try their hand at deep-sea fishing and even catch squid, which will then be prepared for you by local chefs. Of course, for a fee.

Thai boxing

One of the novelties of the island is the opportunity to learn from local Thai boxing masters. Of course, most classes are held as demonstration performances by pupils, but for lack of a better one ...

If there is a desire to take this type of wrestling seriously, then you should choose in other places in Thailand.

Fire show

Every evening, the coastal area becomes a real platform for fiery tricks. Vacationers can enjoy an enchanting performance performed by professional stuntmen.

Massage and spa

On the island, private masses are widely practiced. It is made on beaches, in cafes, in hotels and even in the market. You do not have to look for a massage therapist, he will find you!

shopping

If you go to Samet in order to buy something interesting and exotic, you will be in for a great disappointment. All products are delivered here from the "mainland", which means that its range is very limited, and the price tags are too high. A lot of shopping stalls are full of boring souvenirs and necessary beach paraphernalia: mosquito sprays, sunscreen, panama hats, ducks for swimming and other cheap knick-knacks.

Samet for children

The beaches of Koh Samet are ideal for families with children. It is difficult to assess which of its advantages is the main one: there are so many of them.

Firstly, the environment, which is given great attention here. The ban on the import of plastic is just one item from a long list of what is being done to preserve the purity of nature on the island.

Secondly, blinding beaches with white sand and emerald water. The pictures that the imagination once drew materialize here. The sea is calm and there are almost no strong waves. Most of the beaches have a gentle entrance, fences are installed for vacationers. The coastal stalls are full of inflatable balls, circles, ducks and other children's protection.

Thirdly, having enough “eating” the sun and the sea, you can go to Pattaya for entertainment: water parks, dolphinarium, amusement parks, parties, shopping, etc. The convenience lies in the fact that you do not need to spend a lot of time and money on the road. After walking and having fun, you can return to the quiet island life with peace of mind. And parents who come here with small children do not need to worry that someone or something will prevent their child from sleeping at night.

Samet Island is a great opportunity to get away from the noisy atmosphere in the resort of Pattaya and spend time on snow-white beaches with clear clear water.

Video about Koh Samet:

Two years ago, at the same time, I already wrote in the format “one day -, but I never had a chance to post it.
I'm correcting the omission. Today is about the beloved island of Samet, which we haven’t been to for a long time, but it turns out to be just as beautiful.
So, February 15, 2015.

I wanted to leave at 8 in the morning, but going to bed at 3, it’s stupid to expect that you can easily get up at 7.
It's hard to get up in the morning, the alarm clock has been ringing several times.

Samet Island is only 85 km from Pattaya. The road towards the city of Rayong, along the Sukhumvit highway to Bangkok.
It makes no sense to talk about how to get from Pattaya by car, because if you are driving yourself, it’s easier to turn on the navigator, since
turns are not so obvious that I'm afraid to simply confuse you.

We leave the house, on the clock 9:43

On the way we stop at the gas station, which I wrote about. There is a good one, but today we only need coffee + gas station.

I had to make one more stop, Dasha vomited. Shouldn't have eaten ice cream. I already forgot that she can get sick in the car, this happens extremely rarely.

We drove up to Banpe Pier, from which ferries go to. There are several of them in Rayong, but everyone needs Banpe, because ferries run regularly from it, and from the rest -
just a couple of times a day.
The ferry runs every hour, according to the schedule. But in reality - how it will turn out. Arriving at 11:17, we left immediately, in splendid isolation, because at this time people are gathering on the way back.
Extract from hotels, etc.

Here is the pier from which ferries go to Samet and back on the map:

A ferry ticket to Samet Island costs 50 baht one way, they sell it both ways, it's easier. Car parking right there. Also 50 baht, only per day.

We moored. We are met by such a terrible aunt-monster:

I decided for a long time which beach to go to, this time we got to Samet for the day, without spending the night.
As a result, at the last moment I decided to go to Ao Prao, the same beach we usually visit. It also has a hotel about which I wrote.
The beach is wonderful, the bay, crystal water and almost zero people, but I still regretted it a little, because it was probably worth walking along other beaches that I had been on for a long time or had not been at all.
By the way, the beaches on Koh Samet are ALL good.

To the right of the exit from the pier, there is a parking lot for regular tuk tuks that will take you to any beach.
Here are the prices:

from 10 to 70 baht per person, depending on the distance. Prices are nearby - this is if you rent a tuk tuk as a whole. Do not forget that you will most likely have to pay the whole tuk tuk back, because such a flow of people
as, for example, on Koh Lan - no, the people simply will not gather.

excursions on Koh Samet and tour bureau - vizarans from Koh Samet and buses to Bangkok photo

Another sad story is the entrance fee to the island of Samet. Since this is a national reserve, you need to pay for entry. The prices are here:

If not for the Thai rights, it would have come out quite weighty, 200 baht per person. And so, they took us like Thais, and the children are generally free.
According to Thai rights, the entrance to Samet is 40 baht per adult and 20 per child.

It makes no sense to shove like me into the very distance, you can easily plop down on the nearest one.
There are obvious advantages in the form of developed infrastructure, lower prices and transport accessibility. The bay of Ao Prao Beach is, of course, a dead end. Walk from there
it will not be possible to reach other beaches with a stroller and children - sharp stones hug the bay from both sides.

What to do on the beach? Swimming and sunbathing of course!

Masha lay in the shade and still burned out, such was her skin. Well, Dashon and my husband and I sculpted castles and wandered along the beach.
We stumbled upon such a huge starfish:

Rolling down the slide on the playground:

Of course, we rode on a swing, how could we do without them ???

The cafe at the hotel has the same prices as 2 years ago. But there have been changes for the better in the hotel itself: a swimming pool appeared, the buildings were updated, they painted there, they decorated it here,
in general - good!
Deal of the Day - Cocktail of the Day for 109 baht plus 3 for free. Cocktails are not God knows what, but it will do in the heat!

Koh Samet in Thailand is so good that the Thais have brought all its nature and beaches into the national heritage of the country! Is it really heaven for the price of 500 baht a day?

From Pattaya you need to get to the city of Ban Phe, the easiest way to do this:

1. With the help of 35 Pattaya Group (this is a company in Pattaya with cheap minibuses (not excursions). Google it, This is really the most convenient way if you don’t have your own transport. But we went everywhere ourselves and I can’t leave an objective review)
2. On our own transport (the two of us rode a PCX-150, the road took two hours with a stop for food)
3. If you are afraid to go by yourself, you can order an organized trip from our partners

Ships depart from the small town of Ban Phe, most of its inhabitants live off the tourist flow to the island of Samet. At every corner they will try to sell you anything, every taxi driver will catch up with you and tell you that he can buy a ticket, or he has a boat and only he will take you. How does it really work:

There are about 5 different piers in Ban Phe. Each of them has its own ticket office, but some sell tickets only for speed boats, and some only for regular ferries. Tickets cost the same at different ticket offices: ferry - 50 baht one way, speedboat - 150 baht one way. All berths are 100 meters apart, so if I try to charge you double the price somewhere, you can easily walk to the next one. Ferries run once an hour (approximately from 8.00 to 17.00), on weekends speedboats run every 10 minutes, on weekdays much less frequently.

Samet is a national park, so at the main pier you will be charged 200 baht per person just for entering the island.

And our Tolya is a fool. As usual, I distinguished myself: I went to look for a mooring for speedboats. I look - there is a group of Thais, so I approached and asked:

Are you waiting for a boat to the island?
-Yes
- Well, we'll wait.
- Ok, wait.

And only when I boarded the boat, I found out that these were the majors from Bangkok, who ordered an individual yacht for themselves, and we brazenly climbed into them. They took us straight to the beach, so we didn’t have to pay this national park fee and flatly refused to take it for the road. I love Thais.

There is a normal pier only in the city, if you take an individual transfer to some beach, then you will be dropped off in waist-deep water. Keep this in mind if you travel with children and suitcases

Choosing the best beach on Koh Samet. I read a lot of reviews about the island before the trip, I found a lot of stories about a secret beach in a rubber grove, or about a millionaires' beach with huge palm trees. And I'll tell you honestly: it's all nonsense! Don't worry about choosing a place! All beaches are excellent, with magnificent azure sea and perfectly white sand.

Sai Kaew Beach

In general, I liked the largest city beach the most and I will recommend it.

Now a little more detail. Not far from the port is the main city beach Sai Kaeo. This is the largest beach on the island, lined with small bungalows, cafes and macaques. It is on this beach that tourists from Pattaya are brought, who book excursions. The beach is long, and tourists are herd creatures, so they cluster in one place, next to their boats. Therefore, most of the beach is empty and you can safely lie down in silence.

What about other beaches? Yes, everything is the same! But there are beaches at hotels, so there are pluses: there are no boats, there are many times fewer people and much calmer. And of the minuses: there is no nightlife, food is only in the restaurant and expensive.

These are all photos of the main beach of Sai Kaew Beach:

Video of Sai Kaew Beach:

Ao Wong

the beach is located in the bay and at the hotel. It turns out that the beach is equipped and very calm, with a good green area. I liked it so much that we decided to stay here for a few hours. There is also nightlife, and equipped swings, and you can take a boat for a ride. In general, we recommend.

2) Ao Thian- one of the secret bays and this is its charm! Finding this place from the road is very difficult. it looks like a small path into the jungle. But it was here that we found inexpensive bungalows for 400 baht. The beach is very small, but there are almost no people. Bartenders generally sleep at the counters. no visitors.

Nothing interesting has been seen on the rest of the beaches, so I will just post a few photos and videos so that you understand what to expect.

Ao Cho

Boats for diving, only here I saw such open boats with harnesses

The cost of hotels and guesthouses

If you arrive on Koh Samet from Pattaya to the central port, then you will pass through the city. If you are looking for cheap guesthouses, then they are right there. Moreover, from the Pier you can go both to the left (to the main beaches) and to the right.

Prices in the city are very different, but you can easily find a guest house with a fan for 500 baht. The average price is 800 baht per night. The city is small, literally one street, but it lives off tourists, so every house is a shop, cafe or guest house. To the sea from anywhere in the city 10-15 minutes on foot.

Housing near the sea. The average price is 1200 baht per night. These are ordinary 3-star houses: located near the sea, air-conditioned (but usually noisy), hot showers. On the spot you can bargain cheaper (1000 baht). There are also more expensive hotels.

The most expensive accommodation is in hotels with their own territory and which occupy the entire bay. There cost from 2000 baht per night.

If you are traveling during the high season for the weekend, then be sure to book a hotel in advance, and if it is also a Thai holiday, then book a week in advance, because. the island is very popular with Thais and tourists.

Cafe prices.

Prices in cafes are about 40% more expensive than in Pattaya. You also need to be prepared for the fact that the waiters on the island are very slow. Those. the situation that you are waiting for breakfast or coffee for 15-20 minutes is absolutely normal. This is especially frustrating in small coves, where you are tied to 1-2 restaurants and you have no choice, be prepared that you will have to spend 1-1.5 hours for lunch, and leaving the beach for another fruit shake, you will have to wait 20 minutes for it.

The big store of everything was only seen on Sai Kaew Beach and Ao Cho. There are also small family cafes with traditional Thai food. Food prices, as already mentioned, are about 40% higher than on the mainland. Soup Tom Yum - 140 baht.

On the rest of the beaches there are only local restaurants. Prices are relevant for most restaurants that are located on the beach:

• Breakfast (fried eggs + fruit + coffee) - 170 baht.
• Pork skewers - 250 baht
• Lamb skewers - 400 baht
• Shake - 85 baht.

Makashnitsy (seen only on Sai Kaew Beach) - the famous Thai pancakes - 50 baht.

You need to understand that there is a large selection of food only on Sai Kaew Beach, and only on this beach you can eat relatively inexpensively due to the large selection of various cafes in the city itself.

Only on weekends in the evening cafes set tables to the sea

Transport on Koh Samet

Let's say right away: You are unlikely to get pleasure from driving around the island on any type of transport, because there are no beautiful views, the road is terrible, the handling of transport is below any criticism. But if you want to see different bays, or take a ride in the evening to watch different shows, then take the transport safely, but ride very carefully.

taxi drivers are located absolutely at All bays, i.e. getting from one to the other is not a problem at all. Taxis look like pickup trucks with seats in the back and carry groups of people at once, you can rent a separate one for yourself.

At any taxi stand there is a sign with prices to each bay (the first price if you wait until the car is full, the second if you start right now).

Motorbike rental.

Cost: 100 baht per hour or 300 baht per day. Payment of gasoline in different ways, but usually included in the rent. Ordinary motorbikes (Cliques and Fino).

The roads on the island are very bad - it's either just dusty ground with sand, or concrete slabs + a large number of slides + a large number of one-lane turns without a view. But nevertheless, for a person with driving experience in Thailand, moving around the island will not be a big problem, it will not be possible to drive, but it is easy to ride.

On a motorbike on the island of Samet, you can move quite comfortably only to the Ao Wai bay, then there are 2 very steep hills that are covered with sand, 90% of accidents occur there. Those. when you read that someone is ripped off and falls - it is most likely there, the motorbike will go skidding anyway and the only question is whether you can slow it down with your heels. The ATV on these slides also goes skidding, but the task is only to prevent it from being turned sideways.

There is an observation deck at the southernmost point, but it is completely of no interest (there is on the video), so there is no point in climbing these slides.

ATV rental.

An ATV, or ATV as everyone here calls it, can also be taken at any bay.
The cost of renting an ATV on Samet:

Small ATV:(2 thin people more or less comfortably drove the whole island)
250 baht per hour
1200 baht per day

Large ATV (family)
400 baht per hour
1600 baht per day.

As for gasoline: everything in the tank is yours, everything that needs to be refueled from above is yours. It will also not work to drive on it, because. the roads are still bad, and the ATVs are very worn out, but the chance to fall on them is many times less than on a motorbike. But it will be difficult to park it in the city, because. There are very few free parking spaces.

Excursions and entertainment.

On all beaches and in all hotels you will be offered the same excursions, but the prices for them will differ by 100-200 baht. Somewhere they are fixed, and somewhere street vendors set the price themselves. One of these agents with us erased the price of 1200 baht and wrote 1300. Just because he decided so.

Where to get a kayak: in a hotel on Wai Beach - - 250/300 baht per hour, or 1500/1800 per day. Also, kayaks can be rented on the very last beach of AO Pakarang (prices for a hotel on this beach are higher, the name is Nimmanoradee resort, the hotel is chic, but the restaurant is one of the longest, 20 minutes waited 2 shakes.)

Prices are shown in the photos below. and the main excursions that are sold on the island.