Samet Island in Thailand – it lasted us for three days. Koh Samet, Thailand. Reviews of Samet Island, photos and map of beaches Excursions and entertainment

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 National Park. This means, in addition to beautiful beaches with crystal clean water, a holiday on the island of Samet, Thailand is an opportunity to spend time in the lap of untouched nature.

There is no territorial zoning on the island as such, 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 province of Rayong. 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 National Park Khao Laem Ya. Most travelers come here precisely 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 Samet is constant throughout the year.
The air temperature fluctuates between 28 -31 degrees. There is significantly less precipitation than at other resorts in the country. Conventionally, the rainy season falls on the period from May to July. However, even during these months the rains are not prolonged and fall mainly at night.
The water warms up within 28-29 degrees.

Average temperatures by month:

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

Ecology

Few people know that from November 1, 2018, it is prohibited to import plastic and foam plastic here. Even plastic bags are no exception! This is how the Thai government takes care of the environmental condition of the national park and its surroundings.

Those who ignore this rule will be forced to say goodbye to all the plastic things they have with them at the entrance, and violators will be punished with a fine of 1,500 THB.

The Thai government also plans to completely eliminate plastic in the near future. Koh Samui and by the end of 2021, the entire country must move to a new environmental level.

How to get there?

The fact that Koh Samet can only be reached by water does not make the island any less popular. The apparent difficulties of the transfer are more than compensated by the cleanliness of the sea and the variety of beaches. Some remoteness also attracts lovers of “wild” holidays. Even sophisticated travelers who know a lot about island holidays will like Samet.

Many people purchase tours in advance, one of the stopping points of which is Koh Samet. This option already includes transfer to all points of the route and you don’t have to worry about transportation. 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 being lazy beach holiday. In one day, travelers have 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 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 head 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 by bus, taxi, rented scooter or car. There is no need to worry about where to leave your scooter or car: next to the marina you can easily find a paid guarded parking lot.

From Bangkok

Buses from Bangkok to the pier depart from Ekamai Bus Station. The first bus leaves at 5 am, subsequent buses leave at intervals of 40 minutes each. The last one leaves 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 a taxi, but in Bangkok there is an excellent alternative: renting a scooter.

By using a bike, you can combine business with pleasure: see the surrounding area 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 pays off instantly: fresh air and stunning views will make anyone forget about the difficulties of the transfer.

From Pattaya

From an economic point of view, getting to the island from Pattaya is more profitable than from Bangkok. True, you will have to make one stop, since the bus will only go to administrative center Rayong. Next, Songkhthaew will deliver the shaft straight to the pier for only 30 baht. The total is: 1.5 hours on the road, about 70 baht to Rayong, 30 baht to the Ban Phe pier, plus a boat trip to the Na Dan pier with the symbolic statue of a huge woman, glorified by the Thai poet Sutton Phu, and you are there!

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

The Ban Phe pier is literally teeming with barkers who are trying in every possible way to offer their services. The only thing that cannot be changed is high price for such trips. Regardless of how 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 ferrying of passengers from big land to the island.

Experienced people recommend not to take the bait of the first person you meet, but to walk along the pier for a while. By walking a little further than inexperienced tourists do, you can come across very good deals at a lower price.

Entry prices

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

Many people manage to avoid visiting fees by using the services of the same private carriers from Ban Phe pier, whose routes are slightly different from the generally accepted ones. By bypassing the toll collection point and delivering their clients straight to the beach, near which travelers are going to stay, carriers make it possible to sneak into the territory.

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

Beaches

In total, the island has over 15 beaches scattered throughout the coastal area. Among them, we can highlight 8 of the most colorful and occupying the TOP positions in the ratings.

Ao Phai

The infrastructure of Ao Phi consists of 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 people say that the area is not protected in any way and is unsafe, some don’t like the surroundings, others don’t like the quality of the water, etc.

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

Haad Sai Kaew

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

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

Ao Cho

Ao Cho - unremarkable calm beach with a gentle entrance and clean water. There are 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 groups.

Ao Thain

The most romantic beach, the name of which can be translated as “by candlelight.” This also proves his lyrical focus. The smallest, but at the same time the most cozy and lovely beach of the island. People come here for wedding ceremonies, anniversaries and family celebrations.

Ao Phrao

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

Wong Deuan

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

You can choose a hotel that suits your wallet. You can stay in both expensive apartments and modest bungalows.

Ao Tubtim

Ao Phai's less popular neighbor. There is nothing special about this place and it won’t be able to please tourists hungry for entertainment either. Here you can swim and sunbathe with your children relatively calmly.

Boring coastline decorated with a bizarre composition of stones stacked on top of each other.

Kiu Na Nok

This 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 that looks like a picture from an advertisement, with sky-blue water, a white, pristine 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 this is the price for comfort and privacy.

Where to stay?

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

According to pricing policy There are 4 categories of hotels, or 4 zones in which it is better to look for these hotels:

1. Dear ones;
2. Middle class;
3. Budget;
4. Cheap.

You can easily find expensive hotels in the areas of Wong Deuan, Sai Kae, and Ao Kiu beaches. Last Beach is a private area owned by the Paradee Hotel and is considered the safest place on the island.

Middle-class hotels can be found everywhere, without being tied to any specific area. On almost any beach it is possible to stay comfortably in mid-price rooms.

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 take 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, you won’t be able to find any sights or ancient monuments on the island. The only thing that lovers of walking excursions come here for 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 its giant white Buddha statue about 5 meters high.

If you are completely bored, you can go to Sai Kaew beach, where a sculpture of a mermaid with a baby has been erected. Locals dubbed it “True love”. The poem that prompted the sculptor to create it told the story of a sailor who abandoned a mermaid with a baby in her arms because he was 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 or amusement parks here. People come here to enjoy a lazy beach holiday away from the noise, but for exciting experiences it is better to go to the mainland, for example, Pattaya.

Observation platforms

For lovers of sunsets and sunrises there are special observation decks. It won’t be difficult to find them: just meet a sign with a special designation on your way.

Windsurfing, water skiing, quad biking

Those who care about active species sports, they can rent special equipment available in almost every hotel and spend time profitably.

Fishing

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

Thai boxing

One of the island's innovations is the opportunity to learn from local Muay Thai masters. Of course, most classes are held as demonstration performances for students, but for lack of anything better...

If you want to take this type of wrestling seriously, then you should choose other populated areas Thailand.

Fire show

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

Massage and spa

Private masses are practiced everywhere on the island. It is made on beaches, in cafes, in hotels and even in the market. You don't have to look for a massage therapist, he will find you himself!

Shopping

If you go to Samet in order to buy something interesting and exotic, you will be greatly disappointed. All products are delivered here from the “mainland”, which means that their range is very limited and the price tags are inflated. Many shopping stalls are full of boring souvenirs and necessary beach paraphernalia: mosquito sprays, sunscreens, Panama hats, swimming ducks and other cheap trinkets.

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, ecology, which receives great attention here. The ban on the import of plastic is just one of the big list what is being done to preserve the purity of nature on the island.

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

Thirdly, having had enough of the sun and sea, you can go to Pattaya for entertainment: water parks, a 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 around 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 wonderful opportunity to escape from the noisy environment in the resort of Pattaya and spend time on snow-white beaches with clear, clear water.

Video about Koh Samet:

Samet does not have its own airport, so traveling by fairy island begins with the first step taken on southern land Thailand, regardless of the selected flight and city indicated in boarding pass. There are several options for constructing a route; you need to start from the desired type of travel - independently and with adventure, or safely and quickly. The only difference is the size of the budget planned for the road. The path to Samet includes several views vehicles, in addition to the plane: bus or taxi and, of course, a ferry from the pier. There are no big difficulties with transfers in Thailand, since the schedule is followed practically without errors.

If you prefer the most comfortable vacation without the need to run with suitcases from stop to port, spend time waiting for the next transport and learn to navigate the map in record time short terms, that is, an excellent option - you can use the transfer services of any travel company. The very first search query in the browser brings up a lot of options, depending on the starting point - for example, a trip from Pattaya will cost 5-10 USD (200-300 THB, Thai baht), which includes a transfer from your place of residence to the pier of Rayong province and a high-speed boat or ferry to wonderful Koh Samet. The price is indicated taking into account the round trip - you will be taken from the island jungle to civilization on any convenient day!

Well, I chose the adventure option, of course, so the story of the trip turned out to be extremely entertaining.

By plane

So, first of all you need to get to the Kingdom. As you know, this destination is in great demand among tourists, therefore the choice of airlines and possible routes is surprisingly large. It’s great if your vacation is planned in advance, because all that remains is to decide on the dates of the trip, and the search for profitable tickets is carried out automatically. You can compare ticket prices. The easiest way to get to Koh Samet is from Bangkok or Pattaya, let's see what options there are?

Flights from Moscow

There are daily direct flights from the capital to Bangkok, the average cost of which is about 500 USD (28,000 RUB, the price is for a round-trip ticket). Transportation of passengers to Cote d'Azur carried out by such airlines as Aeroflot, S7, Jet Airways, Thai and several other little-known companies. The selection is quite impressive!

While getting to Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok) is easy - a 9-hour flight and you can enjoy year-round summer while drinking coconut juice, getting to Pattaya is not so easy. Alas, on the way to U-Tapao (Pattaya) you have to overcome up to 3 transfers, which stretches the range of travel time for an unlimited number of hours and automatically makes the trip almost twice as expensive!

Therefore, I recommend catching excellent offers from numerous airlines on Moscow-Bangkok flights. And then there is a wonderful opportunity to explore the famous capital of the Kingdom, and before the long-awaited vacation on the paradise island, get acquainted with the colorful Bangkok! Or stay in no less colorful Pattaya, which is located halfway to the coveted Koh Samet, which is basically what we did - we decided to stay for a week in Pattaya.

So, depending on the city of arrival, we will build a further route.

By train

I automatically want to write about the fact that you can’t get there by train, but... There is such an option, and, moreover, it is quite real. Why not? - not an island, let's try to trace it.

One of the possible transport sheets will look like this: - Chita - Zabaikalsk - Manchuria - - Kunming - Jinghong - Thailand. As a result, we need to apply for a Chinese visa and spend about 200 hours of our invaluable time on the road. Accordingly, for travelers northern capital the road will be extended by a couple of hours. It is also worth noting that this trip will not be cheap. Let's return to the optimal option.

By bus

So, we found out that the most convenient way to get to the wonderful island is from Bangkok or Pattaya. Well, or include both mentioned wonderful cities in the route list, sequentially moving towards Samet. But, despite the chosen option, the starting point is the same - we need the port of Ban Phe, in Rayong province. A map with all the marks of the cities and ports we need is above.

• From Bangkok. Finding a bus station in Thailand is not difficult: at a minimum, there are stops when leaving the airport, at bus stations or on the main street of Bangkok, Sukhumvit Road. The required bus leaves from the Ekkamai bus station. The easiest way to get to it is by taking the BTS SkyTrain; the station of the same name is located literally a hundred meters from the station. The advantage of the metro is that heavy traffic is not associated with this type of transport. The trip will cost no more than 2.5 USD (80 THB). Buses from the bus station leave every 40 minutes, just indicate final stop when purchasing a ticket - Rayong province, Ban Phe port - and spend 2.5–3 hours in comfortable air-conditioned transport. A ticket will cost around 3.5–5 USD (122–170 THB).

• From Pattaya. A bus to Rayong departs daily from the fairly large North Station (Nua Bus Station). You can catch it at any stop on Sukhumvit Road (in Thailand it is customary to simply go to a convenient section of this main highway and get on the bus at the nearest stop). in the direction of travel, the ticket price is about 2 USD (70 THB), and, of course, we will be at the port much faster - the trip will take about 2 hours.

• From Rayong. The pier can be reached from anywhere in Rayong province by local tuk-tuk for a reasonable price of 1 USD (30 THB).

Transport with funny name“Knock-knock” (also called songthaew) is an analogue of the Russian minibus, only adapted to local climate. Externally, this is the most budget-friendly (trip from 0.3 USD (10 THB)) public transport resembles a small truck, with benches along the body. It’s very easy to catch a songthaew - you need to vote near the roadway, and in general, drivers have a habit of honking when they see pedestrians, inviting them for a ride. There are no specific stops; you need to warn about them yourself by pressing a special bell (as a rule, they are located overhead, under the roof). You can ride not only in the back, sitting on benches, but also standing on the running boards.

By the way, it is worth remembering that in the evening a tuk-tuk turns into a taxi and the cost will be significantly higher - from 3 USD (100 THB)!

By car

Many travelers prefer to travel on vacation by rented car or use a taxi. Of course, both options can serve as a way to quickly find ourselves on the pier, where we are so eager to get.

• A little about car rental - the cost depends on the company chosen, on average - 28 USD (1000 THB) per day. You can view offers worldwide famous campaigns or compare prices. But, of course, you should think very carefully about the decision to drive in Thailand. The advantages here are obvious - the minimum amount necessary documents, enough reasonable price and freedom to choose a route. But the disadvantages are sometimes hidden, such as the fact that Thai drivers are not the most careful people, which is worth the mere rule of parking wherever your heart desires and the generally accepted ignoring of some signs! Well, driving on the left is not the most convenient thing for Russian drivers. In general, it is not enough to be an experienced driver; what is important is extreme caution and a great desire not to have any adventures in this part of the trip. And you need to take into account that in Thailand there are sections of the so-called “ toll roads» - 0.2-1.6 USD (5-40 THB). Although, the quality of these roads more than compensates for this possible inconvenience. The road from Bangkok will take up to 3 hours, several routes are marked on the map. IN in this case It won’t be difficult to get to the pier on your own; for ease of movement, you should stick to the main highway, Sukhumvit Road.
• Well, if you have an impressive amount of luggage, an equal number of children, or comfortable conditions are a priority, then it makes sense to opt for a taxi that will drive up to Bangkok airport and, with air conditioning, take the whole company to the pier for 40-70 USD (1500 -2500 THB) or to your residence in Pattaya for 30–40 USD (1000-1500 THB) - and the same 2-3 hours on the road. There are an unprecedented variety of taxi services, the cars differ in color and level of comfort (which of course affects the price). Keep in mind that it will be cheaper to use online application or choose a taxi yourself (clusters and official parking lots are everywhere - near shopping centers, at bus stations and at airport exits).

By ferry

We are at Ban Phe pier, half an hour's drive from the unearthly beauty of the island. From Rayong to Samet you can take a ferry or speed boat. You can buy a ticket right there on the pier. If you have chosen the above-mentioned travel option with the help of a travel agency, then most likely the ferry is included in the price and will be waiting for its tourists at the pier at the specified time. Ferries run daily from 06:00 to 17:00, the cost is 1.5-2 USD (50–70 THB). A high-speed boat will reach the final point twice as fast, but will cost those interested 30–40 USD (1000-1500 THB). Although the picture that appears from the ferry is mesmerizing, so, in my opinion, there is no need to rush.

The price range is based on the beach you want on the island. Ideal option will go around Samet on his own and choose the place he likes. Given the small size of the island, exploring the main beaches will take a couple of hours. But in a company with children or suitcases, taking long walks will not be very comfortable. In this case, it would be wise to decide in advance on the place where the ferry will take you.

On the map I marked the route of the upcoming trip, and the dotted lines lead to all available berths islands.

Let me remind you that Samet is a national park, so upon entry a fee of 6 USD (200 THB) is charged.

Clue:

Samet - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow − 4

Kazan − 4

Samara − 3

Ekaterinburg − 2

Novosibirsk 0

Vladivostok 3

When is the season? When is the best time to go

It is believed that Samet is the most comfortable island in terms of temperature and weather conditions. This is true! The weather here is always beautiful, and possible rains are characterized by their short duration. So don’t pay attention to the frightening statements about the low season - you can safely go to conquer the island. After all, at a time when the Andaman coast can really flood summer months, the bright sun is shining over Samet, the temperature is around 28–32 C°, and the sea pampers guests warm water- 27–29 C°.

So, the conclusion is the following: the weather is always pleasant, and the long rainy season, typical of Thailand, bypasses this place. And I was convinced that this was the pure truth! The only sign of bad weather is waves and, as a result, sand rising from the bottom, due to which the water loses its inherent transparency. There is a possibility of jellyfish appearing in the sea at the end of September, but not necessarily. Apparently, sea creatures act according to their mood, as happened in my case. By the will of fate (or due to a great desire to see the surface of the sea as soon as possible), I found myself on the island of my dreams during that very rainy season - we were greeted by dark clouds and a ten-minute light rain and this is an isolated manifestation of the so-called off-season. But look at the photo, doesn't such a landscape compensate for slightly wet clothes?

Ko Samet is recognized as one of the most beautiful islands Kingdom (which is very easy to verify), therefore it is quite popular among the local population. Thais go to the island on Friday evening and stay the whole weekend to take a break from industrial Bangkok and bustling Pattaya. It is worth considering this fact when choosing days to travel. And due to the fact that during the “off season” (from May to October) the influx of tourists is significantly reduced, there is a great opportunity to enjoy the surrounding beauties in almost complete solitude, believe the traveler who has seen a lot of deserted beaches - an indescribable spectacle of nature’s masterpieces!

Samet - weather by month

Clue:

Samet - weather by month

What are the prices for holidays?

There is information everywhere on the Internet that prices on Koh Samet are higher than on the mainland. And this is true, which is quite logical, considering the costs of transportation. For example, a taxi on Samet costs from 6 USD (200 THB), a Tuk-Tuk from 2 USD (60 THB), the cost depends on the distance.

As for housing, the same cannot be said - again returning to our story of renting a wonderful bungalow (we never expected such a pleasant price tag!). The cost, of course, depends on the beach, the time of your trip (remember the well-established concept of “season/off season”) and various promotions that happen when early booking. Average cost of housing for different beaches The islands are like this:

• East coast (Had Sai Keaw, Ao Phai, Ao Wong Duean, Ao Cho beaches) - 850 USD (30,000 rubles) for 7 nights for 2 adults (breakfast included);
• South Samet (beaches Ao Karang, Ao Wai and Ao Kiew Na Nok) - 830 USD (29,000 rubles) for 7 nights for 2 adults (breakfast and view of the blooming garden included);
• North of the island (Na Nai Pier, Nah Dan Public Pier, Ao Pa Cha, Laem Yai beach) - 830 USD (29,000 rubles) for 7 nights for 2 adults (here, by the way, they will also feed you for the specified amount);
• West coast (Ao Prao beach) - 900 USD (31,000 rubles) for 7 nights for 2 adults (breakfast and the right to tell everyone about have a wonderful holiday on the coolest beach of the island);

I also didn’t notice a significant difference in the cost of food - the problem is the extremely limited number of supermarkets (hint - you’ll find a couple in the northern part of Samet). But there are cafes and restaurants under every palm tree (literally) and you can find them anywhere - from cheap traditional Thai pancakes for 1 USD (30 THB) to oysters in white wine sauce with truffles, which are more expensive. My friend and I, who managed to find the freshest Seafood in all establishments, paid no more than 6 USD for lunch (200 THB, main course and ice-cold drink).

By the way, I was very surprised by the lack of ATMs; the search was successful only in the territory local residents- all in the same place, in the north of the island. Frankly speaking, best advice for travelers - withdraw and exchange money in advance before your trip to paradise island. Since in shops, souvenir shops and some cafes they prefer not to get involved with such an achievement of modern society as a terminal, and prepare to shake their heads at the sight of an outstretched plastic card.

As for the numerous excursions, there are quite a lot of companies offering to diversify your vacation - information about them is available in any hotel, since there are no agency offices on the island. You can also choose an excursion to the beaches, on the same east coast. They are easy to find - we carefully look at the signs with picturesque photographs that demonstrate all the advantages of various sea activities. Agencies offer similar options with minor differences in details; the cost will be the same almost everywhere:

• Study trip around the island - 10 USD (400 THB);
• Watching the sunset, including visits to several beaches and viewpoints, will cost the same 10 USD (400 THB);
• Night fishing will cost a little more - 15 USD (500 THB), but you will definitely take the catch with you!
• And for 17 USD (600 THB) you will be taken to 6 islands close to Samet (the duration of this excursion, which, by the way, is popular among tourists, is as much as 5 hours).

Main attractions. What to see

Although I only expected peace and tranquility from the trip, which you get immediately when you see local beauties, I still decided to find out about the sights. While searching for information about this, I mainly came across confident reviews from predecessors that there was nothing to see on Samet. I sincerely declare that this is not so!

Of course, if you compare it with Samet, for example, the capital of Thailand, the result seems obvious. Endless museums, markets and architectural monuments Few cities can outshine Bangkok. But we are looking at just an island in the Gulf of Thailand, and there are a lot of interesting things here: the Buddha temple, observation platforms(Am I still boring you with my sunsets?), the local village, the famous statue of the prince and the mermaid - small island has its own secrets.

Top 5

On glorious Samet there are many opportunities to make your day unforgettable, without having to incur significant financial expenses.

Beaches. Which ones are better

The pride of Koh Samet is, of course, the beaches. During my vacation on this wonderful land, I never once had to doubt my choice of the island. All beaches, without a single exception, cause delight, the differences being entertainment and the number of vacationers. All the beaches are indicated on the map, and I will tell you about the main ones.

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

Almost every corner of the Kingdom has a statue Big Buddha, and Samet is no exception to the rule, although the Buddha here is relatively small. In front of it is an altar where incense is brought and offerings are made in the form of wreaths.

Buddha is on site temple complex, so you can admire the two-story temple. There is also a small fish pond in the fenced area.

Finding this interesting place will not be difficult; as a reference point, you should take Had Sai Keaw beach and one of the piers where ferries from the mainland arrive - Nah Dan Publik Pier.

An ordinary asphalt road leads to the complex, on both sides of which there is a real village of local residents. It was quite interesting to look at the life of the islanders.

Nearby Islands

Not far from Samet there are even smaller ones uninhabited islands, which can be reached by speedboat in 10 minutes. As a rule, tourists are brought here for a variety of recreation and water activities. This excursion is one of the most popular among guests of Samet Island and its cost is approximately the same in all travel agencies- around 17 USD (600 THB) per person for a 5-6 hour journey through small wonderful islands. As a rule, during such a trip you will be shown as many as six different islands, most of which are famous for their clean beaches and untouched nature, but Ko Kudi and Ko Ta Lu have distinctive features, which is why they are more famous.

• Ko Kudi- an uninhabited island, part of the National Park, therefore entry for visitors from Samet will not require additional payment. Snow-white beaches, the absence of stones near the shore and convenient entry into the water make Kudi attractive for beach relaxation. The purpose of the visit is definitely snorkeling - the opportunity to swim with a mask and snorkel. As a bonus, there are several vantage points from which a wonderful sea panorama opens.
• Ko Ta Lu- paired with Kudi, most often excursions are conducted to both islands. A distinctive feature of this lovely place is the interesting natural feature- a stone arch washed by sea waves. underwater world It is distinguished by its richness; fish swim almost close to the shore, especially in rocky areas.

Both islands are worth a couple of hours, if only to blissfully lie on the beach under the palm trees and enjoy the amazing clear water.

Food. What to try

On Koh Samet, the gastronomic issue is taken very seriously, otherwise it is unclear why the number of establishments exceeds the number of tourists. There is no obvious division into budget and expensive restaurants. The price range is approximately the same - 6 USD (200 THB) for two will make you full and satisfied. Popular beaches abound with all kinds of cafes - from Ao Karang to Ao Pa Cha itself, the question of finding food will definitely not arise. Every hotel on the shore has its own restaurant, even in an empty one. hotel complex They will feed you well - I checked it for myself.

If you prefer to buy food in stores and cook yourself, then you will have to get to the local village or Na Nai Pier, where the two largest supermarkets are located. But mostly all over the island you can find only small shops and fruit stalls.

Seafood is available absolutely everywhere, it’s plentiful, tasty, and inexpensive. And you won’t have to look for traditional Thai pancakes (these are pancakes made from rice flour with a crazy variety of fillings, which are prepared in front of you) - during the day’s heat, carts with pancakes hide under palm trees along the shore, and at nightfall they drive out onto the sand. Honestly, we had delicious food everywhere, you can find whatever your heart desires - freshly brewed coffee, desserts, fish and other delicacies. Probably, any food will seem tastier if you look at water surface.

In general, on this island the service and gastronomic diversity fully justify the opinion that local cuisine is distinguished by its originality. You will definitely find your favorite among something very traditional, for example:

• Few people have not yet heard of Thai Tom-yama- the unique taste of this spicy soup will be remembered for a long time. There are a lot of varieties of this dish, for those who prefer meat or vice versa - a vegetarian option, there is something of their own.
• Of course, incomparable fruits! I believe that tasting an endless list of fruits should be part of the program. They can but buy them in any shop along the road, on the beach (here they will be cut up and in a convenient glass), in supermarkets and restaurants.
• Seafood grilled, in salads, with noodles or rice - fresh and delicious in any form. It was Thailand that made me a fan of squid and shrimp.

Read more about Thai cuisine in.

Safety. What to watch out for

You shouldn’t expect any special dangers on Samet - I traveled in the company of my fearless friend, with whom we walked the length and breadth of the island. And night walks were a familiar ritual for us. Thais are hospitable people, accustomed to sleeping in a hammock on the street. So I looked rather strange with my habit of bolting the bungalow door and covering the windows at night.

Samet Island in Thailand - my friends and I decided to go on vacation from Pattaya for three days. In general, we love to relax in Phuket, but three days is not enough for Phuket, so we chose the nearby island of Samet.

Many viewers ask us, is it worth going to Samet and if so, is it better to do it on your own or go on a tour?

Samet Island in Thailand - how to get there on your own

Having read dissatisfied reviews about excursions to Samet (tourists wrote that there was little time for a beach holiday, it was impossible to really relax, we galloped everywhere), we decided to get there on our own. We were lucky because we went with our friends by car. This is the simplest option.

First we went to the pier in the village of Ban Phe in Rayong, and there we rented a speedboat for everyone for 1,900 baht. By boat we just reached the beach we needed. We got back the same way.

Samet Island in Thailand - our reviews

Travel time by road is about an hour, an hour and a half and plus 15 minutes by speedboat.

Samet is located 6.5 km from the mainland of Thailand, you can get here not only by speedboat, but also by ferry. The ferry travel time is 30 minutes, the fare is 50 baht. Ferries run once every 20-40 minutes.

To be honest, we would never have thought that Samet had such cool beaches. Just like in Phuket! The island is not small and has about 10 beaches. Sasha and I filmed everything. So if you want to see them, watch the video below.

Blue water, white sand, beauty. The only thing is that we were not very lucky with the weather. It was raining. This is a common occurrence on the islands during the low season. But, you see, there is also something beautiful in the rain...

Prices on Samet - how much did our vacation cost us?

Prices on the island are inflated compared to Pattaya. Coconut is 60 baht, and in Pattaya 20. Alcohol is also expensive, knowledgeable people They buy them at Makro in Pattaya and take them with them to Samet. Food in a cafe is also more expensive, but if you look, you can find inexpensive places on the beach with good service, such as this cafe on the shore where we celebrated the anniversary of our acquaintance.

Housing is expensive. For 3 days in a poor guest house far from the sea, we paid 3,600 baht. Guests of this level in Pattaya cost a maximum of 500 baht per day.

In total, for 3 days of vacation we spent 8,000 baht. Fortunately, there are practically no other entertainments on the island other than eating in the evening at a cafe on the seashore, otherwise you would have spent more. You see, from one side the lack of entertainment is good, but by and large it is bad, because without it young people are bored. We ate and went to bed. That's not interesting.

General impressions and conclusions

We believe that Samet Island is suitable exclusively for a beach holiday. For those who need beautiful nature, the sea and nothing more. The place is great for relaxing adults who are tired of the hustle and bustle big city. We still found Samet a bit boring compared to Pattaya and Phuket. We don’t really like to lie on the beach all day, so for us Samet is a maximum of three days. Overall, the place is very beautiful and picturesque. Luxurious beaches will now remain a bright spot in our memory for a long time, despite the bad weather.

We filmed every day on the island, plus evening gatherings in a cafe, so if you’re planning independent trip on Samet, be sure to watch our videos below, they will help you see and try more on the island and spend less.

Samet Island is less than 10 km from the Thai mainland. For this reason, it is very easy to get to when compared to the others. But, despite the relative proximity to major cities the country of smiles, Samet is not crowded, nature is preserved almost in its original form (almost 80% of the territory is virgin tropical forests), and local beaches serve as a standard of cleanliness throughout the world. Why did this happen? Yes, because the island is included in the national park, the nature of which is protected by law. Those who are looking for “eco-friendly” places will be in seventh heaven here.

Travelers choose Samet Island in Thailand for their holidays because of its magnificent beaches, small number of holidaymakers and sufficient low prices, That's why this place similar to . The best of them are located on the eastern side of Koh Samet. The most popular beaches are Hat Sai Kaew and Ao Hin Khok; most hotels, restaurants and bars are built next to them. Those who like solitude should better go to the southern part of Samet. Even at the peak of the season you can find quiet there, quiet place and think about something intimate alone with yourself, and the beaches here are in no way inferior to the beaches in the northern part, only there are fewer hotels and restaurants.

The southern and northern parts of the island are strikingly different from each other. The northern part is an example of life in these parts. Here you will see a small village, whose inhabitants are mainly engaged in fishing, buddhist temple, a fish farm where exotic fish, turtles and even sharks are born. Southern part- this is a real impenetrable jungle in which a variety of “indigenous animals” live.

There are hotels in different price categories on Koh Samet. If you have a limited budget or simply don’t want to spend your hard-earned money on a room that you will only need at night for a comfortable sleep, then you can rent a bungalow for 400-500 rubles a day. And for lovers of high-level comfort, luxury five-star hotels offer their services on the island, where you need to pay more than 5,000 rubles for a night’s stay. But hotels on Samet are still cheaper than on or.

Samet Island (Koh Samet) is a resort island in the Gulf of Thailand in the eastern part, close to the mainland, belongs to Rayong Province, Thailand. Small beyond the area - 13.1 km. sq. Its distance 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, as 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, and no one will take money from you for disembarking at the pier. There is only a fee for visiting the Mu Koh 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 your 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 does not have an airport, it can only be reached by water. You can sail from the village of Ban Phe - mainland Thailand, it will take you about 30 minutes. Ferries run regularly between the mainland and the island, costing about 50 baht, but you can also book a boat, estimated cost of 2,000 baht.

From the capital of Thailand

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

The second option is to get from Bangkok to the regional center, and from there to Ban Phe. A bus to Rayong costs 120 baht, takes about 3 hours, from Rayong to Ban Phe you can get by songhthaew, which takes about 30 minutes. Please note that the latter leaves at 8 pm from Ban Phe.

It is always worth checking the time of the last bus, since no type of transport operates 24 hours a day. By car you can take Route No. 3 or Sukhumvit Rd.

By taxi: estimated cost 2000 baht, from the airport approximately 250 baht cheaper.

From Pattaya

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

Rent a bike and fill the tank with a full tank and get along the Sukhumvit highway to your destination, Ban Phe. You can buy a complete 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 yourself, but it will be more comfortable, because you will be picked up from your hotel and taken right from the pier to the island of Koh Samet. You can also negotiate with them about the return journey.

Transport

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

Options for transportation can be quad bikes (rent 500-1500 baht per day) or local transport - songthaew (departed when fully loaded) from 10 baht, which you can use as a taxi, buying all the seats 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 indicated on posters on 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 Khatsaikaeu, Diamond Beach, and Auwongdyan. They were all located on east coast, the length of the largest, Hatsaikeu, is about a kilometer, and the width is 25-30 meters. Au Vong Duan Beach is located in a bay that is almost circular in shape. Smaller beaches are generally quieter and always have fewer tourists. Ao Kyu Nok - an isolated beach of a luxurious and most expensive hotel on Paradee island Resort and Spa.

Auphrao - beach on west coast, away from the noisy life of Samet. There is also a pier nearby from which you can go on a boat trip.

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

On any website you can see photos of rooms and areas, which will help you in your choice. If you are going to travel during high season, we recommend booking your accommodation in advance.

Entertainment and attractions

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

Incredible 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. What is noteworthy is 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 organized for you.

Massage services are often offered on the beaches. You can take advantage of this opportunity and feel it. 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 headlong into relaxation, forget about problems and enjoy every minute. This is a way to relax your body and soul, as well as be alone with nature.