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A favorite get-away island for
Bangkokians, Ko Samet offers extensive pristine beaches with clean
white sand and strangely shaped rocks. A haven for relaxation, this
T-shaped island is a perfect retreat for those looking for sun, sand
and sea. The climate is always pleasantly cool with an abundance of
rain in August and windy monsoons in May.
There are a wide range of accommodations on
the island with prices at the low-end starting from 200 baht for a
bungalow with basic amenities, while bungalows with furniture and
air-conditioning may start at the rate of 600 baht. Mid-range hotels
and resorts mostly located around the Hat Sai Kaew area are also
available. Reservations for accommodations should be made in advance as
the place gets crowded especially during the festive season.
Attractions on Ko Samet include:
Hat Sai Kaeo
One of the most beautiful and
most popular beaches on Koh Samet, Hat Sai Kaew is 1 kilometer long and
25 – 30 meters wide. The name speaks for itself, Hat Sai Kaew, which
literally means Crystal Sand Beach, is a nice beach filled with
activities. From dusk to dawn, visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming,
jet skiing, windsurfing, riding on a banana boat or even partying at
night.
Accommodations provided include bungalows and villas.
Ao Noi Na
Ao Noi Na, which is located near
Hat Sai Kaew, has different ambience. It is quieter and therefore more
suitable for those looking for a truly relaxing experience on the
white, clean sandy beach.
Ao Hin Khok
Ao Hin Khok is separated from Hat
Sai Kaew by a small rocky sea point where a mermaid statue is located.
The beach, which is half the size of Hat Sai Kaew, is famous for its
strangely shaped rocks. There are inexpensive bungalows/huts located
along the beach, and also value-for-money restaurants providing fresh,
quality seafood dishes.
Ao Pai
Located close to Hat Sai Kaew, Ao
Pai is therefore quite crowded. For visitors interested in sunbathing,
this is the ideal place as swimming is not recommended as there is
whirlpool on the sea, as designated by the red flag.
Ao Phutsa
Ao Put Sa is a small bay on Koh
Samet which draws repeat visitors intent on relaxing. Suitable for
those who are tired of crowded beaches and nightlife activities, Ao Put
Sa offers a quite retreat that reunites visitors with nature in its
crystal clear waters.
Ao Thapthim
Ao Tub Tim, which is set in a
tranquil atmosphere, is located near Ao Put Sa and is well known for
its white sand and clear water. Ao Tub Tim has a small, cozy resort,
which provides nice services in a well decorated compound.
Ao Nuan
Ao Nuan is located near Ao Put Sa and is a perfect hideaway for holidaymakers in search of tranquility.
Ao Wong Deuan
Ao Wong Deuan is the second
largest beach on the island (the first being Hat Sai Kaew). Ao Wong
Deuan attracts tourist groups during both the high and low seasons due
to its beautiful white sandy beach and good accommodations. On top of
this, good seafood restaurants with nice views are also available.
Ao Thian (Candlelight Beach)
Ao Thian’s topography is painted by
rocky beach in which some nice spots for skin diving are available.
This beach is very quiet and free from group tours with bungalows and
resorts available around the beach area.
Ao Wai
Ao Wai is located within a short
walking distance of Candlelight Beach. Shaded by coconut trees, the
beach is a quite, scenic and serene spot for sea lovers.
Ao Kiu Nok
This bay is a perfect secluded den
for those planning to keep their distance from the busy, crowded
beaches and vibrant nightlife. From Aow Kiew Nok, visitors can actually
walk to Aow Kiew Nai which is the ideal spot to see the spectacular sun
rise and sun set.
Ao Karang
The best place to experience the
traditional lifestyle of the residents of Koh Samet is at Ao Karang
where there also are a number of seafood restaurants providing fresh
seafood dishes at reasonable prices.
Ao Wiang Wan
Ao Wiang Wan is located on the west of Na Dan Pier, a large bay where lots of sport activities such as fishing, etc. take place.
Ao Phrao
Ao Prow is one of the quietest
beaches of Ko Samet. Located quite far away from the lively nightlife
of Ko Samet; Ao Prow is preferred by travelers who quietly enjoy the
deep blue sea and white sand in the sunshine. Ao Prow has a long white
sandy beach which is ideal for swimming.
How to get there: Four operators; namely, Nuanthip,
Si Ban Phe, Phe Port, and Saphan Pla, around Ban Phe offer shuttle
boat services between their ports and the main port of the island. All
operators charge a flat rate of 100 baht per person for a round trip or
50 baht for a single journey. Boats can leave anytime when more than 20
passengers are waiting. The service is available around the clock,
seven days a week.
For groups of at least 7 persons, Nuanthip Boat (0 3865 1508) offers a
shuttle boat service to other bays as well, such as Ao Wong Duean (120
baht each) and to the last bay Ao Pakarang (200 baht each). Si Ban Phe
Boat (0 3865 1902) also runs a scheduled boat service during weekends
between Ban Phe and the main port of Samet. The hourly boat service
from Ban Phe runs from 8.00 a.m. to 6 p.m. In the return trip from
Samet, the boat leaves at 10.00 a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. The
company also offers a speed boat service at 1,000 baht a trip for 12
people to the main port, or higher rates for other routes. A parking
service on the main land is available.
Getting around on Ko Samet: The island has only a
single road. Some parts are concrete and some parts are only a dirt
trail. A pick up truck offers a passenger service to the desired beach.
The fee depends on negotiation, ranging from 20-100 baht each.
Chartered service to get around the island costs between 200-1,500 baht.
Attractions on Ko Samet and Nearby:
Most beaches are on the eastern side of the island. The beaches
hide in small bays and stretch some 200 metres. From the north, there
are Hat Sai Kaeo, Hat Hin Khrong, Hat Khlong Phai, Ao Phutsa, Ao
Thapthim, Ao Naun, Ao Cho, Ao Thian, Ao Wai, Ao Kio Na Yok and Ao
Karang. The only beach on the western side is Ao Phrao. One of the
famous beaches is Ao Wong Duean in the middle of the eastern side. This
beach stretches in the shape of an almost complete circle. Both Ao Wong
Duean and Hat Sai Kaeo have very fine white sand.
Ko Kruai, Ko Kham, and Ko Pla Tin
These islands are some 600 metres north of Ko Kudi. With coral reefs,
tourists can enjoy fishing here. A rental boat service is available at
the port in Ban Phe.
Ko Thalu
Some 6 kilometres east of Ko Kudi, the island is another scuba diving
site among coral reefs. The island totals an area of 69 rai, most
remains lush forest. While high cliffs occupy the west, white sandy
beaches occupy the east and south of the island. Ko Thalu is a habitat
of seagulls, flying fox, and turtles.
Tourists visiting Ko Kudi, Ko Kruai, Ko Kham, Ko PlaTin and Ko Thalu
should rent a boat from Ban Phe or Ko Samet. They should prepare food
and water, as there is neither facilities nor food supplies available
on such islands.For more information, please contact Ireland Tour
co.,Ltd., Tel. 0 3865 3055-9
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