 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 Kudi or Ko Kut
The island is on the east of Ko Samet, six kilometres from the mainland.
Ko Kudi totals an area of 63 rai. A nice beach and coral reefs make it a
nice place for a hideaway. Nearby islands are Ko Thai Khangkhao and Ko
Tham Ruesi. Without accommodation, the national park office on the
island offers a tent for rent at 200 baht per person/ night. Pitching
a private tent requires paying a fee of 20 baht per person/night. For
more information, call Tel. 0 3865 3034, or in Bangkok at Tel.0 2561
2919 and 0 2561 2921.
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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