Koh Samet HOLIDAYS

Koh Samet Holidays with Classic Resorts

Named after the ‘Samet’ trees (Thai for cajeput trees), which grow on the island in abundance, Koh Samet offers all the essential elements that make up a fun-filled holiday escape – an endless expanse of turquoise blue sea, crescent bays with fine white sand, lots of water sports and a throbbing nightlife. Koh Samet has significantly less rainfall than other Thai destinations.

Only a three-hour drive from Bangkok and about 45 minutes by ferry from Ban Phe Pier on the mainland, the island is usually packed with visitors on weekends and long holidays. A whole range of accommodations, from beachfront bungalows to cliff-top luxury resorts cater to equally diverse groups of tourists. 

Beaches is what Koh Samet is famous for. One tip, though, is that the further south you go, the less developed and less crowded it gets, which doesn’t necessarily mean less beautiful bays. Most boats from the mainland arrive at Na Dan Pier on the northeastern tip of the island. From here, the first beach you will hit is Sai Kaew, the most developed and the best place for nightlife. Then it’s one headland after another as you head southwards along the east coast from Ao Phai and Ao Tabtim to Ao Vong Duen, Ao Wai, Ao Kiu Na Nok to Ao Karang at the southeastern end. You can always hitch a ride on a passing songtaew to get from one beach to another. The west coast is more rocky and isolated, with forest-covered headlands and white-sand beaches – the perfect setup for upscale resorts. Ao Phrao is the main landing point on this part of the island and boasts absolutely stunning beaches with azure water.