Koh Samet

Koh Samet:

Koh Samet, a small island just a few hours from Bangkok, used to be a destination for people from the city for a weekend and backpackers enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches and cheap bungalows. Koh Samet has changed! Nowadays you can still find many Bangkokians who just come on a Friday evening from work, before another week of work in a skiing accident recharge, and many backpackers hang on the beaches, but also some high-end resorts and villas by the sea and vacationers from all over the world.

What to expect:

Koh Samet is a small island in the Gulf of Siam, a few kilometers from the mainland and 140 kilometers from Bangkok. At its widest point, which is just 4 km in diameter, but despite its size, there are many resorts and bungalows to stay, many bars and restaurants on the beach, too. The island is a national park, even when things are built completely around the beaches, the interior is mostly forest.

All the beaches of Koh Samet are soft, white sand, slightly arched and warm tropical waters of Thailand is famous ribs. But since the island is so close to the mainland, is not achieved the crystal clear water.

Where to stay:

There are over 50 Koh Samet hotels, resorts and bungalows to choose from on the island. Some offer simple huts demolished a few minutes walk from the beach at 500 baht or less. Others, like Paradee Resort offers luxurious bungalows in isolated 10,000 Baht per night or more tracks.

Learn to Koh Samet

By Bus: Take a direct bus from Ekkamai bus station in Bangkok to Rayong Ban Phe Pier.

Minibus: Take a minibus from Victory Monument Skytrain to Ban Phe Pier.

By car: Take Highway 36 or Highway 3 to Rayong and then follow the signs to Koh Samet / Ban Phe.

Ship: Once in Ban Phe, take the ferry to Baan swim on the north side of the island. The ferry runs only up to 17 hours if you miss (or if you want to swim are placed in a certain area instead of Baan), you can rent a motorboat for about 1,400 baht.

Move Samet

Visitors can pass through the system or a bike ride on the island, but the majority is small enough to be walking.

Taxis are vans with rear seats and leave only when full. If you take a line on a regular expect to pay 50 baht. If you can not wait, you will get 100 baht and 300 baht charge depending on your destination.

Motorcycles are very popular with visitors, but can be difficult for beginners, are limited as the island roads in poor condition, hilly and often is under water. If you rent a bike, looking for a dirt bike with better suspension and tires appropriate for the country.