By Kylian Dev
Ao Prao beach
The only big west-facing beach: sunsets and a peaceful vibe.
Destination guide · East
Koh Samet: the 10 best things to do, where to stay and budget
The closest beach island to Bangkok (about 3.5 hours by road and boat), protected as a national park. Powder-fine sand, small coves and evenings by the water: an easy weekend escape, very popular with Bangkok locals.
- Best: November to April
- €35 - 70 / day
In short
Koh Samet (East) — The closest beach to Bangkok, fine sand and quiet coves. Best time to go: November to April; average temperatures 30°C. Budget: about €35 - 70 / day. Weather: 30°C • One of the driest areas in the country
RegionEast
TypeIsland
Best seasonNovember to April
Avg. temperature30°C
Budget / day€35 - 70 / day
Suggested stay2 to 3 days
Thai nameเกาะเสม็ด
Must-sees
Top 10 things to do in Koh Samet
The closest beach to Bangkok, fine sand and quiet coves
Coastal path from Ao Wong Deuan to Ao Cho
A walk from cove to cove along the east coast, with rocks and viewpoints.
Sai Kaew beach
The main beach, very fine white sand, lively at night with dinners and fire shows.
More things to do in Koh Samet
- 4
Ao Wong Deuan
BeachHalf a day or moreA pretty crescent-shaped bay on the east coast, lively in the evening with restaurants on the sand.
- 5
Snorkelling tours around the islands
Sea & islandsHalf dayBoat trips visit the small islands around Samet for snorkelling and fish feeding.
- 6
The Sunset viewpoint
ViewpointAbout 1 hMost beaches on Samet face east, so this rocky spot on the west side, near Ao Prao, is one of the few places to watch the sun go down.
- 7
Fire shows at Sai Kaew and Ao Hin Khok
NightlifeEveningIn the evening, beach bars light up the sand with fire shows.
- 8
Ao Nuan
BeachAbout 1 hA small, quiet cove just south of Ao Hin Khok, surrounded by rocks and trees.
- 9
Seafood on the beach
FoodEveningRestaurants set up tables on the sand in the evening and grill fish and seafood.
- 10
Ao Kiu
Beach2 to 3 hAt the southern tip, a beach with two sides, one facing sunrise and one facing sunset.
Great forBeaches & RelaxingNightlifeDiving & Reefs
Weather
When to go to Koh Samet?
30°C • One of the driest areas in the country. Month-by-month outlook:
- JanIdeal
- FebIdeal
- MarIdeal
- AprIdeal
- MayRain / monsoon
- JunRain / monsoon
- JulRain / monsoon
- AugRain / monsoon
- SepRain / monsoon
- OctRain / monsoon
- NovIdeal
- DecIdeal
IdealFairRain / monsoon
Budget
Budget in Koh Samet: how much per day?
Plan on roughly €35 - 70 / day per person, excluding international flights.
Mid-range
35–70 € / day
Indicative split of a typical day (estimate)
Accommodation
~21 €
Food
~13 €
Activities
~11 €
Local transport
~8 €
Transport
How to get to Koh Samet
Transport tip
Bus or minivan from Bangkok (Ekkamai) to Ban Phe (about 3 h), then ferry (40 min) or speedboat (15 min). National park entry fee payable on arrival.
Where is Koh Samet?
Accommodation
Where to stay in Koh Samet
The best-known areas to base yourself:
Hat Sai Kaew
Main beach, lively at night, near Na Dan pier.
Ao Phai / Ao Wong Deuan
Smaller coves, a good balance of calm and restaurants.
Ao Prao
West coast, secluded resorts and sunsets.
See hotels in Koh SametPartner
Full guide: where to stay in Koh SametFood
What to eat in Koh Samet
Beach seafood barbecue
Crab in yellow curry (pu pad pong karee)
Rayong nam prik (chilli paste with dried shrimp)
Combine with
Similar destinations
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Koh Samet
What are the best things to do in Koh Samet?
The must-sees are Ao Prao beach, Coastal path from Ao Wong Deuan to Ao Cho, Sai Kaew beach. Also worth your time: Ao Wong Deuan, Snorkelling tours around the islands, The Sunset viewpoint, Fire shows at Sai Kaew and Ao Hin Khok.
How many days should I spend in Koh Samet?
2 to 3 days
Build an itinerary with Koh SametWhat is the best time to visit Koh Samet?
The best season is November to April. 30°C • One of the driest areas in the country. Where possible, avoid the monsoon months shown in the calendar above.
Thailand weather month by monthWhat daily budget should I plan for Koh Samet?
Plan on roughly €35 - 70 / day per person (Mid-range), excluding international flights. Use the budget calculator to fine-tune it to your travel style.
Estimate my budget for Koh SametHow do I get to Koh Samet?
Bus or minivan from Bangkok (Ekkamai) to Ban Phe (about 3 h), then ferry (40 min) or speedboat (15 min). National park entry fee payable on arrival. From Bangkok, Koh Samet is about 168 km away as the crow flies.
Getting around Thailand: buses, trains, ferriesWhich area should I stay in, in Koh Samet?
The most popular areas are Hat Sai Kaew, Ao Phai / Ao Wong Deuan, Ao Prao. The choice mostly depends on the vibe you want: lively, family-friendly or quiet.
Full guide: where to stay in Koh SametPlan your trip