The Tourist Island Closest to Bangkok

Koh Samet — the tourist island closest to Bangkok — is small yet draws a steady stream of visitors throughout the year. Samet may not be the best of Thailand’s many island options, but it certainly is convenient!

Overview of Koh Samet

Despite its easy accessibility from Thailand’s capital, 125 miles away, development on Koh Samet is pleasantly lighter than expected. Most of the island is situated within a protected area, making it a great escape for travelers looking to swap urban concrete for fresh sea air. This makes it ideal for those who don’t have the time to explore other southern islands in Thailand.

While there are some beach options closer to Bangkok, islands like Koh Samet provide a completely different vibe and experience!

Although Koh Samet once attracted a crowd of backpackers, it has now diversified, with mostly European families enjoying the local culture and nightlife. It remains a popular weekend getaway for locals and offers a few budget-friendly options for travelers heading to or departing from Bangkok.

How to Get to Koh Samet

You can easily get to Koh Samet by taking a public bus, minibus, or private taxi southeast from Bangkok to the Nuan Thip Pier in Ban Phe, just outside Rayong. The drive typically takes between 3 to 4 hours, depending on Bangkok’s traffic.

The quickest option is to grab a minibus to Ban Phe departing from Victory Monument in Bangkok. However, these minibuses aren’t ideal for travelers with heavy luggage.

You can also take a larger bus from Ekamai, the eastern bus terminal in Bangkok. Buses depart every 90 minutes until 5 p.m., with the ride lasting around four hours, or possibly longer depending on traffic conditions.

Once in Ban Phe, take a 45-minute ferry to the island. Although purchasing a return ticket is optional, if you have accommodation booked, many resorts run speedboats that cut travel time in half.

Tip: Hot sauce enthusiasts will appreciate that getting to Koh Samet involves passing through Si Racha, the inspiration for the famous Sriracha sauce.

Orientation of the Island

Koh Samet is wide at the top and progressively narrows towards the southern tip, measuring only 4.2 miles (6.8 kilometers) long from top to bottom!

Public ferries arrive at the main pier in Ao Klang. Most popular beaches are located along the eastern side of the island, with a single road running south through the interior, branching off to various bays and beaches.

You will arrive at Na Dan Pier at the northern tip of the island. The town is so compact that transportation is not needed from the pier, as you can walk to the center within around 10 minutes.

Haad Sai Kaew (Diamond Beach) and Ao Phai are among the busiest beaches with numerous options for dining and entertainment. For a quieter experience, consider visiting Ao Wai, which boasts a long stretch of undeveloped pristine sand and good swimming conditions.

It’s important to note that food prices are generally cheaper in town compared to resort areas. Taking advantage of local amenities, like water-refill stations, is a responsible travel choice to avoid plastic waste.

Best Time to Visit

Koh Samet isn’t far from Koh Chang, yet the weather can differ significantly; the island experiences its own microclimate.

Typically, Koh Samet receives considerably less rainfall than other islands in Thailand, which leads to higher costs for drinking water. Nevertheless, rain is less of an issue during the monsoon season, though storms can cause rough sea conditions.

The busy season aligns with the dry season for most of Thailand (from November to April), while the wettest months are September and October.

Weekends and holidays can see a surge in visitors due to the island’s proximity to Bangkok.

National Park Fees

Interestingly, most of Koh Samet lies within the Khao Laem Ya Mu Ko Samet National Park. Upon entering the park, where the majority of the beaches can be found, you will need to pay a one-time national park entrance fee:

Entrance Prices for the National Park on Koh Samet:

• Thai Adults: 40 baht
• Thai Children: 20 baht
• Foreign Adults: 200 baht
• Foreign Children: 100 baht

Foreign workers in Thailand may present government-issued ID to pay the local fee, and speaking Thai can also possibly lead to discounts. If arriving by boat at a resort, be prepared to pay the entrance fee on the beach.

Though some travelers may look for ways to avoid paying the fee, it is advisable to simply pay it, as all the best beaches are in the national park’s boundaries.

Unfortunately, the fees do not seem to contribute to cleaning up the litter often seen near the national park office!

Accommodation Options

Finding non-resort accommodation on Koh Samet is increasingly difficult. While some premium-priced bungalows remain, most budget accommodations tend to seem neglected and overpriced compared to Koh Chang and other nearby islands.

Staying in town may be cheaper and more convenient for meals, but it lacks the charm and comfort of coastal accommodations.

Getting Around on Koh Samet

Travelers in physical condition can easily walk between the main town and Sai Kaew Beach or Ao Phai.

Due to the island’s unique shape and dispersed beaches, many tourists choose to rent a motorbike for further exploration. However, driving in Koh Samet can be less enjoyable compared to other Thai islands due to numerous speed bumps and steep inclines.

If you decide to rent a scooter, it’s cheaper from rental shops in town than from resorts. Be prepared to leave your passport with the rental shop, with costs averaging around 300 baht per day, or 250 baht with negotiation. Four-wheeled ATVs and golf carts are also available if two wheels aren’t for you.

Note: For those who lack confidence driving in Thailand, Songthaews (pickup truck taxis) are readily available to transport travelers between beaches. Prices are generally fair and depend on distance traveled, but private trips can be more expensive.