Ko Samet is a small, sandy island off the coast of Rayong province in the eastern Gulf of Thailand, about 200 km (125 miles) southeast of Bangkok and just 6 km (4 miles) from the mainland pier at Ban Phe. It is the closest real beach island to the capital, reached in about 3–4 hours door to door, and a favorite weekend escape for Bangkok residents. Only about 7 km (4 miles) long, it is fringed with a string of coves of fine, squeaky white sand along its east coast, and almost the whole island belongs to Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park. Ko Samet is also famous in Thai literature: the poet Sunthorn Phu set part of his epic Phra Aphai Mani here, and a mermaid statue on the beach recalls the story. Come for easy beach days, seafood dinners on the sand with fire shows, snorkeling trips to the nearby islands of Ko Kudi and Ko Thalu, and a quick island break that fits into a weekend. Ko Samet gets less rain than most Thai islands, with the best weather from November to April.
Right now in Ko Samet (Hat Sai Kaew)
- Wed 25–29°C 76–85°F 3 mm Showers
- Thu 26–31°C 78–88°F 9 mm Heavy rain
- Fri 26–31°C 78–87°F 5 mm Rain
Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0) · Sea temperature: NOAA CoastWatch · Rates: ECB
Top tours in Ko Samet
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Ko Samet at a glance
- Best for: short beach breaks from Bangkok, families and couples, seafood on the sand, snorkeling trips, and calm swimming.
- How long: 2–3 days for a relaxing break; 4–5 days to explore the quieter southern coves.
- Best time: November to April, with highs of about 32–34 °C (89–93 °F) and little rain from December to February.
- Getting there: about 3–3.5 hours by bus or car from Bangkok to Ban Phe pier in Rayong, then a 30–45-minute ferry or a 15-minute speedboat.
- Getting around: on foot along the coast paths, by songthaew pickup taxis on the island’s dirt roads, by rental scooter or ATV, and by water taxi.
- Fees to know: foreign visitors pay the national park’s entry fee on arrival; Ko Kudi closes from July 1 to August 15 and Ko Thalu from August 16 to September 30.
- Before you go: entry rules, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, money and general safety are in our Thailand travel guide.
Ko Samet’s areas: where things are
Ko Samet is narrow and hilly, with almost all its beaches on the east coast, facing the mainland. A rough road and a network of footpaths link the bays from Na Dan pier in the north to the southern tip; the west coast is mostly rocky, with one main sunset bay.
Na Dan and Hat Sai Kaew
Na Dan, the main village, has the pier, minimarts, clinics, ATMs and cheap restaurants. A short walk south, Hat Sai Kaew (Diamond Beach) is the island’s longest and busiest beach, with fine white sand, hotels, beach restaurants and water sports, and the busiest nightlife.
Ao Hin Khok, Ao Phai and Ao Tubtim
Just south of Hat Sai Kaew, a chain of small, pretty coves separated by rocky headlands: Ao Hin Khok, with its mermaid statue and backpacker bars; Ao Phai, with nightly fire shows; and Ao Tubtim (Ao Pudsa), a quieter bay with good swimming.
Ao Wong Duean and Ao Cho
Ao Wong Duean, a crescent-shaped bay in the middle of the east coast, has calm water, resorts, restaurants and its own pier with direct boats from Ban Phe. Ao Cho, just north, is smaller and quieter.
The south: Ao Thian, Ao Wai and Ao Kiu
South of Wong Duean, the island gets quieter. Ao Thian (Candlelight Beach) is a rocky, rustic bay with bungalows; Ao Wai is a secluded cove with one resort; and at Ao Kiu Na Nok the island is so narrow that you can watch sunrise and sunset from beaches on either side.
Ao Prao on the west coast
Ko Samet’s only major west-coast bay, with a few upscale resorts and the island’s finest sunsets.
Top things to see on Ko Samet
The east-coast beaches
The joy of Ko Samet is walking from bay to bay along the coastal path, which runs most of the way from Hat Sai Kaew to Ao Wong Duean and beyond, past headlands, rocks and small coves. Allow a morning, swim along the way, and take a water taxi back if you are tired.
The mermaid statue and Sunthorn Phu
At the northern end of the beaches, a statue of a mermaid and the prince Phra Aphai Mani recalls the epic poem by Sunthorn Phu, Thailand’s most celebrated poet of the early 19th century, who wrote of a magical island inspired by Ko Samet. On the mainland, the Sunthorn Phu Monument at Klaeng, in his family’s home district, has statues of the poem’s characters.
Sunset viewpoints
The rocky headland near Ao Prao and the viewpoints at the island’s southern tip, near Ao Kiu and Laem Kut, face west over the sea and are popular at sunset. Paths are rough; bring a flashlight for the walk back.
Fire shows and beach dinners
In the evening, restaurants on Hat Sai Kaew, Ao Phai and Ao Wong Duean set out tables and cushions on the sand, with seafood barbecues and fire-dancing shows. It is the classic Ko Samet night out.
More classic sights
- Na Dan village: the island’s small fishing community and main market street.
- Ao Kiu Na Nok: the narrowest point of the island, where two beaches lie a few minutes’ walk apart.
- Ao Nuan: a tiny rocky cove with a laid-back restaurant, between Ao Tubtim and Ao Cho.
Islands, snorkeling and boat trips
Ko Kudi and Ko Thalu
Snorkeling trips by speedboat or long-tail from Ko Samet’s beaches visit the nearby islands of Ko Kudi, with a small white beach and clear water, and Ko Thalu, with coral reefs and a sandy beach. According to the national parks department, Ko Kudi closes every year from July 1 to August 15, and Ko Thalu from August 16 to September 30. See our guides to snorkeling and boat trips.
Around the island
Half-day and full-day trips circle Ko Samet, stopping at snorkeling spots off the southern and western coasts and at smaller islands nearby. Water is generally clearer from about November to April.
Beaches
The east-coast bays face the mainland and are sheltered from big waves for most of the year; Ao Wong Duean, Ao Tubtim and Hat Sai Kaew have the gentlest slopes for swimming. See our guide to beaches.
Activities and best months
- Boat tripsIn Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park, Ko Kudi closes 1 July-15 August and Ko Thalu 16 August-30 September every year. · source
Other things to do on Ko Samet
Food and drink
Seafood is the highlight: grilled squid, prawns, crab and whole fish chosen from the ice displays at the beach restaurants, and eastern Thai dishes such as moo cha muang (pork curry with chamuang leaves) and kuay tiew noodle soups. Na Dan’s local restaurants and the small market are the cheapest places to eat. Rayong province is famous for its tropical fruit; in May and June, durians, mangosteens and rambutans from the mainland orchards are sold everywhere.
Water sports and kayaking
Jet skis, banana boats and parasailing are available at Hat Sai Kaew and Ao Wong Duean; kayaks and paddleboards can be rented in most bays.
Festivals
Songkran in mid-April brings water fights on Hat Sai Kaew, and on Loy Krathong (November 24 in 2026) people float krathongs from the beaches and the pier. Ko Samet is especially crowded on Thai long weekends and at New Year.
Day trips from Ko Samet
- Ko Kudi and Ko Thalu: snorkeling trips by speedboat, outside their annual closures.
- Ban Phe and Rayong: the seafood market and dried-fish shops at Ban Phe pier, and fruit orchards on the mainland in the season.
- Sunthorn Phu Monument: a garden of statues from the poet’s epic, about 45 minutes from Ban Phe.
- Khao Laem Ya: the mainland headland of the national park, with a beach, forest trail and viewpoint over Ko Samet.
- Pattaya: beaches, viewpoints and nightlife, about 1.5 hours by road from Ban Phe; see our Pattaya guide.
Nearby destinations
- Pattaya74 km
- Ko Chang110 km
- Hua Hin162 km
- Bangkok166 km
- Khao Yai National Park198 km
- Ayutthaya221 km
- Kanchanaburi263 km
- Siem Reap (Angkor)275 km
Getting there and getting around
From Bangkok to Ban Phe
Buses and minivans leave from Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) and from Suvarnabhumi Airport for Ban Phe, taking about 3–3.5 hours; others run to Rayong town, 20 km (12 miles) away, with songthaews on to the pier. By car, it is about 200 km (125 miles) via the Bangkok–Chon Buri motorway. The nearest airport with scheduled flights is U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya (UTP), about 1 hour from Ban Phe.
The ferry to Ko Samet
From the piers at Ban Phe, passenger ferries cross to Na Dan in about 30–45 minutes, leaving roughly every hour in the daytime, more often at weekends; some boats go directly to Ao Wong Duean and other bays. Speedboats take about 15 minutes and can drop you at your beach. Check the time of the last boat back, usually in the late afternoon.
Paying the park fee
When you arrive, the national park collects its entry fee for foreign visitors at a checkpoint on the road from Na Dan to Hat Sai Kaew, or at the beach if you land elsewhere. Keep your ticket for the rest of your stay.
Around the island
Green songthaews (pickup taxis) wait at Na Dan pier and take you to the beaches on the bumpy, partly unpaved roads, charging per person or per trip. Many visitors walk along the coastal paths between bays. Scooters and ATVs can be rented, but the roads are steep, rutted and sandy; you need the right license, an International Driving Permit and a helmet.
When to go and how long to stay
Ko Samet lies in a relatively dry part of the eastern Gulf coast, with the best weather from November to April and rain from May to October, when the southwest monsoon brings showers and occasional storms but rarely ruins a whole trip. The table uses the 1991–2020 normals of the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) for its Rayong station on the mainland, about 15 km (9 miles) northwest of the island, as submitted to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO): average daily highs and lows, total rain, and days with at least 1 mm of rain.
| Month | Average high / low | Rain (days with 1 mm or more) | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32 °C (89 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F) | 29 mm (1.2 in), 2 days | Dry, sunny and breezy; peak season |
| February | 32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (76 °F) | 32 mm (1.3 in), 3 days | Dry and calm; ideal beach weather |
| March | 33 °C (91 °F) / 26 °C (80 °F) | 70 mm (2.8 in), 4 days | Hot and mostly dry; clear water |
| April | 34 °C (93 °F) / 27 °C (81 °F) | 85 mm (3.3 in), 5 days | The hottest month; Songkran crowds |
| May | 34 °C (92 °F) / 27 °C (81 °F) | 190 mm (7.5 in), 11 days | Rains begin; fruit season on the mainland |
| June | 33 °C (91 °F) / 27 °C (81 °F) | 178 mm (7.0 in), 12 days | Showers and sunny spells |
| July | 32 °C (90 °F) / 27 °C (80 °F) | 176 mm (6.9 in), 11 days | Mixed weather; Ko Kudi closed from July 1 |
| August | 32 °C (90 °F) / 27 °C (80 °F) | 128 mm (5.0 in), 10 days | Often fine between showers; Ko Thalu closed from August 16 |
| September | 32 °C (89 °F) / 26 °C (78 °F) | 269 mm (10.6 in), 15 days | The wettest month; choppy crossings |
| October | 32 °C (90 °F) / 25 °C (76 °F) | 196 mm (7.7 in), 13 days | Rains easing; quiet and cheaper |
| November | 33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F) | 44 mm (1.7 in), 4 days | Dry season begins; good value |
| December | 32 °C (90 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F) | 8 mm (0.3 in), 1 day | Dry and sunny; very busy at New Year |
The Rayong station records about 1,410 mm (55 in) of rain a year, less than half that of Ko Chang farther east, with most of it from May to October; September is the wettest month. From November to April the sea is usually calm and the skies clear.
Weather month by month
Averages from TMD normals 1991–2020, Rayong · Last reviewed 5 Oct 2026
2 days on Ko Samet
Day one, arrive in the morning, settle into your bay and walk the coastal path from Hat Sai Kaew to Ao Wong Duean, with a seafood dinner and fire show on the beach. Day two, a snorkeling trip to Ko Kudi and Ko Thalu, and sunset at Ao Prao before an afternoon or evening boat back.
4 days
Add a day in the quieter southern coves, a sunrise and sunset at Ao Kiu Na Nok, and a day doing nothing at all.
Where to stay on Ko Samet
- Hat Sai Kaew: the most choice, nightlife and the longest beach, close to the pier; busy at weekends.
- Ao Hin Khok and Ao Phai: budget and mid-range bungalows, fire shows and a sociable feel.
- Ao Tubtim and Ao Nuan: small, quiet coves with bungalows, within walking distance of everything.
- Ao Wong Duean: a calm bay with resorts and direct boats; good for families.
- Ao Thian, Ao Wai and Ao Kiu: seclusion and nature in the south.
- Ao Prao: upscale resorts and sunsets on the west coast.
Prices rise sharply on Friday and Saturday nights and on Thai holidays; on weekdays outside the holidays, the island is calm and better value.
What a trip to Ko Samet costs
Prices are approximate, for October 2026, converted at about 33 baht to the US dollar.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Market or street food dish | 50–100 baht (about US$1.50–3) |
| Seafood dinner for two on the beach | 800–2,000 baht (about US$24–60) |
| Bus or minivan from Bangkok to Ban Phe | 200–300 baht (about US$6–9) |
| Ferry from Ban Phe to Na Dan, one way | 70–100 baht (about US$2–3) |
| National park entry fee, foreign adult | about 200 baht (about US$6) |
| Songthaew from Na Dan to a beach | 20–100 baht per person (about US$0.60–3) |
| Snorkeling trip to Ko Kudi and Ko Thalu | 500–1,200 baht (about US$15–36) |
| Mid-range beach bungalow double | 1,500–4,000 baht (about US$45–120) |
Practical tips for Ko Samet
- Go midweek if you can: weekends and Thai holidays bring crowds, full boats and higher prices.
- Keep your park ticket: it may be checked again during your stay.
- Check the last boat: ferries back to Ban Phe stop by late afternoon or early evening.
- Cash: ATMs are in Na Dan and at Hat Sai Kaew and Ao Wong Duean; carry cash for songthaews and small bungalows.
- Cannabis and vaping: cannabis flower needs a Thai prescription, and e-cigarettes are illegal in Thailand.
- Help: the Tourist Police (1155) speak English, and the TAT Contact Center (1672) answers tourist questions.
Safety
Ko Samet is an easygoing family island; most problems come from the roads, the sea and late nights.
- Sea conditions: the east-coast bays are usually calm, but from about May to October storms can bring waves and currents, and crossings can be choppy; swim only where it is safe and stay out of the water in rough weather or after drinking.
- Jet skis and boats: water sports and boats operate close to swimmers at Hat Sai Kaew and Ao Wong Duean; swim inside marked areas, and inspect and photograph any jet ski before renting it.
- Road safety: the island’s roads are steep, rutted and sandy; scooter and ATV accidents are common. Wear a helmet, ride slowly, and don’t ride after drinking or at night.
- Fire shows: keep a safe distance from fire dancers and don’t join in with burning ropes or poles.
- Paths at night: the coastal paths have rocks and steps; bring a flashlight.
- Heat: drink plenty of water and use strong sunscreen, especially from March to May.
- Emergencies: call 1155 for the Tourist Police (English spoken), 191 for the police and 1669 for an ambulance.
What to pack for Ko Samet
Swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, sandals and water shoes, a small dry bag for boat trips, a flashlight for the coastal paths, light clothes for the evening, a light rain jacket from May to October, and something to cover shoulders and knees for temples on the mainland. Thailand uses 220 V; sockets take both flat two-pin and round two-pin plugs.
What to pack
- Dry bags and phone pouchesSpray soaks phones and cameras on open boats to the Algarve caves and on whale-watching trips.
- Fleeces and warm layersIt is cooler at sea than on land, especially on morning whale-watching trips.
- Rain jacketsA windproof, waterproof shell keeps you warm on open boats, where wind and spray cool you quickly.
- Reef-friendly sunscreenSun reflects off the water on cruises and cave tours.
- Water shoesKayak and small-boat trips to the Algarve grottoes land on rock and wet sand.
Ko Samet travel FAQ
How do I get to Ko Samet from Bangkok?
Take a bus or minivan from Ekkamai or Suvarnabhumi Airport to Ban Phe pier (about 3–3.5 hours), then a ferry (30–45 minutes) or speedboat (about 15 minutes).
Is there an entry fee for Ko Samet?
Yes. Ko Samet is part of Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park, and foreign visitors pay the park’s entry fee on arrival.
When is the best time to visit Ko Samet?
From November to April, when it is dry and sunny. September is the wettest month.
Which beach is best on Ko Samet?
Hat Sai Kaew for lively beach life, Ao Wong Duean for calm water and families, Ao Tubtim for a quiet cove, and Ao Prao for sunsets.
Is Ko Samet good for a weekend from Bangkok?
Yes, it is the closest beach island to Bangkok, but it gets crowded at weekends; book ahead or go midweek.
When are Ko Kudi and Ko Thalu closed?
According to the national parks department, Ko Kudi closes every year from July 1 to August 15, and Ko Thalu from August 16 to September 30.
Do I need a scooter on Ko Samet?
No. The island is small; songthaews and coastal paths connect the beaches, and the roads are rough for riding.
Is Ko Samet good for snorkeling?
The best snorkeling is on boat trips to Ko Kudi, Ko Thalu and the small islands around Ko Samet; the main beaches are better for swimming.
Is Ko Samet good for families?
Yes. The east-coast bays are sheltered and shallow, distances are short, and the trip from Bangkok is easy.
How many days should I spend on Ko Samet?
Two or three days for a relaxing break; four or five to explore the quieter southern coves.
Sources and last review
Researched and last reviewed on 4 October 2026. Ko Kudi and Ko Thalu closure dates: the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation; U-Tapao airport, cannabis and e-cigarette rules and the Tourist Police: the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT); climate normals: the Thai Meteorological Department via the World Meteorological Organization’s 1991–2020 normals; Loy Krathong date: the 12th-month full moon from the US Naval Observatory; exchange rate: the US Federal Reserve. The park fee, ferry times and fares, distances, sight details and typical prices are general references or estimates, flagged for checking. Prices and schedules change, so check the official sites before you go. For entry rules, money and general safety, see our Thailand travel guide.
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