Koh Samet, Rayong, Eastern Thailandx
Stop Dream - Go On Travel Now at Koh Samet

Rayong located at Eastern board of Thailand, 179km by car from Bangkok. It consists of 3,552 square km area and 100 km of beach connect to the gulf of Thailand. The 10 islands group is abundant with marine resources. It contains many oddly shaped islands and rocks. The largest island is Koh Samet which is well known in South East Asia. Koh Samet has superb beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Less than seven kms off the coast of Rayong Province in the eastern Gulf of Thailand, it combines the allure of a tropical paradise with reasonable proximity to Bangkok.

Where you choose to stay on Ko Samet depends largely on what your ideal scene is. The east coast is the most popular, as it’s dotted with sandy beaches, coves and most of the island’s restaurants, bars and accommodation. The tiny west coast beach is more secluded and upscale, with only three top-end resorts to choose from. Though the nightlife on the west coast is fairly limited, the resort bars see a fairly good crowd coming to watch the sunset over the water. The north is Ko Samet’s quietest coast, with just a few small guesthouses clinging to the rocky shoreline. A few upscale resorts dot the far end of this coast on the only strip of pleasing beach.

Ao Prao Resort US$ 180 Saikaew Beach Resort US$ 150 Lima Coco US$ 77 Moobantalay US$ 113 Aocho Hideaway Resort US$ 90 Samet Sand Sea US$ 70 Vimarn Samed Resort US$ 53 Vong Deuan Resort US$ 60

Koh Samet has been known as a safe anchorage for sailors since at least the 13th century and in the 19th century its sheer beauty was the inspiration for the literary masterpiece of Thailand’s most famous romantic poet, Sunthorn Phu. In the 1970’s it was ’discovered’ by Thai teenagers and young couples seeking a weekend retreat from life in Bangkok. In spite of its protected status as part of the Khao Laem Ya - Samet National Marine Park the island has developed into a resort destination much loved by both Thais and foreigners. Episodic attempts by the authorities to evict the developers have not yet dislodged them, and bungalow accommodations are available all over the island.

More than a dozen coves and beaches provide visitors a range of choices from campsites on secluded, deserted beaches to bungalows with all the modern conveniences in more settled and gregarious communities.

As Koh Samet misses most of the heavy monsoon that plagues other islands, the weather is guaranteed to be pleasant at almost any time of year. And though the beaches have been overdeveloped, they still manage to be beautiful, with sparkling white sand curving between coconut palms and clear cerulean water. If you can get past the fact that this should be a national park, you’ll find Koh Samet to be a traveller’s paradise of magnificent beaches, delicious seafood and dozens of choices for nightlife at Koh Samet.