Ko Samet Voyage Tips and guide

Ko Samet (เกาะเสม็ด), also spelled Koh Samed, is a small island off the Eastern Gulf Coast in Rayong province, within easy reach of Bangkok and Pattaya.

200 km from Bangkok in the Gulf of Thailand, the T-shaped island of Ko Samet is known for its white sandy beaches, exotic coral and clear waters. Ko Samet has developed steadily over the past decade or so, but it hasn't been the victim of over-zealous construction found on Ko Samui and Ko Chang. The island is surrounded by tropical coral reefs and relatively clean seas. Tourists can also enjoy delicious cuisine and fine nightlife.

It's a popular tourist destination for both Thais and foreigners. As Ko Samet is close to Bangkok, the island is ideal for those in the capital wanting to relax with their families for a couple of days, without having to go through all the rigmarole of travelling down south. It's a 2½-hour journey to Ban Phe, then a 20-min ferry to the island.

As of October 2025, there is only one ATM on the island, located opposite the Hat Sai Kaeo Tourist Service Centre. ATMs have been removed from outside the 7-Elevens over an apparent dispute. ATMs at Ban Phe pier charge extortionate fees.

Even though Ko Samet is only a few kilometres from the mainland, the island with its micro-climate (the driest archipelago in Thailand) gets much less rainfall than the rest of Eastern Thailand. The rainy season is May-Sep but even then it still has significantly less rain than the other islands in Thailand. Despite the relative lack of rain, much of the island is densely forested. Samet is the Thai name for trees of various species in the Melaleuca genus, which grow in abundance on the island.

It is believed that Ko Samet used to be the home of pirates and that there is still buried treasure somewhere on the island. Thailand's legendary poet, Sunthorn Phu, was the first one to put this island on the map when he set his classical epic Phra Aphai Manee ("The Story of Princes, Saga, Mermaids and Giants") here.

Although Bangkok residents have known about the beauty of Ko Samet for decades, the Thai government declared this island off-limits and restricted overnight stays there until 1981, when the Forestry Department of Thailand declared Ko Samet and its surroundings to be a national park and thus open for business.

Most of Ko Samet, including all the good parts, is part of Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park and has an entry fee. Thai adults, 40 baht; children, 20 baht. Foreign adults, 200 baht; children, 100 baht (Nov 2024). This two-tier pricing policy is applicable to all national parks. However, if you can demonstrate that you live or work in Thailand you may not have to pay the tourist price.

As Ko Samet is an island, you first have to drive to Rayong. From Bangkok, you can take Sukhumvit Rd (Hwy 3) passing Chonburi, Si Racha, Pattaya, Sattahip and onto Rayong. The total distance to Rayong is approximately 220 km. If you drive onto Hwy 36 at Bang Lamung (before Pattaya), you'll take a shortcut inland and save about 45 km, although the scenery is not as impressive.

Taxis are available from Rayong. You must specify Ban Phe since the pier at Ban Phe is at the eastern outskirts of Rayong. The metered fare is approximately 1,600 baht, but most drivers will want to go "off-meter" for a fare ranging from 2,000-2,500 baht. Expressway tolls of about 100 baht are extra. You can either take a taxi from your hotel or guesthouse that is willing to make the drive on the spot, or pre-arrange a pickup from a taxi driver you like by asking for his mobile phone number and calling to make a booking. This works best if you have a native Thai speaker to help you.

The bus from Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) to Ban Phe usually takes 3½ hours, costs 173 baht, and terminates opposite the ferry piers. There is no direct service to Ban Phe from Bangkok's Mo Chit Bus Terminal. It only takes you to Rayong, from where you can take a songthaew (20 baht) to Ban Phe.

There are direct first-class bus services between Rayong and Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. If you take a regular bus from Pattaya or Sattahip, you'll need to take a songthaew or charter a tuk-tuk to the ferry piers.

There are also minivans that leave from Victory Monument in Bangkok's Phahonyothin district. They charge 250 baht per person and take you directly to the ferry piers. This is a slightly nicer alternative to the larger tourist buses that depart from bus stations. The minivans drive faster than the tourist buses, but they also make several stops along the way in Rayong which makes the trip about the same time. Also, the ride is quite bumpy, so even reading a book is a challenge.

Pattaya's U-Tapao Airport (UTP ^IATA) is the closest airport to the island. It is 60km from the piers which takes 1 hour by taxi. Alternatively, take a bus from the airport to Rayong Bus Terminal, and then take a dark blue songthaew from there to Ban Phe.

U-Tapao has domestic flights from Chiang Mai, Ko Samui, Phuket and Udon Thani, as well as international flights from Kuala Lumpur-International and various cities in Russia (mostly chartered).

The nearest railway station to the piers is Ban Plu Ta Luang which is only served by two trains per day in each direction, between Bangkok and Chuk Samet. The only onward transport available from this station are tuk-tuks. However, travellers have reported that minibuses to Rayong stop at the Tesco Lotus 1.5 km south of the train station on highway 331. It is a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute tuk-tuk ride. Once at Rayong Bus Terminal, take a dark blue songthaew to Ban Phe.

Ferries from Ban Phe or Nuan Thip (they are about 200 m apart, with Ban Phe to the north opposite a 7-Eleven) to Ko Samet take around 30 to 45 minutes. Only buy a one-way ticket (50 baht), as there's no discount on round-trip tickets (100 baht) and you won't have to worry about losing it or finding that your ticket isn't valid for the most convenient return ferry. The ticket sellers state you must buy your national park ticket from them also but this can be done at the gate as you enter the park.

Nuanthip Pier (tel +66 38 651508/+66 38 651514) runs boats to various piers on Ko Samet. The boats tend to wait until full so timetable is more like a hint than a fixed departure time.

There are two speedboat companies that operate from Ban Phe. Speedboat prices can range from 600 baht to Nadan Pier to a few thousand baht for the outer-lying bays and beaches.

For the return from the Ko Samet public pier, take either the Nuan Thip or Ban Phe piers for your destination. It doesn't matter which one you departed from as they are only a short walk apart, and you might get an earlier boat back if you are willing to be flexible and return to a different pier. Both are served by songthaews: Ban Phe has an informal "taxi stand" in front of the 7-Eleven across the street with passenger cars used as taxis but no need to go looking for them as they will find you.

How to get there: Four operators, namely, Nuanthip, Si Ban Phe, Phe Port, and Saphan Pla, around Ban Phe offer shuttle boat services between their ports and the main port of the island. All operators charge a flat rate of 100 baht per person for a round trip or 50 baht for a single journey. Boats can leave any time more than 20 passengers are waiting. The service is available around the clock, seven days a week. It's best to just buy a one way ticket from the pier and head down to the end to wait.

For groups of at least 7 persons, Nuanthip Boat (+66 38 651508) offers a shuttle boat service to other bays as well, such as Ao Wong Duean (120 baht each) and to the last bay Ao Pakarang (200 baht each). Si Ban Phe Boat (+66 38 651902) also runs a scheduled boat service during weekends between Ban Phe and the main port of Samet. The hourly boat service from Ban Phe runs from 08:00-18:00. On the return trip from Samet, the boat leaves at 10:00, 14:00, 16:00, and 18:00. The company also offers a speed boat service at 1,000 baht a trip for 12 people to the main port, or higher rates for other routes. A parking service on the main land is available.

12°33′8″N 101°27′24″E

Map of Ko Samet

The island is very small in comparison to the more populated Thai islands, so exploring the island can easily be done on foot, bike, or by hiring a motorbike and driving down the island to visit a few of the smaller more secluded beaches and taking in some of the more naturally forested areas further down to the south of the island. ATVs are no longer available on the island.

The island has only a single main road. Some parts are concrete and some parts are only a dirt trail which get quite bumpy. There are two ways to get round the island. The first is by songthaew (usually a rather well-worn pickup truck with two benches in the back and no roof), which costs 200 baht for a private trip, or between 20 and 60 baht per person when full, depending on which beach you are going to. This is a rather expensive method to get around the island, and the dusty roads can make it an uncomfortable trip. The second way is by renting a motorcycle for 300 baht/hr, 500 baht/day. You will usually be able to rent it from your hotel. Leaving your passport or a deposit is not necessary or advisable.

The island has more motorbike hire shops than any other shops so they are not hard to locate and prices are standard ranging from 300-400 baht per day for manual or automatic bikes. Before hiring a bike you should be aware that once you enter the main national park entrance the roads are in very poor condition and only people with some experience should to tackle them.

• Gold Shop: This motorbike hire shop is just up from the national park entrance and 7-Eleven (opposite Chilli Restaurant). This family takes very good care of their motorbikes. The owner, Jep, is a very friendly guy and always willing to help. His son also rents their vehicles from next to the 7-Eleven by the park entrance and Bow is also very helpful and if you rent for a few days will often offer good discounts.

• Mountain Bike Rental: Mountain bikes can be rented from Village Cafe (Internet Cafe) opposite the school in the main village. Just ask for Kay and he will be more than happy to help with the mountain bikes or information for any other activities on the island.

• Catch the sunset from dramatic cliff side locations along the southwest coastline.
• A fire twirling show heads up and down Hat Sai Kaew & Ao Hin Khok beaches between 18:00 and 22:30. A donation is appreciated.

Most beaches are on the east side of the island. The beaches hide in small bays and stretch some 200 m. From the north, there are Hat Sai Kaeo, Hat Hin Khrong, Hat Khlong Phai, Ao Phutsa, Ao Thapthim, Ao Naun, Ao Cho, Ao Thian, Ao Wai, Ao Kio Na Yok and Ao Karang. The spelling of beach names can vary due to transliteration. These beaches are great for watching the sunrise too.

Beaches from north to south on the east coast:

• 12.56722101.465441 Hat Sai Kaew (Sai Kaew Beach, Diamond Beach). One of the most beautiful and most popular beaches on Ko Samet, Hat Sai Kaew is 1 km long and 25–30 m wide. Most of this space is taken up with deckchairs from the restaurants. Hat Sai Kaew, which literally means "crystal sand beach", is filled with activities. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, jet skiing, windsurfing (700 baht/hr), catamaran sailing (1,000 baht/hr) a banana boat or even partying at night. It can get a bit noisy due to all the motorized activity though. (updated Oct 2025)
• 12.56539101.45992 Ao Hin Khok. Separated from Hat Sai Kaew by a small rocky sea point where there is a mermaid statue. The beach is half the size of Hat Sai Kaew. There is some monk's accommodation along this stretch of sand which explains the signs asking people to be quiet. It makes for a peaceful spot just past the noise polluted Hat Sai Kaew Beach.  
• 12.56395101.457653 Ao Pai. Two beaches down from Hat Sai Kaew. More or less of the same white, sandy stretches with a few nice restaurants at night and a big, concrete block of a bar where most party goers end up late at night.  
• 12.56155101.455944 Ao Put Sa (a short walk from Ao Pai beach over a small headland). Suitable for those who are tired of crowded beaches and nightlife. Ao Put Sa has a small pontoon with some OK snorkelling around it. Best time to stick you head under and have a look is at low tide.  
• 12.55932101.455295 Ao Nuan (a 10-minute walk through the bush from Ao Put Sa). A perfect hideaway for holidaymakers in search of tranquillity. Only one type of accommodation here: handmade bungalows with a lot of character.  
• 12.55658101.453256 Ao Chor. Some call it scruffy, some call it laid-back: this beach can get pretty dirty and some visitors have complained about oily sand (?) but there are rasta and hippy bars where you can buy weed, if you're into that sort of thing. Low tide really affects this beach. (updated Oct 2025)

• 

  12.55506101.451447 Ao Wong Deuan. The second largest beach on the island (after Hat Sai Kaew) and much nicer than its immediate neighbour to the north. Ao Wong Deuan has a ferry service with the mainland: book at your accommodation. This makes this beach easy to access but the ferries also bring noise and pollution with them. However it still remains a scenic and popular beach with lots of shade, accommodation, restaurants and even a mini mart.  
• 12.54938101.449518 Ao Thian (Candlelight Beach). More a collection of small bays separated by rocky outcrops than a single beach, Ao Thian has with some nice spots for diving, and is one of the quieter beaches on the island.  
• 12.545768101.4475159 Ao Wai (500m south of Candlelight Beach, walkable). Shaded by coconut trees, the beach is quiet & scenic. There is a jetty here for ferries, so the usual pros and cons apply. (updated Oct 2025)
• 12.52484101.4451410 Ao Kiu Nok. Functionally this is a private beach because the only way to access it is via the large Nimmanoradee Resort. The beach has good snorkelling but not good enough to itself justify staying at this resort. Best for those who want to go to the beach and don't want to mingle with the hoi polloi. There is a small and secluded beach just north of here.  

From Ao Kiew Nok, visitors can walk to Ao Kiew Nai along the road but getting a lift is better as it's hot, there's no breeze and not much to see.

On the north side of the island, there is 12.58116101.4516611 Noi Na Beach. (updated Oct 2025) but travellers report being bitten by sea lice and stung by sea urchins there. Further east there is also 12.57354101.4652712 Luk Yon Bay. (updated Oct 2025), which was a small, shady and quiet beach, but swimming is difficult due to rocks and sea urchins. It is also somewhat busy with boat activity. These north side beaches tend to be more popular with locals as there are few tourists. There's also 12.57411101.4641113 Ao Wiang Wan (just west of Nadan Pier). A large bay where lots of sport activities such as fishing take place. (updated Oct 2025)

There is only one beach on the west coast, 12.56963101.4494714 Ao Prao. (updated Oct 2025) which has a direct ferry connection to Ban Phe. It is a beautiful, quiet, 400m-long beach which is great for watching the sunset, and there are three resorts here, all upmarket. However, the ocean currents bring in litter from Rayong, so the beach is dirtier than those on the east coast. The nearest east coast beach to here is Ao Pai, 1.5km away by road. Tuk-tuks wait at the road above the beach to take tourists hither and yon.

Ko Kruai, Ko Kham, and Ko Pla Tin (เกาะกรวย เกาะขาม และเกาะปลาตีน) These islands are some 600 m north of Ko Kudi. With coral reefs, tourists can enjoy fishing here. A rental boat service is available at the port in Ban Phe.

Ko Kudi or Ko Kut (เกาะกุฎี หรือเกาะกุด) This island is east of Ko Samet, 6 km from the mainland. Ko Kudi totals an area of 63 rai (10 ha). A nice beach and coral reefs make it a nice place for a hideaway. Nearby islands are Ko Thai Khang Khao and Ko Tham Ruesi. Without accommodation, the national park office on the island rents tents at 200 baht per person/ night. You can bring your own tent for a fee of 20 baht per person/night. For more information, Tel. +66 38 653034, or Bangkok at Tel.+66 2 56 2919 and +66 2 5612921. Have a Thai friend call for you.

Ko Thalu (เกาะทะลุ) Some 6 km east of Ko Kudi, the island is another scuba diving site among coral reefs. The island has an area of 69 rai (11 ha), most remains lush forest. While high cliffs occupy the west, white sandy beaches occupy the east and south of the island. Ko Thalu is a habitat of seagulls, flying fox, and turtles.

Tourists visiting Ko Kudi, Ko Kruai, Ko Kham, Ko PlaTin, or Ko Thalu can rent a boat from Ban Phe or Ko Samet. There are no shops or restaurants on these islands so BYO food and drinks. Take your rubbish home with you.

Ko Samet is a laid-back island where the emphasis is less on things to do and more on enjoying the islands beaches.

For those people who do want something to do the island does have a few activities to enjoy if the beauty of the beaches is not quite enough to keep you occupied. From the simplest of activities such as walks along the beach, all the way through to taking your PADI Scuba Diving certificate there are an array of ways to keep yourself active.

• Boat trips: There are several companies on the island offering a variety of different boat trips from around the island on a large slow boat to a 7-island speedboat day-trip visiting many of the surrounding islands from Samet. These trips are all of good value but be sure to have a chat before you book and make sure you are getting the trip you want and that they are not talking you into another trip as they cannot do the one you are asking for. Also all trips are dependent on weather conditions.

• Samet Boat Trip: One of the original boat trip families on Samet, they offer a daily round-the-island boat trip. If you're lucky it could be a private trip or one with just a few other chilled out people on board. Their fleet consists of 2 large slow boats and 4 speed boats so different trips are available daily.

• Diving: With the calm surrounding waters and coral reefs Ko Samet has something to offer those of all levels of diving, but it is an especially good place to learn to scuba dive with classes nearly always on the smaller side and often one on one with an instructor. With depths ranging from 5-25 m there is a variety of local sites to dive on and explore and there are also the outer islands such as Ko Talu that surround Ko Samet which offer stunning coral reefs.

• Blue Aura Divers (based at Sunrise Villas Resort (close to the main pier)). Led by an English instructor and the guys will be able to help with all your diving needs locally and they are also very knowledgeable about the diving all over Thailand. 

Seafood, seafood and seafood, some of the best barbecues are found along Ao Phai and Haat Sai Kaew beaches but they are found on all beaches and most serve the same as the next. There's also local food, curries, pizza, steaks and hamburgers. Almost every hotel and bungalow operation has its own restaurant but it's only the movies that differentiate them. Many also set up tables and chairs at night for dining on the beach. Crowds don't always mean they are good. The day trip companies make deals with restaurants and take their customers there.

If you are relaxing on the beach during the day there are plenty of hawkers selling fresh fruit, BBQ chicken wings, dried squid, papaya salad (can be extremely spicy) and even ice creams slightly more expensive than if you got up to get it.

At night check out the roti stands that pop up everywhere. This crepe-like dessert can be filled with banana and topped with chocolate syrup or sweetened condensed milk, or any number of other combinations from 40 baht.

In "town" (near Nadan pier), there are a few traditional Thai restaurants that serve good quality Thai food priced for locals. Most have menus in English.

If you are after a traditional Thai breakfast there are a couple of ladies who set up their mobile eatery daily next to the Tourist Police checkpoint that services Haat Sai Kaew. They serve boiled chicken on rice (khao man gai tom), fried chicken and rice (khao man gai tot) or rice porridge (jok) for 20-30 baht. The food is fresh and they do a brisk trade serving locals as well as a few tourists.

• 12.56983101.464261 Cafe Bar Old Amsterdam. 12:00-24:00 daily. Great European and Thai food at good prices. Chang 90 baht. (updated Oct 2025)
• 12.56461101.458062 Gecko Bar (at the end of Ao Phai Beach next to Silversand Resort). Does an excellent barbecue with chicken steaks smothered in mushroom sauce and sizzling beef and chicken hotplates. Between 100 and 200 baht, these meals are good value. Good bar as well. (updated Oct 2025)

Although Ko Samet is not a renowned party island, Hat Sai Kaew and Ao Phai do get their fair share of backpackers, and therefore have their fair share of parties. Every day on Ao Phai flyers are handed out from the different bars that advertise the drink specials for that night, and might even give you a free drink. Biggest nights are generally Th-Sa, when more backpackers, expats and locals from Bangkok come to the island.

The main bars along Hat Sai Kaew are:

• Café Bar Old-Amsterdam (on the main road from the Nadan pier to Hat Sai Keaw). A classic cosy pub with 70s, 80s, 90s, country, reggae, and rock and roll music. (updated Oct 2025)
• Lima Bar (at the end of the village road, next to Buddy Bar). A small bar that's still getting started, but does excellent cocktails. Try the chocolate martini. 
• Naga Bar (On the western tip of Hat Keaw Sai) A loud-music dance bar with glow paint and black lights. Buckets are your best option here because the dance floor is where the action is at this bar. Mostly western tourists with a healthy mix of Thai tourists as well. As of July 2016, the music was a little bit outdated but still fun. They have a TV with the music videos playing. Look out for ladies of the night here especially toward the motorcycles on the side toward the beach.
• Ploy Bar (in the middle of Haat Sai Kaew). A large, generally Thai-style night spot that often has live acts and some manner of sideshow games. A big establishment, you can't miss it. 
• Sunrise Bar (On the "mermaid headland" at the bottom of Naga Hill). This small bar is a nice spot to relax with a drink in the late afternoon, or chill out and enjoy their selection of guest DJs. 

Along Ao Hua Khok/Ao Phai are:

• Baywatch Bar (Ao Wong Duan). Popular bar for foreigners and Thais with very relaxed chairs and an extended cocktail list to enjoy those long Thai nights. 
• Papa Rodger's Bar, [email protected]. A tiny bar with great character and interesting regulars. Has inexpensive accommodations as well. 
• Silversand Bar (at the opposite end of Ao Phai to Naga). Silversand is generally where everyone ends up at the end of the night. The bar has a dance floor and the fire twirling kids stop by for their show. 
• Tok's Little Bar (next to Naga). A small thatched hut serves as the main bar for this laid back, chilled out drinking spot. They generally have good drink specials and a different theme for every night, so grab a bucket and chill out on a mat on the beach. Occasionally has some fire shows and special parties. Have accommodations: air-con bungalows (no cheap rooms) with individual bathrooms from 1,000 baht, depending on proximity to the beach. The bungalows are not necessarily pretty or overly clean 

Most of the accommodation centres around the beaches on the east coast; try to arrive on the island as early as possible to have the best selection to choose from. Tourist seasons on Ko Samet are generally from Nov-Feb and from Jun-Aug, at which time finding vacant accommodation can be a challenge. Also, beware of weekends and public holidays as the islands will be very busy.

The northernmost beaches of Hat Sai Keaw and Ao Hin Kok have many bungalow operations with typical Thai concrete bunker-style rooms. If your room doesn't have air-conditioning it can get a little hot during the day. At the very northern end are a few upscale resorts. At beaches further south you'll find the bungalows ranging from dismal shacks to four-star, air-conditioned mini suites. Unless you've made the mistake of booking your room with the touts back at the dock, you'll find a place by strolling down the beach. As this island becomes more and more popular it's getting harder to find rock-bottom prices. On some beaches you can expect to pay 600 baht for the basics. Most of the accommodation is first-come, first-served and the cheaper bungalows tend to go fastest. High-end establishments usually take reservations online, whilst the cheaper ones do not.

• 12.57199101.464251 The Cocoon Hostel (turn left as you leave the pier and walk 400 m down the main road), ☏ +66 63 945 7475, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Run by a husband and wife team, this hostel has A/C 8-bed dorms with comfy beds, privacy curtains, and personal lockers. Comfortable social areas, clean showers, and helpful staff. Free drinking water and small breakfast. 500-600THB. (updated Jun 2025)
• 12.5653101.456332 The Lost Resort (Ao Phai, up the road from Silversand). An old, ratty hotel owned by a British expat, this resort offers triple-share rooms with attached baths for about 1,000/night or double rooms with air-con for 800 baht. The small reception/restaurant area does some breakfast, but much better options are available on the beach. From 800 baht. (updated Oct 2025)
• Lung Dam Bungalow (Ao Lung Dam, a one-hour walk south on the beach from Nadan). Very basic bungalows. It's on a small bay that is excellent for swimming. The restaurant has excellent service and is one of few on the island that is open early for breakfast. This beach is not accessible directly by road; unless you arrive directly by boat, you must walk on the beach for at least part of the way. 300-500 baht. 
• Naga (top of "Naga Hill" between Haat Sai Kaew and Ao Hua Khok). Bamboo huts with fan and mosquito net for 500 baht. A favourite among backpackers. 300 baht per night for fan huts, great value. They have acquired a CD for the boxing ring in the Naga Bar, which in the bar sounds like hardcore classical Thai violin playing, but from the rooms is sounds more like a bagpipe. The Naga Bar was once "the" bar on the island, it has gone downhill somewhat in the last few years, but still a good place to hang and enjoy cheap drinks and a few games of pool with locals and tourists alike. From 300 baht. 
• Nuan (Ao Nuan is away from the main beach areas). Great if you are looking for some deserted areas on the island. Get a bike and drive down on the gravel road. A bit hard to find, just go down to the beach and walk along. A small bunch of bamboo huts, with mosquito nets and a fan. Comes with a little deserted beach. 700 baht/night with shared outdoor shower and toilet. 
• Sea Breeze (Ao Phai (behind Silversand)). A dingy little place offering fan bungalows with attached bathroom from about 400 baht/night, about as cheap as you will get, and in a fairly decent location. 
• Silversand Resort (Ao Phai). Silversand still offers a few decently priced fan bungalows with attached baths for around 600 baht. 
• Sunrise Villas (Ao Noi Na (one minute from the pier)). A group of concrete built bungalow style rooms all with 180 degree sea views. There's a bit of noise from the pier. Air-con rooms 800-1,000 baht, fan rooms 500-700 baht, all have hot showers. 
• Ton Had Bungalows (Ao Lung Dum), ☏ +66 87 7833262. A collection of wooden huts, very close to the water, on a rocky beach. The rocks are an advantage as no speed boats dock there so it's the place to have some peaceful and quiet atmosphere. The facilities are basic, bordering on the run-down, but still charming. Fan rooms, 800 baht for 6-8 people, Air-con rooms 1,200 baht. 
• Tub Tim Bungalow (Ao Tub Tim, AKA Ao Phudsa). Usually reliable and has rooms in the range. It's in a quieter area, although at night you might find the sound of bar music drowns out the lull of the ocean waves. 500-1,300 baht. 
• Vongdeuan Villa (Vongduern (Wong Duaen) Bay), ☏ +66 912347770. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Beach resort with tropical gardens and a pool. 1,050-1,500 baht. (updated Nov 2022)
• White Sands Resort. If Jep's is full, head back past the mermaid statue to this place. Lots of fan rooms with hot showers for 500 baht. 

• 12.56775101.464583 Sai Kaew Villa, ☏ +66 38644144. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Clean, serviced bungalows and some concrete bunker-style accommodation starting at 700 baht (fan, without breakfast) up to the 3,000 baht price range (air-con) set in well-groomed gardens. Their large beach restaurant on Haat Sai Kaew serves good food and the staff is friendly. They are also a 2-min walk from the 7-Eleven and Internet cafes. (updated Nov 2022)
• Samed Club Resort (Ao Noi Na). Rooms with air conditioning, bath, minibars and fridge with two complimentary bottles of water daily, IDD telephone and satellite TV. 2,400-5,600 baht. 
• Samed Sand Sea Resort (on Saikaew Beach). 2,700-7,000 baht (air-con wooden room). 
• Tarn Tawan (on Ao Cho). A clean, pleasant spot with decent bungalows, friendly service, and excellent food. The air-con bungalows are good value. 
• Tonsak Resort (at Saikaew beach). Gorgeous wood-paneled rooms under a canopy of trees. 2,000-4,000 baht. 
• Vimarn Samed (at the end of Vongduern Beach by Thai Bungalows). 2,500–5,000 baht. 
• Sai Kaew Beach Resort, Koh Samet : 8/1 Moo 4, Tumbol Phe, Amphur Mueng. (updated Sep 2019)

• Ao Prao Resort (west side of the island). Posh resort. You might see some of the Thai glitterati lounging about, if only you could recognize them. 
• Le Blanc Samed Resort (on Saikeaw Beach), ☏ +66 38 644077, [email protected]. 
• Samed Villa Resort. Restaurant serves delicious Thai & European cuisines. BBQ is also recommended. From 1,700 baht. 

12.56958101.4643715 Tourist Police. (updated Oct 2025)

• Bangkok — most return to the buzzing capital of Thailand
• Ko Chang — more sandy beaches and jungle await
• Ko Kut — less-visited island, again with sandy beaches
• Ko Si Chang — virtually no night life, but a very relaxed atmosphere
• Pattaya — den of sleaze trying to clean up its act
• Rayong — the beaches near Ranong are known for their decent surfing