Koh Samet, Thailand: Beaches, How to Get There from Bangkok and When to Go (2026)

Koh Samet is Thailand’s most accessible beach island: roughly 200 kilometers east of Bangkok, in Rayong province, and only a short boat ride from the mainland. It is a popular weekend break for Bangkok residents, with white sand, clear water and a far drier climate than Phuket or Krabi.

How to get to Koh Samet from Bangkok

• By road and ferry: drive to Ban Phe pier in Rayong (about two to three hours by private car), then take a ferry or speedboat across to the island, about 20 to 40 minutes depending on the boat.
• By bus: buses run from Bangkok’s Ekkamai terminal to Ban Phe in around three and a half hours, then you take a boat.
• By air: there is no airport on the island, but U-Tapao airport near Rayong is about 50 km from the pier.

The island has several piers, and the main one is Na Dan. Check which pier is closest to your hotel before you book transport; many resorts arrange pick-ups.

The national park

Most of Koh Samet is part of Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park, so visitors usually pay a small park fee on arrival. Confirm the current amount with the national park or your hotel. The park protects both the island’s beaches and surrounding coral reefs.

The best beaches

• Sai Kaew Beach: the longest and busiest beach, with soft white sand and plenty of restaurants nearby.
• The east coast bays: a series of small coves with calm water, good for swimming and snorkeling.
• Ao Phrao on the west coast: known for upscale resorts, a calmer atmosphere and sunsets.
• The quiet southern coves: reached by boat or on foot; good for peace and quiet.

Koh Samet’s beaches from north to south

Most of the island’s beaches line the sheltered east coast, each a short walk from the next:

• Ao Hin Khok and Ao Phai: small, lively bays just south of Sai Kaew, with simple bungalows, bars and the mermaid statue nearby.
• Ao Wong Duean: a deep, crescent-shaped bay with calm water and a good choice of mid-range resorts; one of the best bases for families.
• Ao Thian (Candlelight Beach): a series of quiet coves separated by rocks, with a relaxed, low-key feel.
• Ao Wai and Ao Kiu: secluded beaches in the south. At Ao Kiu the island narrows so much that you can walk from an east-coast beach to a west-coast sunset spot in minutes.

A coastal path links many of the east-coast bays, so you can walk between beaches in the morning or late afternoon, when it is cooler.

Getting around the island

Koh Samet is small, but the inland roads are rough and hilly. Shared green songthaews run between the main pier and the beaches, and most resorts offer transfers. Scooters and buggies can be rented, but take care on the steep, unpaved tracks.

Things to do on Koh Samet

• Swim and snorkel in the clear water around the coves and small offshore islets.
• Visit the mermaid statue honoring the heroine of Thailand’s classic poem, Phra Aphai Mani, which is set partly on the island.
• Watch a fire show on the beach after dark.
• Sunset on the west coast, with a drink on the beach.
• Take a boat trip to nearby islands such as Koh Kudee.

Where to stay on Koh Samet

For restaurants and nightlife, stay near Sai Kaew or Ao Phai. Families do well at Ao Wong Duean, with its calm water and range of hotels. For peace and quiet, choose Ao Thian or the southern bays, and for sunset views and the island’s most upscale resorts, Ao Phrao on the west coast.

Two nights on Koh Samet

• Day 1: leave Bangkok early, cross from Ban Phe and spend the afternoon on your beach; dinner on the sand with a fire show.
• Day 2: a boat trip to the offshore islets for snorkeling, then walk the coastal path south and finish with sunset on the west coast.
• Day 3: a final swim before the boat back to the mainland.

When to go

November to April is the peak season, with sunny days and calm seas. May to September is the rainy season, but Koh Samet gets far less rain than Thailand’s west-coast islands, which makes it a good alternative when the Andaman Sea is rough. See our best time to visit Thailand.

Koh Samet vs. other islands near Bangkok

Koh Samet is the quickest island escape from the capital, which makes it ideal for two or three nights. If you have more time, the islands further east in Trat province are quieter and greener: Koh Chang is larger, with jungle, waterfalls and long west-coast beaches, and Koh Kood is the most peaceful of all, with clear water and a handful of secluded resorts. Both take longer to reach, so they suit a stay of four nights or more. See our Koh Kood travel guide.

Who is Koh Samet for?

It is perfect for a short beach break, for families who want an easy trip from Bangkok, or for travelers looking for a drier alternative in the monsoon months. For luxury and big resort stays, Phuket and Krabi offer more variety; see our guides to Phuket’s beaches and Krabi.

Plan your Thailand journey

Explore our private Thailand tours, or read about places to visit in Thailand.

Koh Samet: FAQ

How far is Koh Samet from Bangkok?

About 200 km, around three hours to the pier plus a short boat ride.

Can you walk between beaches on Koh Samet?

Yes. A coastal path links many of the east-coast bays, from Sai Kaew south toward Ao Wong Duean and Ao Thian.

Where should families stay on Koh Samet?

Ao Wong Duean, a calm, sheltered bay with a good choice of hotels.

Is Koh Samet worth visiting?

Yes for an easy beach break close to Bangkok.

How long should I stay?

Two to three nights.

Is Koh Samet good in the rainy season?

Better than most Thai islands, since it receives much less rain.

What is the best beach on Koh Samet?

Sai Kaew for convenience; the east and south coves for quiet.