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How to reach Koh Samet effortlessly?
There are 3 popular methods outlined below:
Option 1: Take the BTS or grab a taxi to Ekamai station. Purchase a bus ticket for 157 baht per trip. It's advisable to opt for a round-trip ticket for a slight discount. The earliest bus departs at 7 AM, and even if you've partied until late, the latest one leaves at 7 PM. Buses depart every hour, and after a comfortable 4-hour journey, you'll arrive at the pier to board the ferry to Koh Samet.
Entrance to Ekkamai, courtesy of Thiện Nguyễn
Option 2: Take the BTS or a taxi to Victory Monument station. From there, buy a ticket for a 16-seater van at 200 baht per trip to Rayong pier (approximately 2.5 hours). Keep in mind, depending on the passenger count and elastic schedules, the wait for a latecomer might extend the journey to over 3 hours. Personally, not a fan of unpredictable elastic situations =’= .
Note: The van travels on the expressway without stops, so it's advisable to limit water intake. There might not be a restroom onboard to save the day :))
Option 3: Rent a private car directly from Bangkok to Koh Samet pier. This method is undoubtedly pricier than public transportation, but it offers convenience, tranquility, cleanliness, and if traveling with a group or family, splitting the cost per person might make it more reasonable.
If opting for the ferry: the ticket price is 100 baht for a round trip on a wooden boat, taking about 45 minutes to reach the destination. The boat departs once enough passengers are onboard.
If choosing the canoe option: Tickets cost less than 1000 baht, providing an incredibly swift journey with no waiting time.
Purchase a cute little ticket and set off to the island |credit: Thiện Nguyễn
Option 1: Spend some cash. Upon reaching the pier, grab a taxi to your pre-booked hotel. Like many other tourist destinations, taxi fares are budget-friendly for Thais but might skyrocket for tourists, sometimes tripling or quadrupling the normal rate. It's best to negotiate the fare upfront before hopping in. Upon reaching the park gate, you'll need to purchase tickets: 40 baht for Thais and 200 baht for foreign tourists. Alternatively, befriend a local Thai on the boat ride to the island and leverage this connection to get a more affordable ride at this stage :))
Taxis on Koh Samet are these delightful green pickup trucks, a sight not commonly found in my hometown.
500 buddies on a green ride =))) |credit: Thiện Nguyễn
Option 2: Cost-free. Brace yourselves for a cheeky tactic, folks. Skip the taxi like in the previous method. Once the boat docks, endure a 15-minute stroll to the park gate. Then, confidently stroll straight in, looking as if you've been here forever. Remember to act the part! If anyone questions your ticket, claim you forgot your stuff at the hotel and are heading back to retrieve it! Strut with confidence.
This approach is quite daring and amusing, albeit a bit dirty, so use it sparingly =)). (But hey, if you've got charm to spare, who cares? Just go for it, don't mention you heard it from me :D)
How long should one stay on Koh Samet island?
Ideal duration is 2 days and 1 night. The evenings on the island offer a plethora of exciting activities, so I recommend spending at least one evening reveling in the fun here.
However, if you have ample time and budget, you can extend your stay because Koh Samet is an excellent place for relaxation. Take it easy and savor the experience.
The sea here is beautifully blue, folks 😀 |credit: IG @pei.syu
If you plan to depart in the morning and return in the evening, no worries. The boats still ferry travelers back to the pier until nightfall. Just be cautious not to get too caught up in the enjoyment and lose track of time 😀
Accommodation on the island
Unless you're feeling adventurous during the off-peak tourist season, it's wise to pre-book your accommodation to ensure a place to stay (unless you fancy sleeping under the stars on the beach, haha). Apart from tourists, the locals often prefer bringing their families to Koh Samet for a relaxing getaway, so rooms tend to fill up quickly 🙁
Here are some recommended areas for you:
The swimming pool is absolutely charming, dear guests~~~ |credit: IG @pp_pruedsamon
Clean, reasonably priced, totally worth it for a night on the island |credit: IG @suminidang
What to do on the island?
Beach Time
The beaches on Koh Samet are quite stunning, tranquil rather than bustling like Pattaya. The crystal-clear blue waters are a visual treat. Just immerse yourself in the water to wash away all the stress, leaving behind any lingering worries from Vietnam in Thailand 😀
My favorite is the fine, white sand that's as smooth and pristine as a massage underfoot. Walking on the sand feels like a gentle exfoliation for the skin. Grabbing a piece of beach sand as a Thai souvenir is a great idea – just be ready for your friends to demand the same when they find out :))
After a refreshing dip, recline on the shore, absorbing the sun for a healthy dose of vitamin D and aiding in photosynthesis for your skin =)) Don't forget to apply sunscreen beforehand, as the Thai sun can be quite intense.
The scenery is perfect for just chilling out 😀 |credit: IG @tub_tub
On the beach, there are long chairs for visitors to relax, read books, listen to music, and contemplate life in various ostrich-like postures. Enjoying fresh coconut while lounging is a great idea. Remember to have a robust 4G SIM card for checking in, scrolling through FB, and streaming movies to enhance your chill vibes here 😀
Along the sandy stretch, you'll find mobile vendors selling snacks like papaya salad, grilled goodies, fresh squid, and grilled squid. Despite being mobile, they maintain order and cleanliness. Hungry after a swim? Head to the shore for a bite, finish eating, take another dip, rinse, and repeat. Life's genuinely simple =))
Spot the familiar mobile vendors | credit: Thiện Nguyễn
Credit: Thiện Nguyễn
Incredibly delicious fresh produce, prepared on the spot |credit: Thiện Nguyễn
What's fantastic in Thailand and something I absolutely adore is the beach vendors. No aggressive haggling or price gouging here. They have fixed prices for each item, making your purchase experience consistent across all stalls. If you doubt it, go ahead and try bargaining with a few, not a single baht will be spared =)) I love it, fair play! Clean competition!
Indulge in beachside dinners
As the sun sets, the beachfront stalls light up. The island puts on its twinkling attire, and Koh Samet shines the brightest during the evening. It's a dazzling spectacle with an array of food options, perfect for a chill night until the wee hours.
The illuminated beach is stunning haaaa |credit: Thiện Nguyễn
The beachside eateries are right by the sea, providing a 4D experience—eating while listening to the soothing sounds of the waves, hehe 😀 If you're feeling extravagant, hit up a restaurant. For a more budget-friendly option, explore the stalls along the sandy stretch; they offer an equally delightful experience. Most traditional Thai dishes are readily available. The seaside ambiance enhances the flavors! Order a serving of white rice, tom yum, or Pad Thai, accompanied by a fresh coconut or cocktails, and you've got a perfect, delicious dinner. Of course, I recommend enjoying a beer, haha :)) It's not every day you go out, so let loose before heading back home to meet those deadlines!
Choose where you like to eat; the island might be small, but there's no shortage of options |credit: Thiện Nguyễn
Trekking
This is quite enjoyable if you're into trekking or exploring new areas on a scooter. Beyond the beaches on Koh Samet, there are trails, untouched sandy paths, and lush vegetation. Due to fewer tourists paying attention, it maintains a peaceful and intriguing atmosphere for those seeking an exploration adventure.
Rent a scooter and conquer the entire island, dare you? |credit: Thiện Nguyễn
These trekking routes can be quite rugged, so be cautious, especially during the rainy season as it can get slippery. If you're on a scooter, you need a firm grip on the handlebars; otherwise, it's like playing on an ice rink! Scooter rental prices range from 100 to 300 baht per hour or per day, depending on the type of scooter.
Or try this super cool off-road vehicle | credit: Thiện Nguyễn
Additionally, on the island, there's a more stylish option – the ATV, a four-wheeled vehicle that looks just like a toy for kids but conquers rugged terrains like a pro! Renting an ATV requires a deposit of about 1000 baht.
Let's race together ~ | credit: Thiện Nguyễn
Koh Samet – remember to jot down this name in your Thai travel dictionary this summer. If you have a free weekend, hop over to Thailand for a beach escape and see who's awe-struck :D. I guarantee you'll have fantastic moments of relaxation on this lush and charming island. Enjoy your trip ^^~~
Posted by: Toàn Nguyễn
Keywords: Independent travel in Thailand: From Bangkok to Koh Samet Island: Where to go? What to do?
