Where to stay on Koh Samet

Koh Samet is the closest proper island beach to Bangkok, roughly three hours away by road and a short boat ride. It's a national park with powdery white sand along its east coast, and it's especially popular with Bangkok residents at weekends and on public holidays.

The island is small and most places to stay are on the north-east coast, from busy Sai Kaew Beach near the main pier, past the cosier bays of Ao Phai and Ao Tub Tim, down to Ao Wong Duan and the quiet coves beyond. The places we list cover that whole stretch.

Arriving
Ferries and speedboats from Ban Phe pier, Rayong, to Na Dan pier and other bays
From Bangkok
About 3 hours by road to Ban Phe
Park fee
A national park entry fee is charged on arrival
Getting around
On foot along beach paths, or by songthaew taxi

Places to stay in Koh Samet

9 hotels

Hostel in Sai Kaew and Na Dan

Stay Samed

A friendly hostel with a cafe, five minutes from Sai Kaew

  • terrace
  • air-conditioning
  • free Wi-Fi
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"Our order" puts hotels we have fully written up first. Commission doesn't affect the order.

Koh Samet, area by area

The east coast beaches run south from Na Dan pier, linked by footpaths over small headlands. The further south you go, the quieter it gets.

Sai Kaew and Na Dan

Best for first visits and nightlife

Sai Kaew is Samet's longest and busiest beach, a short walk from Na Dan pier. It has fine white sand, plenty of restaurants and bars, and the liveliest evenings on the island, with fire shows on the beach. Small guesthouses fill the lanes behind it.

Its convenience is the draw: you can walk from the ferry with your bags, and there are shops, ATMs and a small clinic close by. The trade-off is noise on weekend nights and crowds when Bangkok's day-trippers arrive. Ao Noi Na, a short walk west of the pier, is a calmer spot for sunset over the mainland.

Ao Phai, Ao Tub Tim and Ao Nuan

Best for couples and smaller bays

Just south of Sai Kaew, Ao Phai is a smaller, sociable bay, followed by Ao Tub Tim and the tiny, rocky cove of Ao Nuan. They're close enough to walk to Sai Kaew but feel more relaxed.

Ao Phai has long been known for its beach bar scene, while Ao Tub Tim is more about lazy afternoons and swimming. It's a good middle ground for couples and friends who want a bit of life in the evenings without sleeping next to the main party beach.

Ao Wong Duan and the south

Best for families and quieter beaches

Ao Wong Duan is a sheltered, horseshoe-shaped bay with calm water and its own boat landing. Further south, Ao Thian (Candlelight Beach) and Ao Wai are quiet, pretty coves reached by footpath.

Some ferries and speedboats from Ban Phe land directly at Ao Wong Duan, which is handy if you're staying in the south. Restaurants here are spread along the bay, and the walking trail that links the eastern beaches makes a scenic morning hike. Further south still, the island narrows and becomes quieter, with just a few resorts.

Questions about staying in Koh Samet

How do I get to Koh Samet from Bangkok?

Take a bus or minivan to Ban Phe pier in Rayong, about 3 hours, then a ferry or speedboat to the island. Some boats go straight to Ao Wong Duan or other bays.

Is there a fee to visit Koh Samet?

Yes. Koh Samet is part of a national park, and an entry fee is collected on arrival, with a higher rate for foreign visitors.

Which beach is best on Koh Samet?

Sai Kaew for nightlife and convenience, Ao Phai and Ao Tub Tim for a relaxed bay, and Ao Wong Duan or Ao Thian for calm water and quiet.

How do I get around Koh Samet?

Most people walk between the eastern bays along beach paths. Green songthaew trucks act as shared taxis on the island's few roads, and scooters can be rented, though the tracks are steep and rough in places.

Is Koh Samet good for a day trip?

It can be, but the journey from Bangkok takes most of a morning, so one or two nights is more relaxing.

When is Koh Samet busiest?

Weekends and Thai public holidays, when many Bangkok residents visit. Weekdays are much quieter, and the island has a relatively dry climate for much of the year.

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