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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.
A recently constructed reservoir has
improved the availability of fresh water, which was an enduring
problem on the hot and dry island where the rainy season is limited
to the May to July period. Koh Samet gets significantly less
rainfall than Rayong Province, even though it is only a few km
offshore.
Round the clock electricity is now
available in most resorts on the island. There are regular ferries
to Koh Samet from three different piers in the fishing village of
Baan Phe, about 20 km east of Rayong City.
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The trip takes about 30 to 45 minutes
depending on which part of the island it goes to. Speed boats can be
hired to make the trip in about half the time, but are much more
expensive.
Samet Island has only 1 road going
from the North to the South of the Island.
The taxi fees from beach to beach is
rather expensive, but price is setting by the association of public
taxi service, so tourist will not be charged over the standard
price.
From 1 beach to another, you can walk
through a relatively primitive inland road. Most of the beaches are
located on the northern and eastern sides of this T-shaped island
whereas only a few, that is, Ao Prao, Ao Kham and Ao Kiu Na Nai lie
on the west. It is more convenient to reach Ao Prao by a direct
ferry from Baan Phe.
Like most resort destinations in
Thailand, motorcycles are cheap to rent and they are the best way to
zip around. But not all the roads are well paved so watch out for
the bumpy dirt roads.
The local taxis or “Song Thiao” are utility trucks fitted with bench
like seats at the back. They are the next best thing to travel on
but they are not easily available and mostly hang out on the popular
beaches. They also tend to overcharge so bargain hard and set a
price for a return trip as well.
The beaches on the northeast of the
island are beautiful and better developed. As you move south down
the east coast the coves and bays become less congested, though no
less beautiful. The beaches on the southeast coast are the least
developed and least visited. The west coast is rocky but does have
one very secluded beach with bungalow resorts and a nice view of the
sunset.
The 16 beaches of Samet Island :
1. Ao Prao :
At the west of the island, Ao Prow is
one of the quietest beaches. Located quite far away from the lively
nightlife of Koh Samet. Ao Prao is preferred by travelers who
quietly enjoy the deep blue sea and white sand in the sunshine. Ao
Prao has a long white sandy beach which is ideal for swimming.
2. Ao Kham :
Not popular and rather quiet.
3. Ao Noi Na :
Ao Noi Na is suitable for those who
looking for a truly relaxing experience on the white & clean sandy
beach. You can find only a few resorts at this beach. There is a
sleepy fishing village feel to this area and the ambiance is quite
peaceful and tranquil yet not too far from the excitement in Sai
Kaew Beach.
4. Sai Kaew Beach :
One of the most beautiful and most
popular beaches on Koh Samet, Sai Kaew Beach is 1 km long and 25 –
30 meters wide. The name speaks for itself, in Thai it’s means
Crystal Sand Beach, it is a nice beach filled with lot of
activities. From dusk to dawn, visitors can enjoy sunbathing,
swimming, jet skiing, windsurfing, riding on a banana boat or even
partying at night.
5. Ao Phai :
Located next to Sai Kaew Beach, Ao
Phai is therefore quite crowded. Known as the "Khao San" of Koh
Samet. There are plenty of cheap guesthouses here all meshed up
together with restaurants and bars. It's a fairly small beach that
is rather untidy and messy with beach chairs all over the place but
it's the fun
zone where people come for all night music and bars
that open till late.For visitors interested in sunbathing, this is
the ideal place as swimming is not recommended as there is whirlpool
on the sea, as designated by the red flag.
6. Ao Phut Sa :
Ao Phut Sa is a small bay on Koh Samet
which draws repeat visitors intent on relaxing. Suitable for those
who are tired of crowded beaches and nightlife activities, Ao Phut
Sa offers a quite retreat that reunites visitors with nature in its
crystal clear waters.
7. Ao Tub Tim :
Ao Tub Tim, which is set in a tranquil
atmosphere, is located near Ao Phut Sa and is well known for its
white sand and clear water. Ao Tub Tim has a small, cozy resort,
which provides nice services in a well decorated compound.
8. Ao Nuan :
Ao Nuan is located near Ao Tub Tim and
is a perfect hideaway for holidaymakers in search of tranquility.
9. Ao Cho / Ao Lung Wang :
Small and appropriate for budget
tourist.
10. Ao Vongduern (Vongduern Beach) :
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Vongduern Beach is the second largest
beach on the island (the first being Sai Kaew Beach). Vongduern
Beach attracts tourist groups during both the high and low seasons
due to its beautiful white sandy beach and good accommodations. On
top of this, good seafood restaurants with nice views are also
available with the reasonable price. |
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Taxi from Vongduen to other place |
Boat Schedule Vongduen to Ban Phe |
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11. Ao Thian (Candlelight Beach) :
Ao Thian’s topography is painted by
rocky beach in which some nice spots for skin diving are available.
This beach is very quiet and free from group tours with bungalows
and resorts available around the beach area.
12. Ao Lung Dam :
Many budget tourists love this beach !
13. Ao Wai :
Ao Wai is located within a short
walking distance of Candlelight and Lung Dam Beach. Shaded by
coconut trees, the beach is a quite, scenic and serene spot for sea
lovers. There’s only 1 resort here, so sure that the most privacy
will be yours !
14. Ao Kiu Nok :
This bay is a perfect secluded den for
those planning to keep their distance from the busy, crowded beaches
and vibrant nightlife. From Aow Kiu Nok, visitors can actually walk
to Aow Kiew Nai which is the ideal spot to see the spectacular sun
rise and sun set.
15. Ao Pakarang Or Ao Karang :
The best place to experience the
traditional lifestyle of the residents of Koh Samet is at Ao Karang
where there also are a number of seafood restaurants providing fresh
seafood dishes at reasonable prices. Right now there’s only 1 small
lovely resort at this beach, you’ll see the sunrise at the front
door and found that sunset is behind at the back door !
16. Ao Kiu Nai :
The best location to see the sunset on
this island. |
