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Samed Attractions
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.
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 Koh Samed:
the long beach. It is a private beach. The sea is safe to swim. The
most luxury resort is Ao Prao Resort. Sunset are superb at this
beach. In the evening the tourists enjoy doing recreations.
2. Ao Kham
Koh Samed:
Not popular and rather quiet.
3. Ao Noi Na
and Ao Klang Koh
Samed:
is the right place for those who are seeking tranquility and
privacy. There is a port so it is convenient to travel. Ao Klang are
occupied by villages, ports and restaurants.
4. Sai Kaew Beach
Koh Samed:
The sand is pure white and the strand is 780 metres in length. The
water is very clear and shallow, so it is suitable for swimming. Had
Sai Kaew Koh Samed is quite crowded. It contains more than ten
resorts. There are many restaurants and souvenir shops. You can rent
a bicycles and a motor bike. You can find scooters and banana boats
for rent along the beach.
5. Ao Phai
Koh Samed:
It is convenient to travel. There is a road parallel the
seaside. The rolls of Bamboo (Pai) trees give the pleasant
atmosphere. Resorts, bungalows, restaurants and a post office are
available.
6. Ao Phut Sa
Koh Samed:
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
Koh Samed:
The beach is more peaceful than Had Sai Kaew Koh Samed. The strand
is curve and wide so it is suitable for doing water sports.
8. Ao Nuan
Koh Samed:
It is another popular beach. The strand is 500 metres in length and
curve like a shape of the crescent moon so it is a center of all
recreations and a pathway to nearby beaches. The water is clean and
clear. The sand is golden brown.
9. Ao Cho / Ao Lung Wang
Koh Samed:
Small and appropriate for budget tourist.
10. Ao Vongduern (Vongduern Beach)
Koh Samed:
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.
Taxi from Vongduen to other place Boat Schedule Vongduen to Ban Phe
11. Ao Thian (Candlelight Beach)
Koh Samed:
Ao Thians 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
Koh Samed:
Many budget tourists love this beach !
13. Ao Wai
Koh Samed:
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. Theres only 1 resort here,
so sure that the most privacy will be yours !
14. Ao Kiu Nok
Koh Samed:
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.
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Recommended Koh Samed Hotel
Paradee Resort
6 Star
Very Beautiful Resort |
15. Ao Pakarang Or Ao Karang
Koh Samed:
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 theres only 1 small lovely resort at this beach,
youll see the sunrise at the front door and found that sunset is
behind at the back door !
16. Ao Kiu Nai
Koh Samed:
The best location to see the sunset on this island. |
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