Situated 220 kilometres from the fervent pace of Bangkok, Ko Samet stands as an epitome of tranquillity, seamlessly connected to the mainland via a succinct drive and swift ferry transit. The destination isn't just an escape; it's a seamless reconnection to the essence of nature - a chance to revitalise with the gentle cadence of an island less traversed.

Known for its sweeping landscapes and vibrant nightlife, Ko Samet is a hotbed for travellers seeking adventure, relaxation, and everything in between. From sandy beaches to verdant forests, this Thai paradise has it all.

In this guide, you will journey through its history and background, engaging facts, top attractions, and the ways to get there.

Read also: What to Expect in Ko Phi Phi, Thailand

Table of Content

1. History & Background
2. Fun Facts about the Island
3. Best Things to Do
4. How to Get to Ko Samet
5. Ko Samet from Bangkok
6. Ko Samet Food & Restaurants
7. Travel Tips

A Comprehensive Guide to Ko Samet, Thailand's Tropical Island

A Comprehensive Guide to Ko Samet, Thailand's Tropical Island

Ko Samet serves as a hub for culinary explorers and sun-seekers alike, offering a palette of flavours set against a backdrop of picturesque beachfronts. Engage your senses in a weekend of gustatory delight, where local delicacies craft a narrative of Thailand's rich culinary heritage.

This island delivers an unrivalled coastal experience, where every dip into the azure waters and each moment under the bounteous sun is a deliberate embrace of Thailand’s alternate rhythm - a measured, sensorial divergence from the quintessential city experience.

Exploring Ko Samet of Rayong, Thailand

History & Background

Ko Samet's history offers a glimpse into Thailand's rich past. Named after the 'Samet' trees (Thai for cajeput trees) dominating the island's landscape, it carries an impressive legacy of being a refuge for pirates and a haven for fishermen seeking sanctuary from monsoon storms.

Ao Wong Duean, a lovely crescent-shaped bay located within the Rayong Province.

Fun Facts about the Island

With intriguing tales about being the setting of a famous Thai epic, the island attracts a varied crowd. From backpackers to luxury seekers, everyone finds their piece of delight in this mosaic of cultural and natural wonders.

Immersed in the Gulf of Thailand, Ko Samet carries a fascinating tapestry of scintillating facts that shapes it as a unique Thai destination. The island owes its name to the local vegetation, predominantly 'Samet' or cajeput trees that lend their verdant enchantment to this landscape. Unlike many Thai destinations, Ko Samet defies the normative monsoonal schedule, basking in sunshine when most parts of the country are cloaked in rain.

Nestled into this tree-studded paradise, lives an intriguing combination of tales and realities. The island sparks interest with its role as setting for the infamous Thai epic "Phra Aphai Mani" by Sunthorn Phu, a UNESCO recognised poet. Its maritime surroundings cloak interesting narratives of being a pirate refuge and a fisherman’s sanctuary during monsoons. A compact island with a big impact – that's Ko Samet, an inviting mingle of sand, sun, history and cultural convictions.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by many chummy dogs.

Best Things to Do

From silver-sand beaches to surreal waterfalls, Ko Samet brims with top attractions that prove irresistible to travellers. The surfaces of ‘Koh Samet hotels’ offer luxurious hospitality amidst this tropical paradise, making it a top pick in 'Ko Samet TripAdvisor' lists.

From the first step out of the high-rise building in Bangkok to the gate of the pier in Ban Phe where the boats await, travellers will be able to experience an exciting transition in sight and in senses from the beginning to the very end of their journey. Each step away from the city brings a intriguingly different aroma and taste, all which are equally as fascinating and refreshing.

The wonders of this country is endless - Thailand just would not have it any other way.

Having planned for this trip for some time, I finally got to see the locals' favorite hideaway myself. Being the beach bums that I am, the trip to the island was as amazing as it could be.

Cosy evening at Ko Samet, Thailand

How to Get to Ko Samet

Hopping over to the serene enclave of Ko Samet from Bangkok’s urban sprawl is a journey offering a blend of terrestrial and maritime adventures. Kickstart from Bangkok on a road journey heading towards Rayong — a jaunt spanning approximately three hours. This trek, thrumming with sceneries, brings you to the famed Ban Phe Pier where your next chapter begins.

From here, clamber aboard a boat destined for the serene island of Ko Samet. These ferries cater to the flux of visitors, operating at regular intervals between 7 am and 6 pm. An enchanting 40-minute cruise carries you across sparkling waters to any of the primary landing points at Ko Samet, including Nadan Pier. Relax aboard as you cruise towards your island retreat, every moment unfolding the promise of a Thai paradise, exceptionally woven into the tapestry of Ko Samet.

Ko Samet from Bangkok

The day started off with breakfast from Starbucks (how incredibly un-Thai-ly) and occasional dozes on the back seat of a Camry while the driver unwaveringly cruised through the roadway. The journey to the pier in Ban Phe from the city took approximately two hours.

The journey progressed on a speedboat from the pier onward. It was impossible to take a picture since the sea was excessively choppy and rough that afternoon. Maybe it's time to get a GoPro!

Stayed in a bungalow in Vongduern Villa, in which its restaurant serves the best food ever.

Mere words are not enough to describe the taste of the lunch we had, but it certainly revolves around explosive, fierce and intense.

You might find that the pinnacle of culinary delight hinges not on the price tag that accompanies your meal but on the genuine flavours and craftsmanship that grace your plate. It's the convergence of taste, company, and ambiance that forges an exceptional dining experience. Reflect on a luncheon that remains etched in your memory—one that, by the alchemy of authentic fare, congenial fellowship, and immersive surroundings, transcends the ordinary. This could very well stand as your gastronomic milestone, a testament to the principle that true gourmet satisfaction isn't bought, but beautifully cultivated.

After lunch, it was time to get sun-drenched!

Gazing at the city skyline, you feel a soothing calm wash over you as the night breeze whipped by. What if, just for a moment, life could be as simple and peaceful as this? Free from the complexities of reality, you start dreaming about spending your graceful golden years in a cosy little beach bungalow. A sanctuary for your soul, this vision offers respite from the digital world, allowing your mind to wander like a dandelion dancing on the wind.

Ko Samet Food & Restaurants

As daylight fades and evening drapes a blanket of stars over the horizon, your senses come alive with anticipation. Get ready for a delightful culinary adventure, friends! The table is set to host a banquet of sweet and savoury delights, a harmonious fusion of flavour and experience. Every bite carries the power to transport you through time, stirring memories that remind you of life's zestful nature. This feast is more than just sustenance—it's a heartfelt exploration of the vibrant, diverse pleasures this world has in store! Embrace the journey and let your taste buds revel in the simple joys of a life well-lived.

Fresh seafood at a restaurant on Ko Samet beach

Dinner at Ko Samet

Seafood galore at Ko Samet

Delectable food and addictive flavours that you discover during your stay here

Imagine luxuriating in a protracted alfresco dinner where sandy shores cradle your presence, the conversational exchange with your peers is as fluid and warm as the ambient coastal zephyrs, culminating in an exhilarating ATV dash to the local hub of evening reprieve – a bar where the day's narrative finds its epilogue.

This, precisely calibrated in life's algorithm, is not just an experience; it’s a testimony to the seamless integration of leisure and adventure, mirroring the very essence of an existence well-curated, much like the solutions we engineer. This must be, in every measurable parameter, the quintessential blueprint of life.

Doggies enjoying breakfast on the island

Our trip to Ko Samet was a blast, pure and simple. Days rolled in as smoothly as the tranquil sea waves, making it a breeze to bask in the joyful vibe the island offers. During our time exploring this little haven, we uncovered the effortless joy it brings, similar to those seamless experiences we all love during our travels.

No matter where we turned on Ko Samet, it was all about having fun and experiencing joy. The feeling reminded us of how it feels when everything falls perfectly into place during a trip, making every day a celebration of the easy-going and exciting adventures we're always on the lookout for.

Travel Tips

Picture this, the sun rising over the lush, tropical scenery of this charming island, which is actually part of a national park! This unique status does entail an entrance fee though. For foreign explorers like us, it's 200 baht, a small token really for the beauty that awaits us within (locals enjoy a discounted rate of 40 baht). So, prep your wallets, fill them with anticipation - each baht playing a part in preserving this green paradise.

here’s a secret sauce to dramatically improving your vacation: tipping. A smidgen of generosity, a few spare baht offered with a smile, can work wonders in making your stay even more pleasant. The Thais appreciate it, consider it a cultural handshake, creating a convivial, memorable travel tale. It's these little things that make our explorations not just journeys, but experiences of life.

Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles and it has definitely lived up to its name.

Is Koh Samet worth visiting? Absolutely - this spot makes for an ideal escape from everyday banality.

To say Ko Samet is an island of surprises is an understatement. With remarkable history, irresistible attractions, a thriving nightlife, and clear ways to get there, it satisfies every wanderlust craving. So, pack your bags, lace up your explorer boots, and set off for an unforgettable adventure on this Thai paradise!

Don't forget to share your travel & dining moments with us on Instagram by tagging @rollinggrace or #RollingGrace. Happy travelling!