Popular with foreign tourists and as a weekend getaway for residents of nearby Bangkok, most of the island (excluding the Na Dan area) belongs to the Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet National Park.
Ko Samet is not overly renowned for its parties (unlike Ko Pha Ngan) or its diving (unlike Ko Tao), but it has both convenience and quietness in its favor. It's a popular tourist destination for Thais as well as foreigners for its proximity to Bangkok.
Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet National Park
Sparkling white sand and cliffs from an azure sea, the archipelago of Same Island is the setting that inspired classical Thai poet, Sunthorn Phu,to write his most famous epic: Phra Aphai Manee,a story of princes, sages, mermaids and giants That was 150 years ago, and today you can still enjoy the magical qualities of Samet and surrounding areas.In 1981,the Royal Forest department declared the archipelago of Samet, the headland of Khao Laem Ya and 11 kilometer of Mae Ramphueng Beach to be a national park. Samet island group comprises of several islands i.e. Ko Kudi, Ko Kruai, Ko Ma Kham, Ko Ma Kham, Ko Plai Tin, Ko Thaiu and Ko Chan [Ko means island].One has its’own uniqueness which visitors should not miss.
Located 200 kilometers southeast of Bangkok in Rayong province, Khao Laem Ya- Mu Ko Samet National Park covers 131 square kilometers of land and sea, and is an easy destination for Bangkokians and world travelers alike. Most come to relax and enjoy the beaches, but opportunities exist for more adventurous: hiking trails and exploring reefs.
How to go
Koh Samet, including all of the good parts, is a national park and has an entry fee. Thais pay 40 baht, foreigners 400 baht - a classic example of Thai dual pricing. If your ferry arrives at the main pier and you take a songthaew to the beaches, there will be a stop at the main ticket checkpoint. If your ferry arrives at one of the beaches, an officer will collect the fee as you step out of the surf. Note that there is plenty of foot traffic in and out of the park to the 7-Eleven
ATM or other shops and restaurants and if you have no bags you can nonchalantly walk into the park without anyone checking your ticket. (There is a road via the temple, take that and you won't get near the checkpoint.
The 1st class bus from Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) to Ban Phe usually takes just over 3 hours,costs 276 baht, and terminates opposite the ferry piers (there's no direct service to Ban Phe from Moh Chit - nearest alternative is to Rayong, from there you can take a Song Thaew to Ban Phe). If you take a regular bus from Pattaya or Sattahip, you'll need to take a songthaew or charter a tuk-tuk to the ferry piers. Minibus services go straight to the piers.
Ferries from Ban Phe to Ko Samet take around 30 to 45 minutes. Only buy a one-way ticket, as there's no discount on round-trip tickets and you won't have to worry about losing it. The ticket sellers may also offer to sell you the national park ticket - don't bother.
The nearest airport fielding commercial flights is U-Tapao, just east of Sattahip - about 45 km from Ban Phe.
Other Attraction Place on Samet Island
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