If you live in Thailand near Bangkok, Pattaya, or Rayong, then Ko Samet is the perfect island getaway for the weekend. This small, quaint island feels as if it has been untouched by mainstream tourism, which is a pleasant surprise. What’s even more remarkable is that 15 minutes away from the busiest beach on the island, you can find an absolutely empty, beautiful beach. The trip across the whole island is only a 20 minutes end to end, making it convenient to explore on a cheap motorbike rental. As you explore, you will find the cutest little shops and apartments as well as markets, bars, and coffee shops. Ko Samet has lots of paddleboards, kayaks, and other water sport rentals spanning the many different beaches coves. The island is also a national park and has some short hiking trails with lookout points on the furthest southern end of the island.
Directions to Ko Samet
1. How to get from Pattaya to Rayong
Minibus
The most inexpensive way to get to the ferry pier is to take a minibus that meets at Big C on Sukhumvit road in Pattaya. The ride is around 1 hour depending on the time you leave and the traffic (if you leave early at like 7 am, it only takes an hour, but afternoon 2-3 hours). The minibuses start as early as 6 am. The mini bus ride from Pattaya to Ban Phe takes an hour or less, on a per-person basis they are relatively cheap, costing around 400 baht per person one way. If you are traveling alone or as a group of 2 or 3 people this is one of the most convenient and cheapest ways to get to Koh Samet from Pattaya.
Taxi/Car
There are also private taxis or Grabbs that you can arrange a private driver. The cost of a taxi service to the pier from Pattaya is 1500 baht one way. This is the fastest and most convenient, as well as, the most expensive option. The other option is to rent a car, however, the cost of renting a car is around the same price as paying for a private taxi and then you don’t have to deal with parking. Depending on the weekend and amount of time you have will determine whether you should take the minibus or private taxi. On a shorter weekend, the taxi is the best option to maximize your time. But, if you have plenty of time, then the minibus will save you some money.
Note: The taxi company that we use based out of both Bangkok and Pattaya is Nam’s Taxi Service. They are always early for your pick up time and are great at suggesting when to leave and take into consideration local traffic, roads, routes, and where you have to be when. Nam’s Taxi Service has comfortable cars with aircon and very professional drivers. They have a convenient price listing to see what your trip would cost before even contacting them which can help you determine your budget and make a decision.
How to get from Bangkok to Rayong
Rent a Car
If you are choosing to rent a car at around 4,000 baht for the weekend (3 days) this could be an option to save money because you will avoid the high cost of a private taxi from Bangkok to Ban Phe. The trip takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes. Driving to Ban Phe from Bangkok, follow the Motorway from Phatthanakarn Road, Prawet District, Bangkok, heading towards Pattaya for about120 kms. Then, take Highway 36 for around 50 kms to Rayong, and then take Highway 3 to Ban-Phe / Ao-Phe. Turn right, and follow the road down to the harbour. Parking prices vary at each parking lot per day / night. – Remember to take some change for the highway toll fees. There will be around 3 tolls between Bangkok and the pier.
Note: There is some free parking for the pier but you need to arrive early to get to it. Otherwise, you are paying parking fees every day which could be more expensive than just getting a private taxi in the long run.
Bus
There are buses from Bangkok to Ban-Phe that leave from the main bus station EKKAMAI. The first bus leaves at 5 am and go until 7 pm every hour. The bus trip is 3hrs 50mins.
The ferry harbor is only a 1-minute walk from here. The bus cost 200 baht per person. This is the cheapest and longest option. There are private tour bus companies with more spacious seats and aircon, but these cost more than the normal buses. You have to look up and book them through private companies. They normally pick you up from your accommodations.
Note: It is wise to give yourself 4 hours between when you leave and when you plan to take the ferry. That will give you enough time to make it on time even if you run into traffic or any other setbacks.
Taxi
The trip to Ban-Phe harbour in a hired car or taxi from Bangkok will take 2 hours 15 minutes. The cost will be around 2700 baht one way. This price depends on your bartering skills and if the service is an official business or a street taxi. This is the most expensive and fastest option.
Note: The taxi company that we use based out of both Bangkok and Pattaya is Nam’s Taxi Service. They are always early for your pick up time and are great at suggesting when to leave and take into consideration local traffic, roads, routes, and where you have to be when. Nam’s Taxi Service has comfortable cars with aircon and very professional drivers. They have a convenient price listing to see what your trip would cost before even contacting them which can help you determine your budget and make a decision.
2. Take the Rayong Ferry to Ko Samet (Na Dan Pier)
The ferry dock to get to Ko Samet island is called Nuanthip. Be sure to ask for Nuanthip because there are several piers in Ban Phe. There is a main ticket window where you can buy your ferry ticket. You can choose a one way or roundtrip ticket. A one-way ticket is 70 baht per person and a roundtrip ticket per person is 120 baht. You save money if you buy a roundtrip ticket instead of one way. If you buy a roundtrip ticket there is no catch, you don’t have to declare your return date or choose a certain time. The roundtrip is very convenient and can count for any time or day coming back.
Be warned, however, that because of this loose system for ferries they really do cram as many people as they can on the ferry disregarding seats or capacity. The ferry on the way back at the end of the weekend seems to be the worst. Also, the ferries early in the morning have the least amount of people if you leave first thing in the morning. Their website says the first ferry leaves at 8 am but when we arrived we were told the first ferry was not until 8:30 am. So don’t show up earlier than you need to. We had to wait an extra an hour because we were told the first ferry leaves at 8 am.
3. Transportation on Ko Samet Island
The best way to get around Ko Samet is to rent a motorbike. There is no shortage of motorbikes on the island. The rentals are actually pretty fairly priced and the shops inland are not cheaper than the first ones you see at the pier. Save yourself the hassle and price of paying a Songthaew (open-air truck with seats in the back) to take you to your accommodations and all around the island daily with raised prices.
Where to rent
Stop at the first motorbike rental shop. The cost is 300 baht per day for a smaller bike and 400 baht a day to rent a larger bike. The gas is free with the first woman’s shop near the pier in the roundabout across from 7/11. She gave us great service, and we rented a bike from her for 300 baht a day. The shop will need to hold onto your license as an assurance for their bike and will give it back to you at the end. There is no Thai driver’s license needed. There are also no police patrolling the bikes on the island.
The other main option is riding on Songthaew trucks as mentioned. You have to line up for them with huge crowds of tourists and pile on with lots of other people. They really are inconvenient and put you on a transportation timeline with lots of other people instead of exploring on your own terms.
Top Things to do on Ko Samet
This lush jungle island has so much to do between secret hidden beach coves and lots of cool cafes and beachside restaurants. There are also active outdoor adventure activities and plenty of water sport. Below are some of the best spots on Ko Samet we found and compiled.
Lung Dam Bay Beach, secret beach cove paradise
The turn off for this beach is further south down the island away from all the main beaches, shops, and restaurants in the tourist area. This is a treasure of a beach cove that is open to the public. Many of the beautiful beach coves are private and don’t grant you access to the beach unless you are staying at the resorts nearby. To get to this beach, you take a small one dirt road that is not private or blocked off. It’s the turn right near the main lookout point on the center of the island. There is a small sign that says Lung Dam Bay beach, but it is pretty unassuming.
On the cove, there are small beach cottages run by locals with beautiful restaurants on the beach. Support the locals when you visit their beach and buy some food or drinks. Apache beach bungalows are the best, in my opinion, and they have the coolest bohemian beach restaurant and lounge area with really fair priced food and drinks. Jellyfish Bungalows are also located on this same cove as well and have some cute simple beach huts with beachfront access. The highlight of this beach is the old school, wooden pier jutting out from the center. It brings makes tropical dreams come to life. This was our favorite beach on the island because it was very private and empty. Especially before about 1 o’clock, the beach was dead.
Love Island Cafe & Beach
This is one of the two coolest beachfront cafes on the Ko Samet. You will find this one on the northernmost side of the island past the main Da Nan pier and past Bar and Bed hotel at the very end of the road. This cafe sits on the end of the road alongside some beach resorts and overlooks a huge stretch of sandy white beach. The cafe has a huge deck with seating and chairs as well as beach comfy chairs to lay out in the sun on the sand. There is a huge tree shading the cute and colorful beach hut.
The drinks are pretty overpriced, but it is worth it to buy at least one drink and use their property for the day. Also, they have paddleboards and kayaks to rent here that are the best quality on the island and on a calm part of the ocean.
Have dinner and watch the sunset at Bar and Bed waterfront restaurant
Bar and Bed is one of the more modern, trendy hotels to stay at on the island. The hotel is an artistic wooden design with a beautiful wooden, seaside deck. It’s a great place to watch the sunset and have dinner. They have beautiful netting seating over the bright blue water built into their deck and lots of areas to chill out by the pool. The restaurant and drinks here are rather expensive but worth it to experience the sunset fo the evening.
Sawadee Coco Cafe (beachfront boho digs)
This is a quality coffee shop and is our second favorite beachfront cafe. It has a totally open-air concept with now windows or doors separating you from the wind and waves. They have ample seating and tables to work. It’s a bit hidden. You have to turn off the main road and park out in front of a resort. Then you walk down a small alley and turn right at the Sawasdee Coco sign. After this, just keep walking to the beach until you reach the cafe. It’s got a chill ambiance, and they have hanging hammock seats right outside the window. The coffee and drinks are good and their Thai tea frappe was my favorite!
Eat Breakfast at Sidewalk Boutique Hotel Cafe
This boutique hotel is a modern and trendy spot. We didn’t think it was worth the price to stay, however, it is a delicious and cute cafe to have a reasonably priced breakfast. It’s on the corner of the main downtown street leading to the main beach and the pier. This is the perfect spot to sit in the morning and people watch at one of the wooden tables outside. They have great pancakes, bacon, and I loved their granola, fruit, and yogurt bowl.
Drink craft coffee at Life Buoy Smallroom & Coffee
Life Buoy is a modern and small trendy coffee shop nook. The place literally is one small room. There are two small seating areas that can fit no more than 4 people total in the tiny shop. It is very cute and well decorated. They serve quality craft coffee, especially for Southeast Asia. The owner is a quirky local Thai man who is bald hence his coffee cup logo. They have delicious homemade brownies and the best coffee on Ko Samet.
Big Buddha Temple Statue
The island temple has a very large Buddha statue with steps leading up to it inside of the trees. There is no entry fee or tourist fee that you need to enter and see the temple and statue. It is on a back road of the island with a random entrance. The entrance to the statue is on the left after the turnoff for Sawadee Coco Coffee on the right.
National Park Sunset Lookout Point
The small jungle island is filled with greenery and trees. The main road that runs through the island end on at the southern tip in a national park lookout point. It’s only a short nature walk, but it has beautiful views of the ocean waves breaking on the rocky shore. There are lots of rock cairns that have been built by different people that make a cool silhouette against the water. This is a good spot to watch the sunrise or sunset over the island. The national park doesn’t have a fee, it’s incorporated into the fee that you pay at the pier (20 baht a person).
Island Statues
Several famous art statues are scattered across the Ko Samet. The most famous is the large underwater woman at Da Na Pier that you see right when you come to the island. There is a legend about the woman who lives in the water. You can also find piper mermaid people playing flutes on the hill heading south on the island right outside the main downtown area. There is a Chinese shrine on the northern tip of the island as well. These are interesting cultural art pieces to visit.
Where to stay
What are you looking for in your accommodation? Is the goal to come in under budget or to stay somewhere luxurious? Are you looking for privacy as a couple? Or are you looking to meet others? We’ve laid out some of the best options on the island so you can find exactly what you are looking for.
Baan Rom Talay– For couples & friends/ budget travelers
This is a small, local hotel that feels like a homestay. There are small private rooms with modern, clean decor. Each room has a private bathroom. This is right off the main street still giving you great access to the great restaurants, bars, and the main beach. This is where we stayed on Ko Samet and were pleasantly surprised by this spot. It was convenient, budget-friendly, and had a really comfortable bed.
Price: 720 baht/night ($23USD), book here
Olly’s Bar & Hostel– For the single solo traveler looking to meet people
This hostel was right across the main street from Sidewalk Boutique Hotel in a prime, central location. This hostel has the coolest outdoor bar and restaurant hangout with low, cushioned seating. The hostel is dorm only.
Price: 600 baht/night ($19USD), book here
Sidewalk Boutique Hotel– For the mid-range budget seeking some modern style and comfort
This boutique hotel is more of a hostel quality and feel. They have small clean rooms that are brightly decorated but still have wet bathrooms like all of the hostels and homestays nearby. Honestly, it seems a bit overpriced but is in a great location central on the main street for walking. The cafe is the best part of this operation because it serves makes amazing food, breakfast, and smoothies. One of the best healthy real fruit smoothies we’ve had in Thailand so far! It’s a bit more of a modern and western if that is what you are looking for.
Price: 800-1500 baht/night ($26-$49USD), book here
Sawasdee Coco– For beachside & groups traveling
This is one of the bigger, more centrally located hotels on the island. It lacks privacy offered by some of the other options but has beachfront access. The hotel boasts one of the coolest cafes on the island and tour company making it easy to explore the island. This is a good spot if you are traveling in a group and need more space to be together. The hotel in person did not look quite as new, clean, and as cool as the pictures make it appear online. It is evident it has been run down a bit.
Price: 1262-2300 baht/night ($40-$75USD), book here
Jellyfish Bungalows– For the best private local beach huts
The beachside bungalows are far from luxury and are not modern or trendy. They are old school local style beach huts. This is their beauty and appeal. They are on the far south side of the island away from all of the tourism, resorts, and crazy main street. There are no restaurants or bars very close. You gain privacy and rest at the price of convenience.
Price: $60-$100USD/night, book here
Bar and Bed- Trendy mid-range hotel for modern comforts, bar, pool, and quiet out of tourist part of the island.
Bar and Bed is an artistic modern hotel on the northern edge of the island outside of the hot spot tourist zone. It is very peaceful and has one of the best water view restaurants on the island. There is a pool as well as a cool lounge area overlooking the ocean, including nets hanging over the blue water. There is a pool table and a waterside bar with live music events.
Price: 1500-2599 thb/night ($48-$84USD), book here
Paradee Resort– Paradee Resort offers the ultimate luxury experience with private bohemian beachfront villas on the southern part of the island. There are private pool villas on the cliff and beachside huts on the private beach.
Paradee Resort is on the far southern part of the island very close to the national park lookout point. This is one of the quietest and private locations on the island with closed beach access for guests only. This resort has the most upscale beach bungalows with a pool and private beautiful beach. There are Bali vibes to these grass huts and grounds of this resort with an eco nature feel.
Price: 9,000-72,000 baht/night ( $300-$2000USD), book here
Mooban Talay Resort– Luxury huts with private pools beachfront on the quiet northern part of the island.
This is a private resort on the most northern part of the Ko Samet. It is a nice and private area away from the busy tourist area in the center part of the island. The bungalows are very modern and have beachfront views with pools overlooking the ocean. This resort is next to Love Island Cafe which is a really cool beachfront cafe on the island.
Price: 3900baht/night ($126USD), book here
