Koh Samet Island
Koh Samet Island was one of the first in Thailand to attract tourists from all over the world with its lush greenery and magnificent beaches with clear water. The flow of visitors has not decreased even after the island was declared a national park. Dozens of hotels offer here their bungalows, and the beaches, alas, are far from the original purity.
General Information
Despite the unresolved problems – built-up beaches, garbage, lack of drinking water – the authorities had to lift the 1990 ban on overnight stays on the island two years later: the resistance of businessmen and local residents was too strong. On weekends, thousands of Thais from Bangkok come here to relax, who have taken a fancy to Keu Beach in the northern part of the 1Justok coast. What the vacationers leave behind after the fun festivities can finally ruin the wonderful nature of the island.
.The widest place of the island is 800 meters from one coast to the other, the narrowest is 200 meters. Its length is 5 kilometers. The western coast consists mainly of steep cliffs, only in the northern part there are a few sandy beaches, from where you can observe the incredible beauty of sunsets. There are several long beaches on the east coast, which can be reached by signposts on the footpaths or by shuttle bus.
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How to get there
- By car:From Bangkok, take National Highways 34/3/36 (180 km to Rayong).
- By bus:From Bangkok from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Eastern Bus Terminal; travel time about 4 h). From Rayong (minibuses from the clock tower) take national highway #3 to Phe village. From there by boat (on demand; last boat back at 17.00). .
- By ferry:The main pier on the island is at the fishing village of Ko Samet. When the sea is calm, boats skirt the western tip and take passengers to the beaches to one of several piers.
