Ko Samet (Thai: เกาะเสม็ด), is an island located in the Gulf of Thailand off the coastline of the Thai province of Rayong, approximately 220 km southeast of Bangkok. Ko Samet is located in the Phe (Thai: เพ) District of the Amphoe Mueang Rayong (Thai: เมืองระยอง, the capital district, or Amphoe Mueang), of Rayong province.

 

The island derives its name from the cajeput tree found throughout the island, as the Thai language word for cajeput is samet (the cajeput tree is formally known in Thai ต้นเสม็ดขาว). In the past, this island has also been referred to by its colloquial name, Ko Kaew Phitsadan (Thai: เกาะแก้วพิศดาร), or the "Magic Crystal Island".

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. In 1981, the Royal Forest Department declared the archipelago of Samet, along with nine other small islands, the headland of Khao Laem Ya, and 11 kilometer Mae Rampeung Beach to be a National Park, and is thus Ko Samet is under the protection of the National Parks Division of the Thai Government.

Ko Samet is approximately 13.1 km2 in size, and shaped somewhat like a letter "t". Along the length of the "t" (north-south) the island measures approximately 7 km, and measures 4 km across the "t" (west-east).

Closest to the Rayong coast, lies the small island port village of Na Dan, commonly known as Ko Samet Village, with its popular nearby beach Hat Sai Gaew (Thai: หาดทรายแก้ว), the longest beach on Ko Samet. Most of Ko Samet's beaches lie along the eastern shore of the island. Other beaches on the island include: Ao Phai, Ao Wai, Ao Kui Na Nai, Ao Kui Na Nok, Ao Vong Duern, Cape Khut, Ao Toei, and Ao Korang at the southern tip, and Ao Prao on the western shore of the island. Just off the souther tip of the island are three small rock-islands, Ko Jan (Moon Island; Thai: เกาะจันทร์ ), Ko San Chalam (Shark Fin Island), and Hin Khao (White Rock; Thai: เกาะหินขาว ).

The tiny island some four miles off the coast from the village of Ban Phe is relatively untouched by development and is home to some of the most beautiful fine white sand beaches in all of Asia.

The mermaid on Koh Samet
Sunthorn Phu (1786–1855) is probably one of the most respected poets among Thai people. In Phra Aphai Mani, a mermaid is saving Prince Aphai Mani from the sea and takes him to Koh Samet. A statue that illustrates this drama is placed on the rocks between Ao Hin Khok and Hat Sai Kaew (Diamond Beach).

Beaches

Hat Sai Kaeo

One of the most beautiful and most popular beaches on Koh Samet, Hat Sai Kaew is 1 kilometer long and 25 – 30 meters wide. The name speaks for itself, Hat Sai Kaew, which literally means Crystal Sand Beach, is a nice beach filled with activities. From dusk to dawn, visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, jet skiing, windsurfing, riding on a banana boat or even partying at night.

Ao Noi Na

Ao Noi Na, which is located near Hat Sai Kaew, has different ambience. It is quieter and therefore more suitable for those looking for a truly relaxing experience on the white, clean sandy beach.

Ao Hin Khok

Ao Hin Khok is separated from Hat Sai Kaew by a small rocky sea point where a mermaid statue is located. The beach, which is half the size of Hat Sai Kaew, is famous for its strangely shaped rocks. There are inexpensive bungalows/huts located along the beach, and also value-for-money restaurants providing fresh, quality seafood dishes.

Ao Pai

Located close to Hat Sai Kaew, Ao Pai is therefore quite crowded. For visitors interested in sunbathing, this is the ideal place as swimming is not recommended as there is whirlpool on the sea, as designated by the red flag.

Ao Phutsa

Ao Put 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 Put Sa offers a quite retreat that reunites visitors with nature in its crystal clear waters.

Ao Thapthim

Ao Tub Tim, which is set in a tranquil atmosphere, is located near Ao Put Sa and is well known for its white sand and clear water. Ao Tub Tim has a small, cozy resort, which provides nice services in a well decorated compound.

Ao Nuan

Ao Nuan is located near Ao Put Sa and is a perfect hideaway for holidaymakers in search of tranquility.

Ao Wong Deuan

Ao Wong Deuan is the second largest beach on the island (the first being Hat Sai Kaew). Ao Wong Deuan 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.

Ao Thian (Candlelight Beach)

Ao Thian’s 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.

Ao Wai

Ao Wai is located within a short walking distance of Candlelight Beach. Shaded by coconut trees, the beach is a quite, scenic and serene spot for sea lovers.

Ao Kiu Nok

This bay is a perfect secluded den for those planning to keep their distance from the busy, crowded beaches and vibrant nightlife. From Aow Kiew Nok, visitors can actually walk to Aow Kiew Nai which is the ideal spot to see the spectacular sun rise and sun set.

Ao Karang

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.

Ao Wiang Wan

Ao Wiang Wan is located on the west of Na Dan Pier, a large bay where lots of sport activities such as fishing, etc. take place.

Ao Phrao

Ao Prow is one of the quietest beaches of Ko Samet. Located quite far away from the lively nightlife of Ko Samet; Ao Prow is preferred by travelers who quietly enjoy the deep blue sea and white sand in the sunshine. Ao Prow has a long white sandy beach which is ideal for swimming.

A ideal island for relaxation
What attracts Thai and foreign visitors to come back to Samet is, a little ironically, because there is no larger commercial tourist attractions. Some of the whitest beaches in Thailand, together with a finite amount of roads and traffic, makes the island ideal for visitors who enjoy laying in a hammock or relaxing on the beach.

A rather limited nightlife
The island was classified as a National Park in 1981 and has a limited nightlife scene, but it's not non-existent. A few cozy bars along Hat Sai Kaow and Ao Phai beaches offer some party, especially in the weekends. Thai middle class tourists often arrives from Bangkok and other destinations at certain weekdays and holidays. On Koh Samet, you will not find the kind of nightlife with neon illuminated go go bars etc. that are common in places like Pattaya and Phuket.

Water sports and dining at restaurants
 If you get a little bored or looking for some activities, we would recommend the water sport activities that are available on the island. Diving and snorkeling at the coral reef at southern Koh Samet and also boat trips, fishing and windsurfing are available. The sea also plays a significant role in the island's cooking culture. Seafood and fish are often found on the restaurant menus, but also other thai dishes and international alternatives.

Ko Samet is one of the driest archipelagoes in Thailand. Ko Samet gets significantly less rainfall than Rayong Province, even though it is only a few kilometres offshore. The island's "rainy season" extends only from May to July, but even during this season it has less rain that other islands in Thailand. The island despite being arid, consists of lush forested hills, covered with evergreen and deciduous forest and cajeput trees grow abundantly. Owing to the lack of rain, Ko Samet still ships in potable water to the island.

 

Existing weather in Rayong, Thailand

Click here for 5 day forecast of Rayong (near Koh Samet) weather

 

Normally, cool and dry weather starts from mid October to February. Average temperature all year is 28 celsius. Minimum temperature in average is 20.1 celsius in December. Maximum temperature in average is 33.2 celsius in April. Average rainfall all year is 1,339.4 mm. Minimum average rainfall in December is 3.8 mm and maximum rainfall in September is 255 mm. Average relative humidity all year is 76.7%. During December to January average wind velocity is 5.3 knot and maximum wind velocity is 50 knot.