Koh Samet Island Thailand

Koh Samet Island (aka Ko Samet) is one of the Gulf of Thailand islands (Rayong Province) located approx 220 km (140 mi) southeast of country's capital city Bangkok.

Ko Samet has total area approx 13 km2 (5 mi), length 7 km (4 mi) north to south, and width 4 km (2,5 mi). The island is popular among both foreign and domestic tourists (mainly Bangkok residents) as a weekend vacation destination. In 1981 was established the Mu Ko Samet NP (marine park that consists of Koh Samet plus 9 smaller isles).

The closest mainland Thailand location (Phe Town) is approx 3 km (2 mi) to the north of Na Dan Pier (aka Ko Samet Village). Island's longest beach is named Hat Sai Kaeo. In close proximity to Ko Samet's southern tip are located three small islands - Ko Chan (Moon Island), Ko San Chalam (Shark Fin Island) and Hin Khao (White Rock).

The rain season runs May through July and is marked by relatively small precipitation, for which island's potable water is imported from the mainland. The scenery is highlighted by beautiful white-sand beaches (on the eastern coast) and low hills covered with lush forests and cajeput trees. The island is around 80% forested. The best-developed place for nightlife is Sai Kaew. The island's west coastline is rocky and isolated.

Koh Samet has all 5 piers (tour-boat docking points) - Ao Klang (port for ferries and megayachts), Ao Phrao, Ao Wong Duean, Ao Thian, Ao Wai. Excepting Ao Klang, the other piers serve boats for scuba diving tours and day-trip excursions from the mainland. water sports activities include catamaran sailing, canoeing, banana boating, wakeboarding, jet-skiing, reef snorkelling and scuba diving, sea fishing. Budget-priced resort facilities and camping sites (for backpackers) are also available.

Next table shows an itinerary introduced in 2020 by the luxury cruise line Star Clippers on the tall-sailing ship Star Clipper.

The 11-day roundtrip from Ko Samui was priced from USD 6600 per person.