Koh Samet: White-Sand Island Escape in Rayong
About 1 hour 30 minutes south-east of Pattaya, off the coast of Rayong, Koh Samet is one of the most beautiful islands within reach of Pattaya. Part of a protected national park, it is famous for its bright white sand, clear turquoise water and a string of bays, from lively beaches with restaurants and water sports to quiet coves and sunset spots. Known as one of the driest islands in the Gulf of Thailand, it is a great escape for most of the year.
The Best Beaches of Koh Samet
Hat Sai Kaew
The island's longest and liveliest beach, a few minutes from the main pier. White sand, clear water, restaurants, water sports and, at one end, the statue of Phra Aphai Mani and the Mermaid, from a famous Thai epic poem.
Ao Phai
Just south of Sai Kaew, a smaller and calmer bay, almost as beautiful, with a more relaxed atmosphere.
Ao Wong Duan
A wide crescent of sand with calm water, popular with families and perfect for an easy swim.
Ao Wai
In the quieter south of the island, a small, secluded bay often considered one of the most beautiful on Koh Samet.
Ao Prao
On the west coast, the island's most peaceful and romantic beach, and the best place to watch the sunset over the sea.
How to Get There
By car to Ban Phe: about 1 hour 15 to 1 hour 30 minutes from Pattaya to the Ban Phe piers in Rayong, the only departure point for the island.
By ferry: regular ferries cross to the main pier on Koh Samet in about 40 minutes.
By speedboat: faster, and able to drop you directly at the beach of your choice.
On the island: songthaews and scooters connect the beaches, and a scenic coastal path links several bays on the east coast.
Practical Information
Location: off the coast of Ban Phe, Rayong
Access: by boat from Ban Phe, national park entrance fee applies
Getting there: about 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes in total from our villas in Soi Pattaya Land, including the boat
Good to Know
A full day out: leave Pattaya early to enjoy the island, and always check the time of the last boat back.
National park: an entrance fee is collected on arrival. Keep your ticket with you during your visit.
Bring cash: ATMs are mainly near the pier and Sai Kaew, and smaller beaches often accept cash only.
Choose your mood: Sai Kaew and Ao Phai for a lively day, Ao Wong Duan for families, Ao Wai and Ao Prao for peace and sunsets.
Weekdays are quieter: the island is popular with visitors from Bangkok at weekends and on public holidays.
Our Concierge Team at Your Service
Staying in one of our villas or hotels? Our Concierge Team is here to help you plan the perfect day on Koh Samet: private car with driver to Ban Phe, speedboat transfers to the beach of your choice, advice on the best bays for your mood and the best seafood restaurants. Our team keeps discovering new places to make every stay even better.
Just send us a message on WhatsApp, Line, WeChat, Telegram or KakaoTalk at +66 976 500 500.
Where to Stay in Pattaya
PATTAYA LAND offers a selection of private pool villas in Soi Pattaya Land, near Walking Street, with different capacities to suit couples, families and groups of friends.
Prefer hotel services? Our hotels in Pattaya offer a 24-hour front desk, room service and all the comfort of a hotel stay.
White sand on Koh Samet, a night swim in your private pool. You Only Live Once.
Discover our Pattaya Pool Villas
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Make the Most of Your Stay
On the way to Koh Samet, discover:
St Andrews 2000 Golf Club: the course with two par 6s, in Ban Chang
Wangjuntr Golf Park: twin-green courses in the hills of Rayong
Bang Saray Beach: a real Thai fishing village by the sea
Koh Phai (Bamboo Island): Pattaya's unspoiled paradise
Conditions and services may change. Please check before your visit.