Relax and Unwind at Koh Samet: A Beach Paradise Near Bangkok

If you are trying to avoid the crowds but have limited time and still want to enjoy Thailand’s beaches, Koh Samet is the perfect place for you! It is located in Rayong province, near the infamous Pattaya city in Chonburi province. The time to get from Bangkok to the island including the ferry is around 3.5 hours making it perfect for those with a short time in Thailand. 

Noi Na Beach, Koh Samet Island

Koh Samet is one of my favorite places that I have visited in Thailand since living here. I like how it offers pristine beaches without the big crowds from places like Phuket and Krabi. I have been here twice and I am already planning my next trip. Finding a less touristy beach near Bangkok is not that hard. In this guide, I will talk about how to get here, where to stay, things to do, and much more. I hope it helps you plan your trip to Koh Samet and make the most of your time there. 

When to Visit & How Long Should You Stay

The first time I visited Koh Samet was in December during the cold season and the second time was in July during the rainy season and both times I had lots of fun and sunshine! No matter what time of the year you visit Bangkok, you can find a beach at Koh Samet to sit back and relax!

I recommend staying in Koh Samet for 2-3 full days to make the most out of your time there and not feel rushed. However, if you are short on time, staying 3 days (1 full day) should be enough time to see your top places. 

How to Get to a Beach Near Bangkok

All buses to Nadan Pier leave from Ekkamai Bus Station located right outside the Ekkamai BTS station. Just with any destination in Thailand, I always book my transportation through the 12go.asia website. The website gives you the option of booking only the bus to the pier or booking both the bus and the boat to the island. I recommend booking the latter as it saves you time. 

Important: You will have to pay a 200 baht entrance fee as this is considered a national park so make sure you have cash on hand!

Where to Stay

Despite being a small island, there are numerous hotels and hostels that you can stay at. When it comes to location, I recommend staying near the pier as there is a 7/11 and more dining options for the night. I have stayed at two different places in Koh Samet and I would recommend them both. 

Accommodation in Koh Samet is a bit on the expensive side, especially if you are traveling solo. However, I found a decent private room and bathroom right by the beach called Samed Thanee. It is located in the northern part of the island in front of Noi Na Beach. 

If you want to stay at a hostel, I recommend staying at My Bunk hostel. It is located just a short walk from the pier making it perfect for those that won’t rent a motorbike. The owner is super friendly and the hostel is really clean. 

How to Move Around

Koh Samet is a small island and you can get to a lot of places by walking, but I would highly encourage renting a motorbike. There are countless motorcycle rental shops by the pier and prices start at around 300 baht per day. There are also songtaew’s (the pickup truck taxis commonly seen throughout Thailand) by the pier that you can take. 

Things to do in Koh Samet: 

1. Brown Cabin Chocolate Café

I went to this café both times that I visited Koh Samet and I loved it every time. Compared to other places, Brown Cabin Cholocate Café is on the expensive side, but I think that the prices are worth it. You get great service and great food and drinks with a stunning view.  Make sure to check out the top floor. It is a great spot for taking lots of Instagrammable pictures! P.S: The matcha was really good! I highly recommend ordering it!

2. Noi Na Beach

This is one of my favorite places in Koh Samet. This is a great place for those looking to relax without the big crowds and loud music. The hotel I stayed at (Samed Thanee) is located right in front of this beach. You will also find restaurants and a small Chinese temple at the end of the beach. 

3. Watch the sunset while enjoying your dinner

Small restaurant near Noi Na Beach

Before you leave Koh Samet, I recommend eating dinner by the beach and watching the sunset. One of my favorite memories of both my times here is watching the sunset. I highly recommend it!

4. Laem Toei

Laem Toei is Koh Samet’s southernmost tip. Here you can walk around the coast on the boardwalk while taking in the stunning scenery. There is no entrance fee so if you have a motorbike, make sure you come check it out!

5. Driving Around the Island

Koh Samet is such a small island so I recommend driving around the island and stopping wherever 

6. Ao Wai Beach

This beach is perfect for those looking to sit back and relax and enjoy a nice swim. There are some shops and restaurants nearby so you can have a nice meal and enjoy your day at the beach. 

7. Sunset View Point

 If you are looking for the perfect place to watch the sunset, I recommend driving to this observation deck. If you can’t make it in time for the sunset, don’t worry! It’s also a great spot to visit at any point during the day. 

8. Sai Kaew Beach

This is probably the most crowded beach that I visited during my time in Koh Samet, but it offers lots of water activities (such as jetskies) and has a lot of restaurants. It is walking distance from the pier making it an accessible option for those that don’t want to rent a motorbike.  At night you will also find the famous fire shows so make sure to check it out.