Ko Samet Island
All journeys have secret destinations
of which the traveler is unaware.
Martin Buber
Ko Samet is a beautiful island conveniently situated 180 kilometers or 108 miles from Bangkok and only 80 kilometers or 48 miles from Pattaya on the south-east coast off the Gulf of Thailand. Although huge tourist related development began shortly after the island was declared a national park in 1981, this 6 kilometer long island boasts dazzling soft white sandy beaches and sparkling blue waters. The island derives it's name "Samet" from the Cajeput Tree whose origin comes from the more common Melaleuca family name native to the East Indies and tropical parts of Australia. Samet is the Thai name given to the word cajeput.
Ko Kaew Phitsadan or Magic Crystal Island was the colloquial name referred to this breathtakingly beautiful piece of paradise. A little piece of history surrounding the cajeput tree is that this particular tree is also known as white tea tree, swamp tea tree or white wood tree. It sports a long flexible trunk with irregular ascending branches. The pointed leaves are ash in colour and alternate on short twig like stalks. Cajeput or tea tree oil is distilled from the fresh leaves and twigs. Tea tree oil is especially high in essential oils used both in aromatherapy and herbal remedies. These trees are evergreen with white, red or green flowers.
A small Piece of Paradise
Legend states that once upon a time and a long while ago, Ko Samet was home to many pirates who hoarded their captured loot on the island. To this very day some believe that there is still lost treasure buried somewhere on the island.Not only can you enjoy a blissful vacation, but there is also a chance to go home very much richer. Don't forget to pack the metal detector in your luggage before leaving home and please do not tell anyone that I gave you this additional useful information. The island just might become the next major tourist destination.
Soft White Sandy Beach
Beaches of Koh Samet
Most of the pure silky white sandy pristine beaches are situated on the eastern shores of the island surrounded by tropical coral reefs and crystal clear waters all the while hiding in small bays that stretch an average of some 200 meters each.Hat Sai Kaew meaning Crystal Sand Beach in Thai or Diamond Beach in English is situated at the most north easterly point on the island. This one kilometer long and 25 meter wide beach is not only breathtakingly beautiful but it is also not surprisingly the most popular. From sunrise to sunset, the beach is a hive of fun activities including a host of water sports on offer such as jet skiing, windsurfing and scuba diving or just relax in the warm sunshine or go for a dip in the ocean. Ao Hin Kok is separated by a small rocky outcrop from Hat Sai Kaew and where a mermaid statue is located. This pristine beach, famous for its strange shaped rocks, is half the size of Hat Sai Kaew. There are few but mostly cheap lodgings in the form of bungalows and or huts located along the beach as well as some reasonably inexpensive restaurants catering for a variety of fresh seafood dishes.
Ao Hin Kok Beach
Ao Phai is a small but stunningly beautiful beach situated close to Hat Sai Kaew offering a lifestyle fit for total relaxation. This beach is less crowded, the sea is calm, clear and warm making it the perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming. More importantly this beach is very safe of kids. Coconut trees and a few beach umbrellas can be found on the soft white sandy beachfront allowing you much needed shade should the sun get too hot. The Samed Villa Restaurant found at the end of the beach serves Thai and European cuisine for your eating pleasure.Ao Nuan is a small secluded bay with the only real access being by foot from either Ao Tub Tim Bay, a short distance away to the north and Ao Cho a short distance away to the south. It is a perfect hideaway for anyone wishing for a little peace and tranquility. Not much in the way of upmarket accommodation at Ao Nuan but should you decide to stay, you could easily take a leisurely stroll to some bars and restaurants not far off, although this could be tricky late at night. Ao Wong Deuan is the second largest beach on the Ko Samet attracting many tour groups during both the high and low seasons due to its dazzling white sandy shores, warm blue waters and excellent accommodation. The bonus on top of this is the first rate seafood restaurants that offer stunning views across the ocean.
Boats at Ko Samet
Getting to Ko Samet Island
The main departure point from the mainland would be from the small fishing port of Ban Phe which is situated approximately 17 kilometers or a little over 10 miles east of Rayong. Depending from which direction you have arrived, it would be easier to take a bus or drive to the town of Rayong as there are no known transport facilities that would take you directly to Ban Phe. Once you arrive in Ban Phe you would need to decide as to which beach you would like to visit and then choose the correct boat accordingly unless you book a pre-paid package tour.
Return from Ko Samet to the Thailand Islands Page.
Return from Ko Samet to the Thailand East Coast Page.
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