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Фотогалерея ‒ Samet Island, Thailand

Guide to Ko Samet

Ko Samet virtual tour

Samet Island's primary allure lies in its world-renowned, meticulously maintained beaches with soft, fine sand. In fact, some local businesses use this sand to create glass products. The coastline of the island can be divided into 16 distinct sections, with Ao Wong Duean and Hat Sai Kaew standing out as the most popular beaches among Ko Samet's visitors. You can easily move from one beach to another on foot or by bike, as the coastline spans a mere 7 kilometers. Additionally, the Songteo shuttle bus offers convenient transportation between these beach areas.

For water sports enthusiasts, particularly those interested in diving and snorkeling, the southern waters of the island provide excellent opportunities. Visitors to Ko Samet can also enjoy rentals for activities such as kayaking, canoeing, deep-sea fishing, and even night squid fishing.

There's a unique farm on Ko Samet where rare fish and marine animals are bred and then released into the wild. During a tour of this facility, everyone has the chance to interact with these fascinating creatures, including turtles, giant groupers, and sharks. Hiking enthusiasts are encouraged to explore Mu Ko Samet National Park, where you can encounter monkeys, monitor lizards, squirrel geckos, crabs, and various other wildlife. This reserve also encompasses several smaller islands that are accessible by boat.

In the evenings, many of Ko Samet's beachfront restaurants offer captivating fire shows. The most vibrant and colorful displays are usually seen on Saturday nights, when the largest audiences gather to enjoy these mesmerizing performances.

Tips for tourists

Population
5679
Time zone
UTC+7
Language
Thai
Currency
Baht (THB)

Tours to Ko Samet

Samet Island is a haven for true admirers of breathtaking natural beauty, peace, and tranquility. The resort is renowned for its picturesque beaches tucked away in small, secluded coves.

While on Ko Samet, be sure to explore its architectural landmarks and historical sites. The island's iconic attractions include the Prince and Mermaid statue, which captivates many tourists. Additionally, don't miss the opportunity to visit the local fish farm.

Thai cuisine is something to savor, and Ko Samet is perfect for a gastronomic tour as well. In traditional restaurants, you should indulge in delights like coconut soup "Tom Yam," as well as spicy chicken, fish, and the freshest seafood.

When planning your trip to Ko Samet, you have several options for packages. A standard package tour, whether chosen independently or through a travel agency, typically includes accommodation, meals, insurance, flight, and transfers. Prices for a one-week tour for one adult start at around 1000 USD, with rates for two adults beginning at approximately 1940 USD.

For a more budget-friendly option, consider a hot ticket. Prices for a hot ticket for one adult can start from 850 USD, while for two adults, it can be as low as 1640 USD.

An alternative to a hot ticket is to plan your visit during the early spring, which marks the beginning of the rainy season. If that suits your schedule, the cost of the trip during this time is roughly equivalent to the price of a hot tour.

Interesting places in Ko Samet

Ko Samet's main attraction is Mu Ko Samet National Park, which has several routes for hikers. Local tour operators organize boat excursions to neighboring islands and also offer tours for diving and snorkeling fans. Shopping on Ko Samet is unlikely to please you with prices and variety, here you can buy only the essentials. The resort's clubs and discos are concentrated around the beaches.

Sights

Travel budget

Flight ticket prices

The closest airport to the island is Pattaya, but it only accepts charter and domestic flights. Tourists usually fly to Bangkok and then travel to the island by land and ferry or speedboat. The journey from Thailand’s capital to Ko Samet takes approximately 3–4 hours.

The flight from Europe to Bangkok takes 12–16 hours, depending on the number of layovers. There are usually no direct flights from Warsaw, Berlin, Prague, Budapest, or Paris, so travelers will need to transfer. Tickets on Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Etihad start at 550–800 EUR in the low season, while winter prices rise to 1000–1200 EUR.

The best hotels in Ko Samet

A room at a three-star hotel (e.g., Ao Cho Grandview Hideaway Resort, Bar and Bed Resort @ Samed,Nimmanoradee Resort) starts at $100 USD for two adults per night.

A similar room at a 4-star hotel (Sai Kaew Beach Resort, Le Vimarn Cottages & Spa, Ao Prao Resort) costs from $210 USD.

A luxury apartment at a 5-star hotel (Paradee Resort, Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa) will cost from USD 391.

The cost of vacation

Ko Samet is considered one of the most expensive resorts in Thailand. There are two reasons for this: its remoteness from the mainland (which affects the cost of all goods sold here) and the popularity of Ko Samet among the country's residents. Food on the island is about 40% more expensive than in Pattaya, and there are almost no cheap guesthouses, so the resort is not suitable for owners of a modest budget.

To save money, haggle at markets, souvenir shops and when buying excursions from local travel agencies - if you're lucky, you'll get a decent discount.

The budget for a trip to Ko Samet
Visa 2000 THB (about 60 USD) Flight from 1400 USD
Accommodation from 20 USD per day Average check in a restaurant from 1000 THB (about 30 USD)
Transportation fare from 20 THB (about 0.5 USD) Excursion from 800 THB (about 25 USD)
Total: About 2195 USD for a week for two people, including two meals a day and at least one excursion per day.

Samet Island: tips for tourists

A vacation on the exotic island of Ko Samet can be a lifetime of memories or a nightmare - it all depends on your preparation. With tripmydream, your vacation will be worry-free!

Visa to Ko Samet

Citizens of most European Union countries do not need a visa for short-term tourist trips to Thailand. They can stay in the country for up to 30 days without a visa if they arrive by air and up to 15 days if they enter by land. However, the rules are subject to change, so it's best to check the latest information before you travel.

Ko Samet Airport

Tourists heading to the resorts of Ko Samet arrive mainly at Pattaya airport. It is located 45 minutes away from the city of the same name, and receives domestic flights, as well as several charters from cities in Kazakhstan, Japan, and China.

Airport transfers to Ko Samet

If you've bought a tour, it probably includes transfers from the airport to the hotel. Independent travelers are more complicated, having to first get to Pattaya, take a bus from there to Ban Pe village, and then take a boat or ferry to Ko Samet.

Public transportation in Ko Samet

Public transportation is represented by songthew shuttle buses that run between beaches along the main road. A fare will cost 20-60 THB, if you hire the same car for a private ride, the cost will be higher. You can also rent a motorcycle.

Car rental in Ko Samet

Cars are not very popular on Ko Samet, so you won't be able to rent a car. Bikes and bicycles are another matter, and can be rented on any beach. However, they are overpriced, with a motorcycle costing at least 300 THB per day.

Safety on Ko Samet

Ko Samet is a tourist's paradise, and theft and other crimes are rare. But the local jungle and underwater world is dangerous, with many of its inhabitants poisonous and aggressive. Avoid touching anything with your hands.

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