Administered under the Rayong province, Koh Samad is a small island – just 6 km, but is one of the more popular resort islands with both locals and tourists alike. As a part of the Khao Laem National Park since 1981, the island seems to attract those looking for all variety of nighttime entertainment coupled with the odd quiet evening on the beach.
Location
It takes little more than an hour to get to the little port of Ban Phe from Pattaya, about two-and-a-half hours from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport, and then another 20-30 minutes by ground transfer depending on the beach.
Beach Vacations
Variety is the spice of life, and that is certainly the case with the beaches here, ranging in terms of size, degree of privacy, and level of infrastructure level, with one thing remaining constant – their quality, cleanliness, and beautiful sand.
The most developed tourist areas on the island are the north and east coasts where the majority of hotels, bungalows, and hotel complexes are located. The popular Hat Sai Kaew Beach provides its own entertainment complex, while windsurfing, sailing, and water skiing are options on quieter beaches such as Ao Phai and Ao Wong Duan. Ao Noi Na is rightly called the most romantic beach on the island thanks to impeccable views and pristine natural surroundings. Equipped with bungalows and an alternative wellness center, the secluded Ao Prao Beach can be found on the rocky west coast of Koh Samed.
Entertainment and Activities
Tourists can choose from snorkeling, windsurfing, parasailing, quad biking, and mountain biking as options during the day. Just keep your eyes open for different species of monkeys and tropical butterflies which tend to remain overhead in the dozens, despite the diminutive size of the island.
Prices
Although Koh Samad is a part of the Rayong province, not unlike any Thai island, the prices here are higher than the same things, such as hotels, found on the more reasonably-priced mainland. Despite this, house rentals are still quite reasonable, along with seafood restaurants, which, when compared with the same options in Pattaya for example, are better priced on Koh Samed.
Facilities and Services
There is a good variety of hotels, cafés, and restaurants to be found on the island.
Please note:
high season on Koh Samed lasts from November to February and from June to August, making it difficult to find available housing during this time, especially on the weekend. Additionally, many hotels do not accept pre-bookings.
Daytrippers to the mainland should beware that while boats and ferries are scheduled to depart and return at 08.00 and 17.00 respectively, the schedule is liable to change without notice.