Koh Samet Holidays

Where is Koh Samet?
The island of Koh Samet is in the north-east corner of the Gulf of Thailand, offshore from Rayon to the south of Pattaya. Its proximity to Bangkok – it’s a three-hour drive from the airport, plus 45 minutes by speedboat – makes it an ideal getaway for those who want a mix of city bustle and seaside calm without catching another flight.

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Beaches
Despite its small size, Koh Samet offers a range of stunning beaches, each with its own atmosphere. In the north-east closest to the mainland, Sai Kaew is the busiest, especially at weekends; backed by large resorts, it has a buzzing dining scene and plenty of watersports. South of here, Ao Phai’s tree-shaded white sand hosts a few low-key beach bars; its turquoise waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Ao Wai is another haven for quiet dips in the sparkling sea, and its gentle slope makes it family-friendly, while Ao Kiew is a glorious undeveloped sweep of sand. For sunset views and a sophisticated ambience, the west-coast Ao Phrao has swaying palms, powdery sand and a handful of stylish facilities.

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Island adventures
The scattering of smaller islands a speedboat ride away offers excellent options for snorkelling, swimming or lazing on deserted beaches. Organised trips tend to focus on three of these: Koh Kudi, Koh Talu and Koh Mun Nai. Tiny Koh Talu, known for its curious rock formations and population of flying foxes, is ringed by coral and pristine beaches; Koh Kudi is also a great spot to sunbathe between snorkelling sessions; while Koh Mun Nai has a sea turtle sanctuary to go with its coves and reefs. With a private charter, you can also reach places such as Koh Mun Klang, a tranquil wooded island where the loudest sound on the beach is birdsong.

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