Ko Samet, situated in the Rayong province of Thailand, has emerged as a preferred getaway for Bangkok residents and travelers looking to escape the country's busier tourist circuits. Accessible from the capital via a four-hour journey combining car and ferry, the island stands out for preserving an authentic atmosphere that other popular destinations appear to have lost. Unlike its neighbors in the Gulf of Thailand, such as Ko Samui or Ko Panghan, Ko Samet maintains quiet beaches and local restaurants, offering visitors the sensation of being in a place few have reached.
As part of the Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park, entry requires paying a small fee. Once on the island, renting a motorcycle is highly recommended to navigate freely, despite warnings from some rental agents about the lack of police enforcement. Given the island's small size, having two wheels allows visitors to move between beaches without waiting for the shared songthaew trucks that serve as public transport. This mobility is essential because moving from beach to beach is essentially the primary activity available on Ko Samet.
The destination is particularly well-suited for digital nomads seeking a break to swim or for travelers whose sole objective is to disconnect after days of visiting temples and navigating bustling markets. The island's charm lies in its refusal to become a trendy hotspot, even though its beaches rival those found on standard tourist itineraries. Additionally, its sheltered location makes it a viable option during the rainy season.
Na Dan serves as the island's only population center, consisting of just four streets extending from the port. This area features local restaurants with a more authentic ambiance than those found elsewhere, alongside a street market space. While less chaotic than Bangkok's markets, it offers fresh grilled fish and happy hour options at nearby bars. Walking along the main street parallel to Hat Sai Kaew beach, visitors can view the island's only monument: a statue of The Little Mermaid. This sculpture references the famous Thai poem "Phra Aphai Mani," which tells the story of an exiled prince rescued by a mermaid after being captured by a sea witch.
On the western side, nestled among mangroves, lies Ao Prao, also known as Coconut Beach. It is the only beach in that area and offers sunset views from hammacas at three sophisticated hotels that dominate the shoreline. Heading south along the eastern side from the village reveals a series of beaches best explored by motorcycle. Travelers are advised to choose one beach as their base for accommodation before exploring the others.
For those seeking tranquility with dining options close to Na Dan, Ao Wong Duean is an ideal choice. This wide, flat bay hosts several hotels with bungalow-style rooms and unmassified restaurants serving local flavors. The area remains quiet, free from noisy bars, making it perfect for remote work or relaxation. Above Wong Duean, separated by a rocky hill, is Ao Phutsa, also known as Tubtim. Featuring fine white sand and clear water, this beach has only one kiosk and a restaurant named after the location. Its wooden aesthetic evokes past eras, and its seafood menu makes it a standout dining destination.
Traveling south on the island's single road offers several viewpoints. While the interior jungle trekking paths are somewhat neglected, continuing by motorcycle to the island's end leads to the Laem Toei boardwalk. This structure winds along cliffs, providing incredible views and a feeling of being at the edge of the world. Before reaching this point, Ao Wai beach is worth a stop. Access requires leaving the motorcycle on the road and walking past a somewhat dilapidated resort to reach a more open, wilder beach surrounded entirely by nature. This landscape exemplifies the beaches found throughout the national park, which can also be explored via boat excursions visiting five additional islands for snorkeling.
Regardless of which beach visitors choose for dinner, they can witness a nightly spectacle where performers create concentric circles with torches, appearing to emerge from the sea. These elements confirm that Ko Samet functions best when visited without a rigid tourism agenda. The island is most enjoyed by those whose only concerns are deciding where to swim and where to eat good fish.
Sources: La Vanguardia.