Koh Samed
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- CMLilaLagoa, Portugal12 contributionsA good getaway from BangkokI would recommend this island to anyone that is staying in Bangkok and need a break from the city. It is easily accessible, as there are several buses leaving from Ekkamai bus station and they dropp you at the front of the pier. The island has scooters to rent (300 baht/day) and also several trucks that go up and down the road. However, I would suggest a short stay, no longer than 5 days, due to the ridiculous fees charged. 200 baht for 5 days, imposed fee to enter a national park and to help in the conservation. And then I see the western tourists grabbing the plastic from the beaches to maintain it clean. So, it is controversial, there is a lot of trash everywhere (brought by the sea, I am assuming), we pay 200 baht each for 5 days, and nobody (but westerns) are picking up the trash. That is what I didn't like. For everything else it is perfect.Visited January 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten January 15, 2020
- Siriwan CRanong Province, Thailand8 contributionsKoh SametWeather in Koh Samet The weather is generally good all year round. Except during the rainy season, between June and October, people rarely go here. because the weather is not good It rains a lot during the rainy monsoon season. There are very good resorts here. and comfortable bungalows in Koh Samet. And you can book from this website 100% safe and we are open 24 hours.Visited February 2021Written June 9, 2021
- asiais4mePetersham, Australia45 contributionsThis island is fabulousWe had a great 10 nights on the island. We hired a moped for 300bht a day and toured the island to many beautiful beaches and coves with crystal clear waters. Plenty of places to eat and the food was pretty good especially the Thai food. Its a bit more expensive than most places in Thailand as everything has to be shipped in but still worth a visit. Very easy to get to and only half hour on a boat to get there from the mainland.Visited January 2020Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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David
Chonburi, Thailand319 contributions
Jul 2020
We arrived on Koh Samet (Samed) on the first day of the reopening of the island (01/07/20) and the island looked and felt like it had been in lockdown for a very long time, almost everywhere needed cleaning, there was dirt everywhere, the staff at the hotel we had chosen to stay at must've only started cleaning as we got off the ferry, there was a distinct smell like something had died at the bottom of the stairs that took us up to our room. Before we boarded the ferry from the main land we drove south along the seashore, there was very many of the local people sweeping the road and beaches and it all looked good, it is a great shame that the locals on the island of Samet did not have the same enthusiasm. As an added bonus after we had got ready to go for dinner we decided to have a drink in the hotel where we was told by the hotel management the only place you could drink alcohol was our bedroom, they said this rule applied to all outlets on the island for the next month. I think the island authorities should have kept the island closed and used that month to get it ready for the tourists.
Written July 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catherine Q
Nonthaburi, Thailand46 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
It's 3 hours away from Bangkok. So.I you want to relax and enjoy the beach visit koh samed. The beach is very clean. When you arrive there you have to pay also 200 baht to environmental fee. But this island is perfect not crowded compare to other islands, the have also a lot of accomodation and restaurant in the area. You can rent motorcycle for your convenience. Also in the evening the have parties and fire dance.
Written March 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nigel R
Cheltenham, UK43 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
How things have changed for the worse. What used to be a lovely island with intimate bars and restaurants is now completely destroyed.
The masses of rude and unruly tourists is overwhelming; as a result most of the locals are now quite hostile now towards everyone.
The beaches remain beautiful but sadly that is all that remains unspoilt.
The masses of rude and unruly tourists is overwhelming; as a result most of the locals are now quite hostile now towards everyone.
The beaches remain beautiful but sadly that is all that remains unspoilt.
Written March 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cockney_fozzy
London, UK31 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Koh Samed (Samet) should not be missed, the island is very picturesque, the beaches are amazing, the food was above average and we were surprised at the reasonable prices. The island is not for party people but being a national park it is exceedingly well managed, the entrance fee 200 bhat farang 40 bhat Thai is minimal, do not lose your ticket. Motorbike rental 100 bhat/hour or 300 bhat/day includes fuel. The island is 7km long, not a lot of fuel needed.
Will surely visit again.
Will surely visit again.
Written December 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JellyBeans44
Victoria, Canada25 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
NO BICYCLES ALLOWED! Okay so I never went to Koh Samet because you are not allowed bringing your own bicycle. I'm travelling on a bicycle so thats obviously a big problem. Apparently you can rent them on the island however. Not sure why you cannot bring your own bicclycle but it has something to do with the national park. I spent my money someplace else...
Written December 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tim m
239 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
Ideal island for short breaks. Short and cheap ferry ride from mainland.
Great beach area. Plenty activities. Went on a 5 island tour and snorkelling 600baht. 12.00 till 5pm. Well worth it.
Great beach area. Plenty activities. Went on a 5 island tour and snorkelling 600baht. 12.00 till 5pm. Well worth it.
Written January 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Navalator
Ban Amphour150 contributions
Jan 2012 • Couples
If you are to believe the exaggerated claims and propagandistic hyperbole of government tourist brochures and photo-shopped resort web site pictures, Ko (“island” in Thai) Samet/Samed, just 10 kilometers off the coast of Rayong Province of the Kingdom of Thailand, is a paradise on earth.
So, skeptically convinced by the ballyhoo of a Pattaya tour agent, a group of us, all experienced world travelers, scheduled ourselves three days of intended total relaxation and reading time and ventured forth, via speed boat (45 minutes), and landed on a beach situated on the south-east choke point of the island at Ao Tian, represented by the agent as the least tourist spoiled area of the island. As the boat backed onto the beach an endless line of beer bars, massage parlors, shabby, garish and generally run-down shacks, posing a “resorts” and restaurants, greeted us.
The beach sand was as white and fine as any beach in the world and the water was sparkling green and clear. We check into our recently built “authentic” Thai style hotel (paper thin walls, the all-night activities of the adjoining room left absolutely nothing to the imagination) and started our touring of the fabled dining experiences so puffed by the guide books and brochures. After 6 meals in various ptomaine palaces we concluded that the food was universally mediocre and extraordinarily high priced. A small glass of “freshly squeezed orange juice” (80 baht or €2 Euros/$2.50) was unpretentiously poured from a Malee Brand juice container filled months earlier at the factory in Nakorn Pathom.
Fortunately, the beach scene was not all trashed up with the ubiquitous beach boys of Pattaya selling all sorts of overpriced pornographic knockoffs, fake designer sunglasses and stolen watches. Thusly, the sojourn on the beach was pleasant to say the least. Planted under some seaside trees with beach chairs sitting in the surf we whiled away the time getting reams of reading accomplished.
Nights were spent searching for the least obnoxious café (the beach front is a mass of gaudy neon lights twisted into pornographic designs and poorly constructed English promising a great meal with a “happy ending”). Embarrassingly scantily clad teen aged beauties, of all three sexes, beckoned us to patronize their “best on the beach” café with the implied offer of something more than just plain mundane food. We selected an “Old Country” Italian restaurant with tables and chairs on the beach and ordered pizza which was served, about an hour after ordering, on a soggy, flimsy and tasteless crust (300 baht!). The topping was not much better. If you wanted cheese with that it would have cost an added 6o baht. Ice for your cola would have been another 20 baht. For the “happy ending” we would have had to have gone to the massage parlor next door.
As I looked at the horrendously tourist-trashed and despoiled paradise I regretted not having the sales monopoly on fluorescent and neon lights. However, a 180° turn provided a breathtaking view of the shimmering, tranquil water of the Gulf of Siam and the hundreds of gaily lighted fishing boats on the horizon capturing tomorrow dinners.
On the third day morning our chartered speed boat arrived at the appointed minute and carried us back to the reality of the mainland and the diminishing delights of the natural world. All-in-all we were quite happy to have escaped the paradise however nervously rested we were.
To this destination, a microcosm of tourist traps around the world, we shall not return. With our knowledge and experience of travel we should have known better. This is a microcosm of the terribly unfortunate direction that natural wonder tourist targets are becoming. Tourist indifference and native greed are taking their toll on these wonderful places. Better to stay home than venture forth and be fleeced by all of this superficiality and extortion.
So, skeptically convinced by the ballyhoo of a Pattaya tour agent, a group of us, all experienced world travelers, scheduled ourselves three days of intended total relaxation and reading time and ventured forth, via speed boat (45 minutes), and landed on a beach situated on the south-east choke point of the island at Ao Tian, represented by the agent as the least tourist spoiled area of the island. As the boat backed onto the beach an endless line of beer bars, massage parlors, shabby, garish and generally run-down shacks, posing a “resorts” and restaurants, greeted us.
The beach sand was as white and fine as any beach in the world and the water was sparkling green and clear. We check into our recently built “authentic” Thai style hotel (paper thin walls, the all-night activities of the adjoining room left absolutely nothing to the imagination) and started our touring of the fabled dining experiences so puffed by the guide books and brochures. After 6 meals in various ptomaine palaces we concluded that the food was universally mediocre and extraordinarily high priced. A small glass of “freshly squeezed orange juice” (80 baht or €2 Euros/$2.50) was unpretentiously poured from a Malee Brand juice container filled months earlier at the factory in Nakorn Pathom.
Fortunately, the beach scene was not all trashed up with the ubiquitous beach boys of Pattaya selling all sorts of overpriced pornographic knockoffs, fake designer sunglasses and stolen watches. Thusly, the sojourn on the beach was pleasant to say the least. Planted under some seaside trees with beach chairs sitting in the surf we whiled away the time getting reams of reading accomplished.
Nights were spent searching for the least obnoxious café (the beach front is a mass of gaudy neon lights twisted into pornographic designs and poorly constructed English promising a great meal with a “happy ending”). Embarrassingly scantily clad teen aged beauties, of all three sexes, beckoned us to patronize their “best on the beach” café with the implied offer of something more than just plain mundane food. We selected an “Old Country” Italian restaurant with tables and chairs on the beach and ordered pizza which was served, about an hour after ordering, on a soggy, flimsy and tasteless crust (300 baht!). The topping was not much better. If you wanted cheese with that it would have cost an added 6o baht. Ice for your cola would have been another 20 baht. For the “happy ending” we would have had to have gone to the massage parlor next door.
As I looked at the horrendously tourist-trashed and despoiled paradise I regretted not having the sales monopoly on fluorescent and neon lights. However, a 180° turn provided a breathtaking view of the shimmering, tranquil water of the Gulf of Siam and the hundreds of gaily lighted fishing boats on the horizon capturing tomorrow dinners.
On the third day morning our chartered speed boat arrived at the appointed minute and carried us back to the reality of the mainland and the diminishing delights of the natural world. All-in-all we were quite happy to have escaped the paradise however nervously rested we were.
To this destination, a microcosm of tourist traps around the world, we shall not return. With our knowledge and experience of travel we should have known better. This is a microcosm of the terribly unfortunate direction that natural wonder tourist targets are becoming. Tourist indifference and native greed are taking their toll on these wonderful places. Better to stay home than venture forth and be fleeced by all of this superficiality and extortion.
Written February 3, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Federicoita
London1,504 contributions
Dec 2011 • Friends
Although I stayed here last year, this is my first review on this location.
The ferry to the Island (Koh) of Samet can be reached, if you do not have your own form of transportation, by either coach or minivan from Bangkok.
I chose to travel by coach from Ekkamai station, which is served by the BTS train. My ticket to Nuanthip Pier (there is also a Ban Phe pier) was 157 baht. On board you are provided with a bottle of cold water and a snack, usually a packet of biscuits or a soft bun. The coach will make a number of stops along the way to allow some of the locals, also using this service, to reach a number of destinations on route. The journey is approximately three and half hours depending on traffic.
The ferry return ticket cost me 100 baht. Normally, I would travel to Wong duern (Moon crescent) for 120 baht but the sea was a little rough on the day of my arrival to access the latter, which meant I alighted at Nadan Pier and from there I boarded a local taxi. They are usually green and have double digit numbers painted on the outside. I paid 40 baht. Please be aware that the fee increases considerably once dark and on one occasion I was quoted 200 baht.
Koh Samet is also a national park and you will be asked to pay an entry fee of 200 baht by the local immigration/police officers. Thai people will pay a fraction of that. To that end, I am all in favour of supporting the local economy but it is difficult to understand what the local administration does with this constant cash flow of money. By that I mean that in terms of road improvements and or better lighting or sewerage/sanitation I did not see evidence that either my 400 baht (including last year) or those of the several thousands of visitors who chose this rugged but beautiful island were invested to improve the local amenities.
I have, sadly noticed, regular evidence of this two tier paying structure for Thai national and non Thai on a number of occasions. This is something I would have understood 40 years ago while Thailand developed its economy and infrastructure. However, we are now nearly in 2012 and I wish the Thai Government discontinued this discriminatory practice aimed at foreigners and which seems to have been adopted across the board to museums, national parks and in some cases even temples (Doi Suthep now charges for example a 30 baht fee for foreigners only). Perhaps other posters may have a constructive view on the subject of pricing as I do not wish to come across as negative, which would serve little purpose.
As to the island, it enjoys several beaches (Ao) most of them tucked away into picturesque bays of various sizes. It is possible to walk between quite a number of them and from my resort in Wong duern it took less than half an hour to reach either Ao Cho or ao Tub tim to the left when looking out at sea or Ao Thai or Sang Tien the right. More adventurous travellers may choose to hire a motorbike to explore the other side of the island but please take note of what I meant earlier on, there are no roads to speak of, just dirt tracks and the latter are either not lit or very poorly lit. Therefore, unless you plan to stay on the other side, what you do to return to your base once the sun has gone down I have no idea.
The quality and beauty of the sea is very appealing with trees branches providing welcome patches of shades along the white sandy beaches. However, check for the high tide which may wash ashore unwanted debris. During my 6 day stay here, this only happened once and for the rest of my time here the sea was very calm and lovely to swim in.
Most resorts will offer breakfast but do not expect fireworks to liven up your taste buds. This is beach life and in its basic form. One interesting point that may appeal to some and it certainly did appeal to me is the number of walking food vendors who are easily recognisable by their blue sleeveless vest and they often wear a straw hat to protect them from the heat and they carry a large wicker round basket at either end. These will be ingeniously equipped with make shift barbecues from which succulent pieces of chicken will be prepared (make sure they are thoroughly cooked though) as well as corn and something looking like sausages but which contain a mixture of meat, rice and noodles. From these vendors you will also be able to get a small bag of sticky rice (Kao Niao) and most will prepare one of Thais’ favourites, Som Tam or papaya salad. Many will carry fresh fruits so you are never too far from getting a refreshing coconut drink or slices and or chunks of water melon and pineapple juice. Prices will be set with fruit going for 20 baht, sticky rice and chicken 90 baht or Som Tam 50 baht.
Most of the bays will also have floaters and dingy boats of various sizes and descriptions and nearly all resorts will provide all day uninterrupted service for food and drinks. Should you feel in need of a little massage, beds and masseuse are available under open shelters for 300 baht an hour for a traditional Thai massage. You can opt for a more expensive oil massage too but personally I do not see significant benefits for opting for this alternative. The feeling of receiving a good massage while looking at the ocean is the staff dreams are made of. Thus, if you have 300 baht to spare, you may wish to do so.
With the onset of dusk, a metamorphosis will occur with sea front resorts bringing out tables and benches on to the sand, lanterns will be lit and music will be played, the flame throwers will entertain you with their skills and that is the time when, like a beautiful lady, Koh Samet dresses up for the evening and entices you for one more dance before the day is over.
The range of various daily and freshly caught fish and sea food resting in crashed ice, in most cases priced by the Kilo, will be a big draw and enough to capture the senses before reaching your stomach. Both the display and the idea that your choice of the catch of the day may be grilled there and then before your very eyes will be extremely appealing. However, if you are not from these shores and you are used to marinades and various concoctions of garlic and herbs you may be disappointed with the final taste of your king prawns or similar other choices. Thus, lower your expectations, close your eyes and savour the local produce with little condiments other than salt, pepper and some chilli sauce.
Also bear in mind that wine in Thailand is expensive and unless you are not minded to be careful with your hard earned money, you may wish to compare whether your coins will buy, like for like, more beer than wine. Water, juices and other soft drinks are available too and they are not too expensive. I absolutely love Water melon shake (Dang Mor Pan) reasonably priced at 80 baht. In the same vein a bag of little cashew or similar nuts to go with your drink will set you back only 20 baht.
As to my choice of stay, last year I had enjoyed a week in Wong duern Samet Cabana Resort. I would have liked to try the resort of Tub Tim this year but despite trying to book 6 months before it was already full. Therefore, I returned to the same resort, which by the way is very conveniently located, clean and its personnel both friendly and helpful. One observation, which applies not just to this resort but also to most of the ones I revisited as part of my long daily walks is that I could not understand the reason as to why they do not prevent their attractive decks, woodwork, tables and chairs to become run down by applying some protective paint from season to season. It was either that they never stopped working or they simply did not include a general maintenance programme in their routine and I suspect it was the latter as there were sufficient staff on duty for this not to be missed. Mind you some of the resorts look great but they were exceptions rather than the norm.
In summary, if you are looking for a semi rustic holiday where you can chose your own spot by walking from bay to bay, have a simple lunch of grilled chicken and sticky rice with papaya salad or you simply wish to stay put and roast until you sizzle under the tropical sun and from time to time dip into turquoise warm waters and let your senses be lulled by the bliss of a beach life and finally find yourself cajoled by a romantic evening dinner on the beach then Koh Samet will be for you.
Would I come back to Koh Samet? Despite some of the misgivings outlined above, this remains an easy to reach destination from Bangkok. My main concern is that as prices continue to increase the quality of amenities and customer service does not appear to match what you are being asked to pay for and the welcoming Thai smile may soon not be enough with the amazing offers now available in Greece for example. The price for my attractive and ocean facing hat was 3,600 baht per night. Compare that to the 2,400 baht I pay for high end quality lodgings in Bangkok or the 1,980 baht for the Holiday Inn in Chiang Mai and you will notice there is a big difference for lesser comfort but alas this is what you pay for the pleasure of waking up looking at the ocean and to fall asleep at night lulled by tales of sailors and mermaids brought to shore by the sea waves.
Giorgio Federico
The ferry to the Island (Koh) of Samet can be reached, if you do not have your own form of transportation, by either coach or minivan from Bangkok.
I chose to travel by coach from Ekkamai station, which is served by the BTS train. My ticket to Nuanthip Pier (there is also a Ban Phe pier) was 157 baht. On board you are provided with a bottle of cold water and a snack, usually a packet of biscuits or a soft bun. The coach will make a number of stops along the way to allow some of the locals, also using this service, to reach a number of destinations on route. The journey is approximately three and half hours depending on traffic.
The ferry return ticket cost me 100 baht. Normally, I would travel to Wong duern (Moon crescent) for 120 baht but the sea was a little rough on the day of my arrival to access the latter, which meant I alighted at Nadan Pier and from there I boarded a local taxi. They are usually green and have double digit numbers painted on the outside. I paid 40 baht. Please be aware that the fee increases considerably once dark and on one occasion I was quoted 200 baht.
Koh Samet is also a national park and you will be asked to pay an entry fee of 200 baht by the local immigration/police officers. Thai people will pay a fraction of that. To that end, I am all in favour of supporting the local economy but it is difficult to understand what the local administration does with this constant cash flow of money. By that I mean that in terms of road improvements and or better lighting or sewerage/sanitation I did not see evidence that either my 400 baht (including last year) or those of the several thousands of visitors who chose this rugged but beautiful island were invested to improve the local amenities.
I have, sadly noticed, regular evidence of this two tier paying structure for Thai national and non Thai on a number of occasions. This is something I would have understood 40 years ago while Thailand developed its economy and infrastructure. However, we are now nearly in 2012 and I wish the Thai Government discontinued this discriminatory practice aimed at foreigners and which seems to have been adopted across the board to museums, national parks and in some cases even temples (Doi Suthep now charges for example a 30 baht fee for foreigners only). Perhaps other posters may have a constructive view on the subject of pricing as I do not wish to come across as negative, which would serve little purpose.
As to the island, it enjoys several beaches (Ao) most of them tucked away into picturesque bays of various sizes. It is possible to walk between quite a number of them and from my resort in Wong duern it took less than half an hour to reach either Ao Cho or ao Tub tim to the left when looking out at sea or Ao Thai or Sang Tien the right. More adventurous travellers may choose to hire a motorbike to explore the other side of the island but please take note of what I meant earlier on, there are no roads to speak of, just dirt tracks and the latter are either not lit or very poorly lit. Therefore, unless you plan to stay on the other side, what you do to return to your base once the sun has gone down I have no idea.
The quality and beauty of the sea is very appealing with trees branches providing welcome patches of shades along the white sandy beaches. However, check for the high tide which may wash ashore unwanted debris. During my 6 day stay here, this only happened once and for the rest of my time here the sea was very calm and lovely to swim in.
Most resorts will offer breakfast but do not expect fireworks to liven up your taste buds. This is beach life and in its basic form. One interesting point that may appeal to some and it certainly did appeal to me is the number of walking food vendors who are easily recognisable by their blue sleeveless vest and they often wear a straw hat to protect them from the heat and they carry a large wicker round basket at either end. These will be ingeniously equipped with make shift barbecues from which succulent pieces of chicken will be prepared (make sure they are thoroughly cooked though) as well as corn and something looking like sausages but which contain a mixture of meat, rice and noodles. From these vendors you will also be able to get a small bag of sticky rice (Kao Niao) and most will prepare one of Thais’ favourites, Som Tam or papaya salad. Many will carry fresh fruits so you are never too far from getting a refreshing coconut drink or slices and or chunks of water melon and pineapple juice. Prices will be set with fruit going for 20 baht, sticky rice and chicken 90 baht or Som Tam 50 baht.
Most of the bays will also have floaters and dingy boats of various sizes and descriptions and nearly all resorts will provide all day uninterrupted service for food and drinks. Should you feel in need of a little massage, beds and masseuse are available under open shelters for 300 baht an hour for a traditional Thai massage. You can opt for a more expensive oil massage too but personally I do not see significant benefits for opting for this alternative. The feeling of receiving a good massage while looking at the ocean is the staff dreams are made of. Thus, if you have 300 baht to spare, you may wish to do so.
With the onset of dusk, a metamorphosis will occur with sea front resorts bringing out tables and benches on to the sand, lanterns will be lit and music will be played, the flame throwers will entertain you with their skills and that is the time when, like a beautiful lady, Koh Samet dresses up for the evening and entices you for one more dance before the day is over.
The range of various daily and freshly caught fish and sea food resting in crashed ice, in most cases priced by the Kilo, will be a big draw and enough to capture the senses before reaching your stomach. Both the display and the idea that your choice of the catch of the day may be grilled there and then before your very eyes will be extremely appealing. However, if you are not from these shores and you are used to marinades and various concoctions of garlic and herbs you may be disappointed with the final taste of your king prawns or similar other choices. Thus, lower your expectations, close your eyes and savour the local produce with little condiments other than salt, pepper and some chilli sauce.
Also bear in mind that wine in Thailand is expensive and unless you are not minded to be careful with your hard earned money, you may wish to compare whether your coins will buy, like for like, more beer than wine. Water, juices and other soft drinks are available too and they are not too expensive. I absolutely love Water melon shake (Dang Mor Pan) reasonably priced at 80 baht. In the same vein a bag of little cashew or similar nuts to go with your drink will set you back only 20 baht.
As to my choice of stay, last year I had enjoyed a week in Wong duern Samet Cabana Resort. I would have liked to try the resort of Tub Tim this year but despite trying to book 6 months before it was already full. Therefore, I returned to the same resort, which by the way is very conveniently located, clean and its personnel both friendly and helpful. One observation, which applies not just to this resort but also to most of the ones I revisited as part of my long daily walks is that I could not understand the reason as to why they do not prevent their attractive decks, woodwork, tables and chairs to become run down by applying some protective paint from season to season. It was either that they never stopped working or they simply did not include a general maintenance programme in their routine and I suspect it was the latter as there were sufficient staff on duty for this not to be missed. Mind you some of the resorts look great but they were exceptions rather than the norm.
In summary, if you are looking for a semi rustic holiday where you can chose your own spot by walking from bay to bay, have a simple lunch of grilled chicken and sticky rice with papaya salad or you simply wish to stay put and roast until you sizzle under the tropical sun and from time to time dip into turquoise warm waters and let your senses be lulled by the bliss of a beach life and finally find yourself cajoled by a romantic evening dinner on the beach then Koh Samet will be for you.
Would I come back to Koh Samet? Despite some of the misgivings outlined above, this remains an easy to reach destination from Bangkok. My main concern is that as prices continue to increase the quality of amenities and customer service does not appear to match what you are being asked to pay for and the welcoming Thai smile may soon not be enough with the amazing offers now available in Greece for example. The price for my attractive and ocean facing hat was 3,600 baht per night. Compare that to the 2,400 baht I pay for high end quality lodgings in Bangkok or the 1,980 baht for the Holiday Inn in Chiang Mai and you will notice there is a big difference for lesser comfort but alas this is what you pay for the pleasure of waking up looking at the ocean and to fall asleep at night lulled by tales of sailors and mermaids brought to shore by the sea waves.
Giorgio Federico
Written December 22, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma775
Padua, Italy132 contributions
Aug 2014 • Friends
Do not go to Koh Samed! The island is dirty and neglected, there is garbage and it stinks everywhere, shacks along the streets, dilapidated buildings, potholed roads. The beaches are nice enough, but to get there you have to walk the streets full of garbage and foul smells. The drains go directly into the sea and the water is often oily. There are much better places to spend the holidays. It claims to have a park. When a park employee I pointed out the negative aspects he told me that the fault lies with the foreign tourists who throw garbage everywhere ...
Written August 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hannesontrip
Copenhagen, Denmark78 contributions
Aug 2018 • Friends
beautiful beach and you wonder why it is empty and nobody takes a bath? The reason, which no one bothers to tell you, are sandflies, which will attack you in masses as soon as you get your cloths off, suck your blood and leave stains that last for weeks. You might decide to escape into the water. Worse. First be aware that the ground is full of gigantic sea urgings and I have seen children who got really seriously hurt by them. If you manage to escape those, you will soon realise some strange stinging and itching all over your body. Google it and the explanation are sea lices They typically pop up in polluted water close to shrimp farms and industries, which is exactly the case of Koh Samed. The rest of your holiday you can stay in your air-conditioned hotel room, scratch your wounds and watch the ants slowly carrying away the contents of your suitcase
Written August 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveller 🧳 932
Los Angeles, CA2 contributions
How long does it takes Pattaya to Koh Samed
Rahul M
Bangkok, Thailand
2:30 hrs
Can you book a celebrant for a weeding on Koh Samed? Any contact details ?
elleNorthWalesUk
Denpasar, Indonesia1 contribution
Do not go to koh Samed ,it's a rubbish dump I have been here one night and wanted to escape as soon as I arrived .covered in army charges for everything food a rip off .PLEASE for wedding go somewhere else. There are nice places my advice GO TO BALI . This place is HELL .
Trevryanadventures
Melbourne, Australia738 contributions
Hey Glenn,
Great report mate,, I've just came back and had three days on Koh Samed this was my second time here. I love it :)I had a question how did you get a option to put pictures on your review?
I'm glad you enjoyed your time there,, Don't forget to explore Pattaya, it's not all about walking street lol
Happy travels :)
Hello! I wonder if there is any beauty salon on the island? For nails, feets and hair? Thank you!
truecockney
31 contributions
hi
there are women that come along the beach that can do your nails etc also there are lots of massage on the beach too.
There is a beauty parlour as you get off the ferry and walk through the park to the beach.
René B
Zwolle, The Netherlands
Hello,
Is is possible to go into the room before 12:00 AM? We arrive with two kids early in the morning...
Best regards,
René
Matt
Manchester, UK19 contributions
Can I bring food and drinks into the hotel from outside?
Are there safe deposit boxes in the rooms?
Do they service English breakfast (eggs, bacon, toast. beans etc)?
Martin G
13 contributions
You can eat or drink anything.you like in your room. I've not seen any safety deposit boxes in any of the places I have stayed, that doesn't mean there aren't any. Yes you can find western cooked breakfast in some places.
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Claim your listingKoh Samed (Rayong Province) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Koh Samed
- Hotels near Koh Samed:
- (0.02 mi) Bar & Bed Sleepless
- (0.12 mi) Baan Ploy Sea
- (0.04 mi) Samed Hideaway Resort
- (0.66 mi) Le Vimarn Cottages & Spa
- (0.23 mi) Samed Cliff Resort
- Restaurants near Koh Samed:
- (0.13 mi) Baan Ploy Samed Restaurant
- (0.75 mi) Banana Bar
- (0.33 mi) Juliet Coffee
- (0.92 mi) Samed Villa Restaurant
- (0.73 mi) The Canteen Koh Samet
- Attractions near Koh Samed:
- (0.63 mi) Ao Prao Beach
- (0.63 mi) Olly's Bar
- (0.54 mi) Nadan Pier
- (0.91 mi) Sai Kaew Beach
- (0.74 mi) Island Bar
Koh Samed Information
| Excellent Reviews | 191 |
|---|---|
| Very Good Reviews | 212 |
| Koh Samed Photos | 814 |



















































































