Ao Thian

Ao Thian, also known as Candlelight Beach, is a small secluded bay on the eastern coast of Ko Samet in Phe Subdistrict, Mueang Rayong District, Rayong Province, Thailand. Located within Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park, it is known for its curved sandy shoreline interspersed with rocks, clear turquoise water and quiet atmosphere. The beach is lined with low-rise resorts and offers swimming, snorkeling and sunset views away from the island's busier northern beaches.

Visitors can expect a quiet, relatively undeveloped beach with a mix of sand and rocky outcrops, clear shallow water and fringing rocks suitable for snorkeling. The bay is lined with small resorts, beach restaurants and sun loungers, with a relaxed atmosphere compared to Hat Sai Kaew. Areas to explore include the main sandy stretch, rocky headlands at both ends of the bay, and shallow reef areas close to shore. No large commercial developments or nightlife.

Part of Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park, established on 1 October 1981 to protect the coastal and island ecosystems of Rayong. Ko Samet was traditionally a fishing area and became developed for tourism from the 1980s after national park designation.

Ko Samet is culturally associated with the classic Thai epic Phra Aphai Mani by poet Sunthorn Phu, whose story is set on the island and commemorated in local sculpture and place names.