About Ko Samet
Ko Samet is a small coastal island in the Gulf of Thailand, about 6 km off the coast of Ban Phe in Rayong Province. Part of Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park since 1981, it is known for its white sandy beaches, clear water and compact size. The island is a popular weekend getaway from Bangkok, offering beaches, viewpoints and easy ferry access.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a compact island about 13 sq km with white sandy beaches on the east coast and quieter bays on the west. The interior is forested national park land with roads and trails connecting beaches. Facilities include resorts, guesthouses, restaurants, shops and piers at Na Dan and Ao Wong Duean. Beaches such as Hat Sai Kaew and Ao Phrao offer swimming, sunbathing and water activities, while viewpoints and short trails provide coastal scenery.
Key highlights
- 01
Hat Sai Kaew (Diamond Beach) - longest and most popular white sand beach on the east coast
- 02
Part of Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park with protected forest and marine areas
- 03
Ao Phrao - quiet sunset beach on the west coast
- 04
Clear water for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking around nearby islets
- 05
Mermaid statue and Phra Aphai Mani sculpture linked to poet Sunthorn Phu
- 06
Viewpoints at the southern tip such as Laem Kut and Ao Wai
History of Ko Samet
Ko Samet and surrounding islands were designated as Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park in 1981 under the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. The island is historically associated with the early 19th-century Thai poet Sunthorn Phu, who set parts of his epic Phra Aphai Mani on the island and nearby waters.
Culture & Context
The island holds cultural significance through its association with Sunthorn Phu, one of Thailand's most revered poets, with statues of characters from Phra Aphai Mani on Hat Sai Kaew. It is a long-standing recreational and coastal cultural destination for Thai visitors.
Route
| By air |
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