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Koh Samet Island
Less than seven kms off the coast of Rayong Province in the eastern Gulf of Thailand, the island combines the allure of a tropical paradise with reasonable proximity to Bangkok and Pattaya.
Ko Samet has been known as a safe anchorage for sailors since at least the 13th century and in the 19th century its sheer beauty was the inspiration for the literary masterpiece of Thailand's most famous romantic poet, Sunthorn Phu. In the 1970's it was 'discovered' by Thai teenagers and young couples seeking a weekend retreat from life in Bangkok. In spite of its protected status as part of the Khao Laem Ya - Samet National Marine Park the island has developed into a resort destination much loved by both Thais and foreigners. More than a dozen coves and beaches provide visitors a range of choices from campsites on secluded, deserted beaches to bungalows with all the modern conveniences in more settled and gregarious communities.
The rainy season is limited to the May to July period. Ko Samet gets significantly less rainfall than Rayong Province, even though it is only a few km offshore. Koh Samet, with its micro-climate (the driest archipelago in Thailand) can be visited all the year through. Even in rainy season, Koh Samet has substantially less rain than the other islands in Thailand.
The beaches on the northeast of the island are beautiful and better developed. As you move south down the east coast the coves and bays become less congested, though no less beautiful. The beaches on the southeast coast are the least developed and least visited. The west coast is rocky but does have one very secluded beach Ao Prao (Paradise Beach) with bungalow resort and a nice view of the sunset.
Ko Samet and the minuscule islands nearby are surrounded by coral formations in shallow water which make for enjoyable snorkeling. Other water sports, including sailing, parasailing, skiing, and fishing can be arranged at a number of resorts.
From its earlier days as a peaceful and inspirational gateway for numerous artists who retreated there to capture the island's natural beauty on canvas, Ko Samet now increasingly attracts the everyday Bangkokian resident and tourist .
The secluded bays with their glistening white sand which squelches underfoot like freshly fallen snow are still to be found dotted along the island's east coast, continuing to be the main drawcard for visitors, while the hilly interior offers a tropical jungle experience - home to exotic wildlife such as monkeys, numerous species of birds, squirrels and snakes.
The best examples of coral reefs are sited off the island's southern tip and in some places along the eastern coastline near Vong Deuang Beach, one of the more popular beaches. Several establishments on Vong Duang offer scuba diving excursions to these attractive marine sports.
Ko Samet was incorporated as part of the Khao Laem Ya National Park in 1981, a move which has helped to protect it's natural assets, which are after all the basis of the island's growing appeal as a popular tourist destination. Vegetation and other plant life has been able to firmly establish itself and visitors can appreciate the healthy bush growth around the beaches as well as the denser, jungle-like growth of the interior. Among the older trees to be found inland is the samet tree, treasured for its high quality of boatbuilding timber.
Ko Samet is essentially and island gateway, ideal for those who simply want to relax and forget the rest of the world for a while.
Koh Samet Island is located at the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand in the province of Rayong, about 200 km from Bangkok. The Island is about 7 km long, and has a width of 3 km. It is about 6 km off the coast of a small fishermen's village called Ban Phe. In Ban Phe, there are the piers for all ferry boats to Koh Samet. The trip by boat from Ban Phe takes about 40 minutes to the island.
October 1, 1981, the Forestry Department proclaimed the Khao Laem Ya / Samet Island Group a national park which also includes the islands of Kudi, Kruai, Kham and Plai Tin.
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