An island idyll, Ko Samet bobs in the sea with a whole lot of scenery: small sandy coves bathed by clear aquamarine water. You’ll have to share all this prettiness with other beach lovers as it’s an easy weekend escape from Bangkok as well as a major package-tour destination. But considering its proximity and popularity, Ko Samet is surprisingly underdeveloped with a thick jungle interior crouching beside the low-rise hotels. Most beachfront buildings adhere to the government set-back regulations and are discreetly tucked behind the tree line. There are no high-rises or traffic jams (the interior road still isn’t paved) and most beach-hopping is done the old-fashioned way, by foot along wooded trails skirting the coastline.

Activities

Windsurfing
With its rocky coastline and offshore winds, Hin Khrong beach is a good location for windsurfing.


Snorkeling / Diving
The Ko Samet area is a popular for divers and snorkelers due its close proximity to Bangkok and abundance of clear water, colorful coral and diversity of marine life such as: turtles, tiger sharks and manta rays. Two of the most favoured locations for diving around Ko Samet are Ko Thalu and Ko Kut. Tourists can take a tour around the island and go snorkeling off the rocky uninhabited western side, or around the reefs at the southern tip. Scuba diving excursions can be arranged at Vong Duang.


Volleyball / Frisbee
Tourists enjoy playing volleyball and Frisbee on the beach.

Fishing
Night fishing trips for squid are usually arranged.


Boat Trips
These are arranged to take tourists (either by slow boat or speedboat) around the island to snorkeling and diving spots.

Massage
On the beach there are countless masseurs offering their massage service. Off the beach on the main roads are massage shops.