Rainy season
Rain is heaviest in September and October. Depressions from the South China Sea may affect the Gulf of Thailand, and May can bring stronger waves and winds.
Koh Samet Guide
Koh Samet travel information guide
Seasons, beaches, viewpoints, island activities, tours, local transport fares and national park fees.
ฤดูกาลและสภาพอากาศ
Seasons & Weather
Koh Samet has a tropical monsoon climate and can be visited through most of the year. The most recommended period is November to April, when the sea is generally clearer, waves are calmer and outdoor conditions are favorable.
Cool season
Northeast monsoon winds bring cooler conditions to eastern Thailand, although temperatures remain mild because of the maritime influence.
Hot season
Skies are often clear and conditions suit water activities. Southerly and southeasterly winds make this a popular beach-holiday period.
Recommended periodNovember to April is generally the best period for clearer water, calmer waves and outdoor activities.
หาดและอ่าวรอบเกาะ
Beaches & Bays
Koh Samet has more than 15 beaches and bays, each with a different atmosphere—from lively shores with restaurants and activities to quiet coves suited to nature and relaxation.
Sai Kaew Beachหาดทรายแก้ว
Fine white sand, a broad beachfront and the island’s liveliest atmosphere, with resorts, restaurants, water sports, pubs and bars. Best for travelers who enjoy activity and nightlife.
Lung Jep Beachหาดลุงเจี๊ยบ
A more private beach between Sai Kaew and Ao Phai, within easy walking reach of both. White sand, a broad shore and shade from trees make it good for swimming and sunbathing.
Ao Phaiอ่าวไผ่
A compact bay next to Sai Kaew. The water is very clear and the setting is quieter, suitable for relaxing, reading and budget-conscious stays.
Ao Phutsa – Ao Thapthimอ่าวพุทรา – อ่าวทับทิม
A small beach about 200 metres from Ao Phai. It is relatively quiet, with only a few small resorts; the shore is narrow but enjoyable for swimming.
Ao Wong Duenอ่าววงเดือน (อ่าวคอก)
A crescent-shaped bay with roughly 500 metres of white sand and a gentle slope, ideal for water activities, with many accommodation, dining and bar options.
Ao Choอ่าวช่อ (อ่าวลุงหวัง)
Fine white sand and a famous wooden pier extending into the sea. Romantic and photogenic, about a 100-metre walk from Ao Wong Duen.
Ao Nuanอ่าวนวล
A tiny, simple beach with limited facilities, shell fragments and rocks. Swim carefully. It suits travelers seeking a very quiet atmosphere.
Ao Sang Thianอ่าวแสงเทียน (อ่าวเทียน)
A peaceful, natural beach with fewer crowds, clean shore and clear water. Sandy and rocky areas make it suitable for fishing, snorkeling and enjoying the view.
Ao Lung Damอ่าวลุงดำ
Next to Ao Sang Thian, quiet and private, with fine sand and a photo-friendly pier. Accommodation is affordable, though facilities may be basic.
Ao Waiอ่าวหวาย
Farther from the northern end of the island, with fewer visitors and a natural feel. One resort gives it a private-beach atmosphere; good for groups and kayaking.
Ao Kiu Na Nai / Na Nokอ่าวกิ่ว (หน้าใน / หน้านอก)
Spans the eastern and western sides, offering attractive beaches, sunset views and shallow-water snorkeling. Access depends on your accommodation area by boat or songthaew.
Ao Karangอ่าวกะรัง
At the island’s southern tip, with many rocks. Better for kayaking, snorkeling, coral viewing and seasonal fishing than long beach walks; a fine sunset viewpoint is nearby.
Ao Phraoอ่าวพร้าว
One of the island’s two west-coast beaches. Calm, private and home to a small number of upscale resorts; good for kayaking, sailing and sunsets.
Ao Noi Naอ่าวน้อยหน่า
Close to Na Dan Pier and convenient to reach, yet fairly peaceful. Suitable for swimming and relaxed beach time, with several accommodation choices.
Ao Luk Yonอ่าวลูกโยน
A quiet white-sand beach by the national park office, with camping space and well-preserved nature. There are no restaurants directly on the beach.
Ao Khamอ่าวขาม
A very small, isolated beach north of Ao Phrao, inaccessible by road and without resorts or shops. Usually reached on a tour stop or by kayak.
＋ Other beaches and bays: Ao Klang · Hin Khong Beach · Ao Pakarang (shallow coral reef for snorkeling)
จุดชมวิว
Viewpoints
The island’s key viewpoints are best visited in the late afternoon when the sun is softer. A motorbike is convenient, but take care on curves and steep roads.
Sunset viewpoint
Between Ao Lung Dam and Ao Wai, about 2.6 km from the central resort area. Visit in the evening for colorful sky and sea views.
Southern-end viewpoints
There are viewpoints on both the west and east sides, about a 10-minute walk apart and roughly 4.8 km from the central area. Enjoy both sunrise and sunset perspectives.
กิจกรรมบนเกาะ
Things to Do
Choose activities according to sea conditions and your interests, from snorkeling and paddling to live music and evening fire shows.
Snorkeling
A Koh Samet highlight, with clear water and several broad shallow-reef areas around the island.
Kayaking
Paddle along the coast and enjoy the scenery while getting some gentle exercise.
Stand-up paddleboarding
A long board and paddle activity best enjoyed when the water is relatively calm.
Surfing
Some periods bring waves strong enough for board surfing in suitable areas.
Squid fishing & fresh sashimi
Head out at sea, fish for squid and enjoy fresh squid on board when available.
Live music & fire shows
Many restaurants and resorts feature live music and fire-spinning performances.
Jet skiing
Available from operators at selected active beaches; follow local safety guidance.
Motorbike island tour
Rent a motorbike to connect beaches and viewpoints, and ride carefully on curves and hills.
โปรแกรมทัวร์ดำน้ำและตกหมึก
Snorkel & Squid-Fishing Tours
Popular sample itineraries for visiting nearby islands, snorkeling around reefs and joining an evening squid-fishing trip.
6-island snorkeling tour
Meet at Na Dan Pier and board by noon. The trip combines snorkeling, beach time, sunbathing and viewpoints—ideal for seeing major highlights in one day.
Koh Khang Khao → Koh Kudi → Koh Kruai → Koh Kham → Koh Plai Tin → Koh Talu
5-island snorkeling tour
Similar to the 6-island program but without Koh Talu, one of the main highlights. Suited to travelers with only half a day.
A route similar to the 6-island tour, excluding Koh Talu
Squid-fishing tour
Join a large wooden boat in the evening and learn basic squid-fishing techniques while experiencing the sea at night.
Departure point and route depend on the operator
Several tour companies operate similar programs. Routes, prices and departure times may change, so reconfirm all details with the operator before booking.
ค่ารถสองแถวบนเกาะ
Songthaew Fares on Koh Samet
Reference fares for island songthaews, shown as per-person and private-charter prices. Confirm the current fare with the driver before departure.
| Destination | Per person | Private charter |
|---|---|---|
| Sai Kaew Beach | 20 ฿ | 150 ฿ |
| Ao Noi Na | 30 ฿ | 300 ฿ |
| Pier | 30 ฿ | 200 ฿ |
| Ao Thapthim | 20 ฿ | 150 ฿ |
| Ao Phrao | 30 ฿ | 200 ฿ |
| Ao Wong Duen | 20 ฿ | 200 ฿ |
| Ao Sang Thian | 30 ฿ | 250 ฿ |
| Ao Wai | 40 ฿ | 350 ฿ |
| Ao Kiu | 40 ฿ | 400 ฿ |
| Ao Pakarang | 50 ฿ | 450 ฿ |
| Round the island | 1,000 ฿ | 2,000 ฿ |
These are reference prices from the 2025 revised guide and may change. Agree on the fare with the driver before departure.
ค่าธรรมเนียมเข้าอุทยานฯ
National Park Entrance Fee
Entrance fees for Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park for Thai and international visitors.
ⓘ Adapted from the “Koh Samet Tourist Information Guide”, revised in 2025. Prices, timetables, tour programs and fees may change; verify current information with the relevant operator or authority.