General
Koh Samet is not overly renowned for its parties (unlike Koh Pha Ngan) or its diving (unlike Koh Tao), but it has both convenience and quietness in its favor. It's a popular tourist destination for Thais as well as foreigners for its proximity to Bangkok.
Most of Koh Samet, including all of the good parts, is part of Khao Laem Ya and Mu Koh Samet National Park and has an entry fee. Thais pay 40 baht, foreigners 400 baht - a classic example of Thai dual pricing. If your ferry arrives at the main pier and you take a songthaew to the beaches, there will be a stop at the main ticket checkpoint.
If your ferry arrives at one of the beaches, an officer will collect the fee as you step out of the surf. Note that there is plenty of foot traffic in and out of the park to the 7-Eleven, ATM or other shops and restaurants and if you have no bags you can nonchalantly walk into the park without anyone checking your ticket. There is a road via the temple which avoids the checkpoint entirely.
Past of Koh Samet
Sparkling white sand and cliffs rising from an azure sea...the archipelago of Samet Island is the setting that inspired classical Thai poet, Sunthorn Phu, to write his most famous epics: Phra Aphai Manee, a story of princes, sages, mermaids and giants. That was 150 years ago, and today you can still enjoy the magical qualities of Samet and surrounding areas.
In 1981, the Royal Forest Department declared the archipelago of Samet, the headland of Khao Laem Ya, and 11 kilometer Mae Rampeung Beach to be a National Park. Located 200 kilometers southeast of Bangkok in Rayong Province, Khao Laem Ya - Mu Koh Samet National Park covers 131 square kilometers of land and sea, and is an easy destination for Bangkokians and world travelers alike. Most come to relax and enjoy the beaches, but opportunities exist for the more adventurous biking trails and exploring reefs. Natural History The headland of Khao Laem Ya is composed of particularly hard silicates which are resistant to erosion. The resulting cape maintains the extensive Mae Rampeung Beach to the West and protects a smaller secluded beach and sea grass bed to the east. Sea grasses are rapidly disappearing in Thailand and throughout the world.
Until recently they have been vastly under-recognized as an essential coastal ecosystem. Many small coral reefs are available for viewing in the park. The most popular are located near Koh Khudi, Koh Thalu and off the southern shores of Koh Samet. Unfortunately some of these areas have been ravaged by dynamite fishing and anchor damage. Recently they show great signs of recovery. Coral reefs are the underwater equivalent to tropical rainforests in terms of species diversity, complexity and fragility. These factors are supported by an intricate interdependent web of coastal ecology. In addition to their intrinsic value, coral reefs and sea-grass beds provide invaluable habitat for a multitude of organisms including some economically important species.
The islands in Samet International Park.
* Koh-Samet * Koh-Jan
* Koh Kruai * Koh-Kudi or Koh-Kut
* Koh-Kangkhaw * Koh-Taloo
* Koh-Kham * Koh-Pla Tin
Koh Kudi or Koh Kut
The island is on the east of Koh Samet, six kilometres from the mainland. Koh Kudi totals an area of 63 rai. A nice beach and coral reefs make it a nice place for a hideaway. Nearby islands are Koh Thai Khangkhao and Koh Tham Ruesi. Without accommodation, the national park office on the island offers a tent for rent at 200 baht per person/ night.
Koh Kruai, Koh Kham, and Koh Pla Tin
These islands are some 600 metres north of Koh Kudi. With coral reefs, tourists can enjoy fishing here. A rental boat service is available at the port in Ban Phe. camping on
Koh Thalu
Some 6 kilometres east of Koh Kudi, the island is another scuba diving site among coral reefs. The island totals an area of 69 rai, most remains lush forest. While high cliffs occupy the west, white sandy beaches occupy the east and south of the island. Koh Thalu is a habitat of seagulls, flying fox, and turtles.
Contact National Park
The national park offers houses and tents. Pitching your own tent costs 20 baht per person/night.
