Thailand is one of the most popular resorts in the modern world. Its territory occupies part of two large peninsulas - Indochina and Malacca. The geography of the country has created all the conditions for a comfortable stay for tourists. There are plains and mountain ranges, many beaches and attractions.
What is Koh Samet
The island is located in the Gulf of Thailand. Its total area is just over 13 square kilometers. This is enough for the village of Nadan and several hotels to be located on a small plot of land. Here they pay with baht (Thai money). You can change them at special points or withdraw from an ATM.
The distance from the famous resort of Pattaya to the island is about 80 kilometers. By today's standards, this is very small. This piece of land in the middle of the ocean is located quite close to the mainland (a little over 6 kilometers). This is the middle of the road between Bangkok and the city of Koh Chang. Therefore, on weekends, the island is filled with local residents from the nearestmetropolitan areas.
General information
It is best to plan your trip to the island on a weekday. It is almost impossible to rent a room or a house here on weekends and holidays.
Koh Samet Island in Thailand is part of Khao Laemya National Park. This is the national treasure of the country. That is why the entrance to this land is paid. The money is collected by the soldiers who guard the entrance to the park. By what principle the local military controls the availability of tickets for the guests of the island is not known. Therefore, there are several options for how you can go to the beach without a ticket. For example, tourists advise you to walk past with a calm and confident step, as if you were not here for the first time. You can also bypass the checkpoint on the reverse side (this option is not always possible). The easiest way to stay calm on the territory of Samet is to pay 200 baht for an adult (about 420 rubles) or 100 baht for a child (210 rubles). This fee gives you access to all beaches and parks on the island for the duration of your stay.
Climate and weather
Thailand is famous for its climate. You can relax here almost all year round, except for the rainy season. At this time, the number of tourists decreases sharply.
Samet Island is favorable for recreation in that even during the rainy season the weather here is much better than on the mainland. Precipitation falls mainly at night. Therefore, some vacationers are happy to spend their holidays here.
The weather on the island of Koh Samet in Thailand pleases with its relative constancy. The water temperature remains the same almost all year round and does not fall below 28degrees. The air warms up on the island to 30-32 degrees, at night the temperature drops to 24-27 degrees.
How to get there
The way to the island will take no more than an hour. At the same time, by ferry you can reach the main pier of the island in 40-50 minutes. This fascinating journey costs 70 baht one way (about 150 Russian rubles). Many tourists choose this option, because while the ferry is moving, you can enjoy beautiful views of the sea and nature.
From the mainland, tourists are delivered to any beach of Koh Samet by high-speed motor boats. Travel time is 15-20 minutes. Such a trip costs much more: 200 baht one way (420 Russian rubles) or 350 baht in both directions (730 rubles).
All transport to the island departs from the pier of the small village of Ban Phe. You can get to it from anywhere in the mainland. There are several options: taxi, bus, minibus and transfer. Each will differ in cost and comfort. The cheapest way is by regular bus. However, tourists need to adjust to the time of its movement in this case. Taxis are one of the most common means of transportation for tourists with children and luggage. Renting a car will cost about 1,300 baht (about 3,000 Russian rubles). By the standards of the country, this is a little expensive, but for those who are in Thailand for the first time and appreciate comfort, this is the best way to travel.
Transport on the island
Many tourists vacationing on the island believe that you can move around it freely on foot. As a result, do itdifficult. Although the island of Samet in Thailand (which was reviewed above) is small (5 kilometers long and 2.5 wide), there are no footpaths (specially equipped) on its territory. Walking on the side of the road is very dangerous. You can walk along the beach - it's useful and pleasant, but in some places the rocks block the path, and it's impossible to pass.
Green taxis with shops inside ply on the territory. Such transport often surprises guests of the island. In fact, this is an ordinary small truck, in the back of which there are benches and handrails. The fare between the beaches is from 10 baht (21 rubles). However, this is provided that the taxi is full. If there are no people, then you will have to pay from 100 to 400 baht, depending on the distance (210 - 850 rubles).
You can also rent a bike for the whole day. If you decide on this type of transport, then you need to rent it near the pier, in other places it will be more expensive (250-350 baht or 550-750 rubles per day).
Attractions
The Buddhist temple - the main shrine of this land - is hidden from prying eyes. The culture of this country is highly revered by the locals. In order to admire this temple, you need to turn into the forest right behind the police station (on the way to the beach). The road is not very noticeable, there are no signs. A large sculpture of the Buddha will immediately make it clear that you are in the right place. There will be traditional style buildings around.
You can admire the sunset and nature from the observation deck. It is located next to Apache Beach (LungDam). Admission is free.
On the way to Ao Prao beach there is also a viewing area. It's called Sunset Viewpoint. From here you have a wonderful view of the sea and rocks.
The observation deck in the south of the island attracts tourists with its wild beach. From here you can see the untouched creations of nature. The only thing that stands out from the whole composition is the frame from Instagram. It was placed here especially for travelers.
Samet Island in Thailand (described above) is famous for its "Mermaid and Child" statue. It is one of the most famous in that land. Perhaps, there is no tourist who had a rest on Samet and was not photographed with this composition. It is located on the right side of the main Sai Keo beach. And if you rise a little higher, you can see a more colorful and modern composition in the same marine theme. "Mermaid and a local man who plays the pipe".
Koh Samet Island (Thailand): beaches
This small piece of land in the middle of a s alty sea has more than 20 beaches. All of them are specially equipped for vacationers. Some are hotel property, others are for general use.
Most of the beaches are on the east coast. It is more comfortable for relaxing. There is only one place for cultural recreation on the western side of the island. The north coast of Samet has three beaches.
The largest and most popular on the island is Sai Keo. It is popular due to the purest turquoise water andsoft white sand. The entrance to the water here is uniform and gentle. One of the minuses is a large number of people at any time of the day. The beach is located in the peak resort area of the island. There are many hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues. Therefore, you should not count on a quiet quiet rest. Vacationers also notice that the beach often smells strongly of gasoline. Perhaps this is due to the numerous transport boats. However, this fact spoils the overall impression of the holiday.
For those who love a civilized cultural holiday, but without the hustle and bustle, you should give preference to the beaches of Ao Pai and Wong Duan. They are right behind the rock with the figure. At the same time, there are several shops and cafes on the territory. It also offers a variety of entertainment for the whole family. You can take snorkeling masks, get a full body massage or just enjoy the sea view while sitting in a cafe on the shore.
Ao Cho, Ao Wai and Ao Prao are considered the most beautiful beaches on Koh Samet. By the way, Ao Prao is the very only beach on the west coast. It is so wonderful and beautiful that, while relaxing on it, it seems that you are alone on a desert island. All these beaches are quiet and calm. There is little entertainment and tourist services. But the water is just clear. The big plus is that the beaches are in small bays. A beautiful view of the evening sea opens from here.
Complete unity with nature can be found on the deserted beaches of Ao Lung Dam, Ao Tubtim (Pudsa), Ao Thian and Ao Nuan. There are only a few herebuildings (a couple of cafes and bungalows).
The beaches of the southern part of the island are the property of the hotels. Only residents can rest on them.
Hotels
This small island has 120 hotels, bungalows, guesthouses and other accommodation options. Many tourists come to Koh Samet in Thailand, reviews of which will be described below, for the weekend and book rooms or houses directly upon arrival. Doing this is not worth it. After all, when booking through websites, the cost of living is cheaper. And there will be a guaranteed place to stay for the night. Otherwise, you can be left without housing if there are many tourists.
Hotels on the island of Koh Samet in Thailand are mostly concentrated on the east coast (near the beaches). As it has already become clear, the further south the hotel is, the fewer people you will meet on the beach. The same goes for infrastructure. On the southern shores of cafes, shops and restaurants can be counted on the fingers of one hand.
The most budget accommodation options are between the village of Nedan and the main pier. The sea and infrastructure are nearby. The cost of living is from 1000 to 3000 baht per day (2100-6600 rubles). For example, 4hotels on the island of Samet (Thailand) always have a cost of 2,000 baht per day (about 4,200 rubles). They are right on the coastline.
Food
Thai food is specific and not every tourist will like it. However, after a few days of staying on the island, each guest will be able to select for himself a certain list of dishes. Most hotels on the island offer tourists only breakfast. However, in hotel restaurants, you can always order additional dishes or set meals.
Of course, guests of the southern beaches will not have much to choose from, but guests of the central recreation area of the island have plenty to choose from. In the evening, the beaches of the island are literally buried in lights. From cafes and restaurants, tables are set right on the sand, lanterns and candles are lit. People come not only to eat delicious food, but also to enjoy the views.
The easiest and cheapest option for lunch or dinner is ready-made meals from stores. They are sold already packaged, from the refrigerator, and at the checkout they offer to warm up. The average cost of a dish is 40-60 baht (85-130 rubles). If you want to eat inexpensively and tasty in a cafe, then you need to go to Nadan Pier. All catering establishments here have the lowest prices.
According to reviews, Samed Villa Restaurant is one of the most favorite places of Europeans. It serves not only national dishes, but also classic European ones. You can pay in cash and by card. The waiters are friendly and very fast. They speak English. Samet Island (Thailand), which will be reviewed below, gives all guests an unforgettable experience.
For a family vacation, Banana Bar is suitable. It is located by the road. They cook delicious curry here (according to tourists).
But the most beautiful sea view can be enjoyed from the Buddy Bar & Grill restaurant. Here they cook delicious steaks and many other original dishes. Prices are slightly above average, however.it's worth it.
The Funky Monkey Bar & Restaurant offers classic European dishes and everyone's favorite fast food. You can look here for those who miss the usual food of megacities.
Entertainment
Tourists who come on vacation, of course, want entertainment. Idle lying under the scorching sun all day long gets boring very quickly. And here travel agencies come to the rescue, offering parachuting, kayaking, snorkeling and much more. Boat trips along the shores of the island and excursions to memorable places are popular with vacationers. Samet Island in Thailand (the sights were described above) is rich in its cultural history.
Tours
Kamet Island is often visited by tourists from other cities. A one-day excursion here costs about 1200 baht per person (2500 rubles). The price includes transportation to the island (speedboat and minibus), as well as an excursion and lunch.
Vacationers on the island can buy a tour of these lands. In time, it will take about 4 hours. The cost is 400 baht (850 rubles). Tours on coral islands - from 500 to 1500 baht (1050 - 3150 rubles). The price includes transfer, snorkeling equipment and lunch. Reviews about Samet Island from tourists who have traveled to the coral reefs are simply excellent. Many say that this is the most unforgettable sight of the entire holiday. A lot of emotions and impressions - that's what vacationers brought home after excursions.
Kamet's islandThailand: reviews of tourists
Thailand is one of the most popular and sought after resorts. Climatic conditions and developed infrastructure - that's what attracts modern tourists. Both young families and elderly couples come here to relax.
Many tourists visit Koh Samet in Thailand every year. A large number of reviews indicate that this place is popular among travelers.
In their reviews, guests of the "small land" say that they are satisfied with their vacation. The island of Koh Samet in Thailand (how to get to it was written above) is liked by families with children. Tourists note that children really like to live in a house on the shore. Bungalows are located on the island in a pyramid. There are steps and a ramp for wheelchairs. The cottages are comfortable. The beach is clean and tidy. Food is inexpensive. Breakfast (tea or coffee, sausages, bread, eggs) can be included in the price. The hotel restaurants serve a variety of dishes.
However, the rave reviews of tourists are overshadowed by the fact that upon arrival on the island on a day off, there are practically no free places to stay. After some time of searching, housing, of course, is located. Tourists like that almost everywhere the staff is fluent in English. Holidays on Samet in Thailand, beaches, hotels and restaurants - all this remains in the memory of travelers for a lifetime. Tourists recommend visiting the sights of the island to everyone. There aren't many, but they are all memorable. For example, wild beaches or a Buddha figure.
Tourists in their reviews say that if you want a quiet quiet holiday, you can go to Koh Samet in Thailand. The road to the place is a bit intimidating at first. However, in the process it becomes clear that this is only a first impression. Walking on a ferry or boat is very exciting. The island has a developed infrastructure, but there is no vibrant nightlife. The beaches are clean and well maintained.
Conclusion
More and more tourists prefer a quiet and secluded holiday on the islands. At the same time, it is so important that a standard set of benefits be present in any hotel. Samet Island is an ideal place for a quiet and secluded holiday. There are many entertainments and excursions, and the weather conditions allow you to relax on the island almost all year round.
