Travel Blog » Blog » How To Get From Bangkok To Koh Samet: Complete Guide
As a popular weekend getaway, one of the things that first-time visitors to Koh Samet are often surprised by is how long it takes to get there. Don't worry. I'll tell you everything you need to know about traveling with the ferries and speedboats that link Bangkok and Samet Island.

How To Get From Bangkok To Koh Samet: Complete Guide

How To Get From Bangkok To Koh Samet: Step by Step

So you’ve come to Bangkok now you want to move on to a more quiet isle? There are plenty of those, but first I will tell you about Koh Samet Thailand. Here I will give you some tips for getting from Bangkok to Koh Samet and back again. There’s still time for you to enjoy Koh Samet on your holiday in Thailand!

The ferry from Bangkok’s southern pier makes the journey to beautiful Koh Samet in just over 2 and a half hours. There are no overseas flights to Samet, so the boat is really your only choice if you wish to get there. Plenty of tourists still opt for the more common destinations in Krabi or Phuket, however, if you really want to appreciate Thailand in its purest form, I guarantee Samet is the best option for you.

There are other beach choices closer to Bangkok, but the mood on the islands is entirely different from the mainland!

Although there is evidence that Koh Samet previously attracted backpackers on the Banana Pancake Trail through Southeast Asia (bucket drinks and body paint splashed on walls), price rises have screened out the crowd. At supper these days, you’ll primarily see European families enjoying the firework show. Locals visit for weekend vacations, and the island always has a few budget visitors who are squeezing in a few days before flying back to Bangkok (don’t forget to check out my guide on how to get from Pattaya to Bangkok).

From Bangkok, how do you get to Koh Samet?

By taking a public bus, minivan, or private cab southeast from Bangkok to the Nuan Thip Pier in Ban Phe, just outside of Rayong, you may easily reach the island. The journey takes anything from 3 to 4 hours, depending on how bad Bangkok’s traffic is on any given day.

Aside from hiring a private cab, the quickest way to get to Ban Phe is to take one of the minibuses that leave from Bangkok’s Victory Monument. For tourists with a lot of stuff, the tiny minibuses aren’t a suitable alternative (also see how to get from Koh Lipe to Bangkok).

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You may also board a bigger bus from Ekamai, Bangkok’s eastern bus station. Until 5 p.m., buses run every 90 minutes. The journey takes about four hours, but depending on traffic, it might take considerably longer.

Take a 45-minute ferry ride to the island from Ban Phe. Buying a return ticket is optional and will not save you any money. If you already have a reservation, several resorts provide big speedboats that will cut your trip time in half; check with them beforehand. Even though the journey is short, it may be challenging in severe weather.

Is Koh Samet worth visiting?

Koh Samet is a beautiful island that is only a few hours away from Bangkok. It’s a great place to get away from the city because of its white-sand beaches (check the best beaches Koh Samet), spectacular sunsets, and bustling nightlife on Koh Samet.

Is Koh Samet safe?

After community testing revealed no new Covid-19 infections on the island, Koh Samet was reopened to tourists this year (2021). The chairperson of the Koh Samet tourism organisation, Sarinthip Thipmongkolsap, assured visitors that they will be secure since strict health and safety procedures are in place.

What is the size of Koh Samet?

Koh Samet is broad at the top and gradually narrows as it approaches the southern point. From top to bottom, the island is barely 4.2 miles (6.8 kilometres) long.

The main pier at Ao Klang, on the northern end of the island, is ornamented with a topless statue of an ogress from Thai legend. The majority of the island’s popular beaches are found on the eastern side; a single road goes south through the interior, with branching leading to isolated coves and beaches.

At the summit (north) of the island, you’ll arrive at Na Dan Pier. You won’t require transportation from the dock because the town is so small. Ignore any offers that come your way! In around 10 minutes, you may stroll from the ferry port to the town centre.

The busiest beaches, Haad Sai Kaew (Diamond Beach) and Ao Phai, have the most dining and drinking choices. Quieter beaches may be found all around the island; Ao Wai, for example, is mostly undeveloped and has the island’s longest stretch of pure sand with excellent swimming.

Food costs less in town than in resort regions, which is unsurprising. Two 7-Eleven convenience stores, practically across the street from each other at the park’s entrance, are always crowded. Make use of the nearby working water-refill machine to be a more environmentally conscious traveller by keeping your bottle out of the plastic-mountain dump for as long as possible.

When Should You Visit Ko Samet?

Although Koh Samet is not far from Koh Chang in terms of distance, the weather on the island is frequently different; the island has its own microclimate.

Because Koh Samet receives much less rainfall than the rest of Thailand’s islands, the island’s drinking water is more expensive. During the monsoon season, rain is less of an issue, although storms in the region can produce strong waves.

The peak season for Koh Samet coincides with the dry season for the majority of Thailand (from November to April). September and October are the wettest months of Koh Samet.

Because of its proximity to Bangkok, weekends and holidays are extremely popular on Koh Samet.

How much are the National Park tickets?

The National Park on Koh Samet charges the following entrance fees:

  • Adults in Thailand: 40 baht
  • 20 baht for Thai children
  • Adults from outside Thailand: 200 baht
  • Children from other countries: 100 baht

Foreign employees who are lawfully working in Thailand may be allowed to produce a government-issued identification card and pay the local rate. If you speak Thai, you’ll almost certainly get a discount. If you arrive at a resort by boat, an officer will most likely approach you on the beach and ask you to pay the admission fees.

Some budget-conscious visitors have discovered methods to avoid paying the dual pricing structure — and theoretically, you don’t have to pay if you never leave town — but all of the greatest beaches are within the national park’s limits. Paying the charge once is far more convenient than worrying about it every time you pass by the checkpoint on your way to town.

Unfortunately, fees aren’t being used to clean up the massive amount of garbage and trash that has accumulated just in front of the national park office!

Accommodation on Koh Samet



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Finding non-resort lodging on Koh Samet is becoming increasingly difficult. Although there are still some wonderful premium-priced bungalows, most budget lodging appears neglected, worn up, and expensive when compared to Koh Chang and other nearby islands.

While staying in town is less expensive and more handy for dining and drinking, it is not nearly as pleasant as staying on the beach. Check out this guide on where to stay Koh Samet.

On Koh Samet, Getting Around

Walking between the main town and Sai Kaew Beach or Ao Phai is not difficult for those in reasonable physical condition.

Because beaches and bays can be found all throughout Koh Samet’s narrow form, many visitors choose to hire a motorcycle to explore the island’s various beach alternatives. Unfortunately, driving on Koh Samet is not as enjoyable as on other Thai islands. Driving is more of a hassle than a joy, thanks to a slew of huge speed bumps and dangerously steep hills.

If you do opt to hire a scooter, rental outlets in town are considerably less expensive than individual resorts. You’ll have to leave your passport with the business, which will cost you approximately 300 baht each day or 250 baht if you haggle. If you aren’t comfortable on two wheels, four-wheeled ATVs and golf carts may be rented.

Songthaews (pickup truck taxis) are available everywhere to transport visitors between the many beaches if you don’t feel comfortable driving in Thailand. Prices for songthaews are quite inexpensive and are dependent on distance travelled, if you don’t mind waiting for other passengers. Private journeys are much more expensive, but you may hire a driver for the day. If you’re unsure, always inquire about the anticipated fare before entering.

Fees for the National Park of Koh Samet

The layout of Koh Samet is unique: the Khao Laem Ya Mu Ko Samet National Park encompasses the majority of the island. You must pay a one-time national park admission charge as soon as you leave the main town and enter the park (where the majority of the beaches are).

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