How to get to Koh Samet?

You may easily access the island by taking a public bus, minivan, or private cab southeast from Bangkok to the Nuan Thip Pier in Ban Phe, just outside of Rayong. Depending on how terrible Bangkok’s traffic is on any given day, the drive might take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours.

Stuck for time? Checkout the Bangkok to Koh Samet tickets here!

Koh Samet an island vacation near Bangkok

The island is primarily used by residents to escape the major metropolis, rather than by Western visitors. The little island may get fairly crowded with Thai visitors, so reserve a place ahead of time (particularly on weekends) on Booking.com, our favourite hotel search engine in Asia.

The island is stunning, so go before the crowds of Western tourists arrive. Read our Koh Samet guide to find out what you can do on the island and what’s going on.

How to get to Koh Samet from Koh Chang?

If you’re coming from Koh Chang to Koh Samet, Thailand’s second biggest island in the east, you’ll simply need to take a minivan. Any travel agent can help you arrange a vacation to Koh Chang. The trip costs between 450 and 600 baht, takes 3-4 hours, and covers transportation from your hotel, a ferry passage to the mainland, and a journey to Ban Phe. The boat to Koh Samet, on the other hand, requires an additional fee (also see the guide on getting from Pattaya to Koh Samet).

What about prices?

• The cost of a one-way ticket is 150 Baht per person.
• Ticket fees range from 200 to 500 Baht per person, depending on where you wish to be dropped off on the island.
• Taxis are costly, ranging from 50 to 200 Baht per person.

What is the best way to get to Koh Samet?

Getting to Koh Samet is quite simple, since it can be done by bus, minivan, or ferry. From Bangkok or Koh Chang in the east, you may accomplish this.

Choose the relevant pier

There are various docks on site in Ban Phe that transfer you by boat to Koh Samet. The Municipality Pier, the “expensive” pier, is located near the information desk. A bigger home with a peaked blue roof. Boats and speedboats depart for Koh Samet for roughly 200-300 baht.

The Nuanthip Pier is a less expensive option. This is behind the 7-Eleven grocery and the Ban Phe retail mall, which are both located on the main street. A one-way ride costs 70 baht and a circular trip costs 100 baht from here. I’d also recommend the return ticket because you’ll want to leave the island at some point, and the tickets aren’t limited to a certain day or time.

Although the boat is not a fast, the 30-40 minute cruise is not unpleasant. When you take this boat, you’ll also get a first-hand look at the island.

On Koh Samet, Getting Around

For individuals in acceptable physical condition, walking between the main town and Sai Kaew Beach or Ao Phai is not difficult.

Because beaches (see the top Koh Samet 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 possibilities. Unfortunately, driving on Koh Samet is not as enjoyable as on other Thai islands. Driving is more of a job than a delight, thanks to a slew of enormous speed bumps and dangerously steep hills.

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

3 Tips for staying on Koh Samet

1. Koh Samet has become increasingly popular over the past few years. As such, accommodation options are plentiful.
2. In addition to the three hotels, there are a handful of bungalows. These are privately owned homes that offer rooms with private bathrooms. They are usually set back from the road and tend to be cheaper than the hotels. Bungalow owners charge approximately 1,000 baht per night.
3. I’ve stayed in the cheapest bungalows, but they were far from luxurious. If you’re looking for a room with air conditioning and a refrigerator, then expect to pay around 2,500 baht.

See my guide on diving in Koh Samet!