Ko Samet - Paradice Island Thailand


Just 200 kilometers from Bangkok in the Gulf of Thailand, the T-shaped island of Ko Samet is famed for its white sandy beaches, exotic coral and crystal clear waters. Ko Samet has developed steadily over the past decade or so, but it hasn't been the victim of over zealous construction which has hit the likes of Ko Samui (or even Ko Chang). The island is typified for its splendid beaches and white silky sand, surrounded by tropical coral reefs and crystal clear sea. Tourists can also enjoy a plethora of delicious cuisine and fine nightlife.
It's a popular tourist destination for Thais and foreigners alike. As Ko Samet is so near Bangkok, the island is ideal for those in the capital wanting to chill-out with their families for a couple of days, without having to go through all that rigmarole of having to travel down south. It's only a 2.5 hour ride to Ban Phe, where one can take a 20-minutes ferry to the island.

Climate
Even though Ko Samet is only a few kilometers from the mainland, the island with its micro-climate (the driest archipelago in Thailand) gets much less rainfall than the rest of Eastern Thailand. The rainy season is May to September but even then it still has significantly less rain than the other islands in Thailand. Tourists should, however, be careful of occasional storms.

History
It is believed that once upon a time, Ko Samet was the home of pirates and that until this very day there is still lost treasures buried somewhere on the island. Thailand's legendary poet Sunthorn Phu was the first one to put this island on the map when he set his classical epic there, Phra Aphai Manee "The Story of Princes, Saga, Mermaids and Giants".
Even though Bangkokians had known about the beauty of Ko Samet for decades before, the Thai government put this island off limits and restricted overnight stay there until 1981. In that year, on 1st October, the Forestry Department of Thailand declared Ko Samet and its surroundings to be a national park.


Getting around on Ko Samet: The island has only a single main road. Some parts are concrete and some parts are only a dirt trail. There are two methods to get around the island. The first is by songthaew (usually a rather well-worn pickup truck with two benches in the back and no roof), which costs 200 baht for a private trip, or between 20 and 60 baht per person for a full car, depending on which beach you are going to. This is a rather expensive method to get around the island, and the dusty roads can make it an uncomfortable trip. The second way is by renting a motorcycle. Signs advertise 300 baht per day or 100 baht per hour, but when you go to enquire about renting they will often say 400 or 500 baht per day. Insist on paying 300 baht. That is for mechanic moto. If you want to get automatic one, you will pay 400 Baht per day. You will usually be able to rent it from the hotel you are staying at. Leaving your passport or a deposit is not necessary or advisable.
Warning: It is advisable to hire motorbikes only from reputable hotels and lodgings. Stores renting out motorbikes or ATVs may attempt to overcharge you for repairs and labor should you damage the bike, even superficially. Initial quotes for repairs is often exorbitant and is way beyond the price of labor, parts, and repair.
You can also rent/hire an ATV/Quad/4x4 for 1000-1600 baht/day.


Bangkok — most return to the buzzling capital of Thailand
Ko Chang — more sandy beaches and jungle await
Ko Kut — undiscovered island, again with sandy beaches
Ko Si Chang — virtually no beach life, but a very relaxed atmosphere
Pattaya — den of sleaze trying to clean up its act

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37 comments:

anon1337 said...

Such a beautiful place.

razortek said...

cool post bro!!:)

Stav88os said...

interesting!!!;)

Olivar said...

This blog always makes thailand look so great. cheers

suzychen said...

When I come here I just want to go back to Thailand. You make me miss it Panda!!!

Lewis said...

that beach is breathtaking :)

That Which Haunts said...

Have to agree with others, that beach with its crystal clear waters looks like a paradise.

FreeMe said...

One day ill be there... :D

Naj said...

the beach looks really nice.

AimlessTendencies said...

Beautiful place. I'm falling in love with it.

Biff Tanner said...

Very nice looking place

Unknown said...

Too bad they would ruin such a nice place with noisy ATVs...

Lizard said...

how beautiful :D

SC2 Strats said...

great post! Still gotta visit someday!

Arkanyn said...

That looks really nice!

Student said...

....wow.

Applelove said...

More great pictures, I look forward to your next set

Home Alone Stoned said...

youve alwawys got good info

rancour said...

so beautiful!! i've done my share of hitchhiking through europe but thailand has always been a place ive wanted to experience, maybe one day ill get a chance to visit

thecatzpajamas said...

DAMN LET ME COMMEEE THERE

Anonymous said...

this looks sick!

Pope Smurf said...

A friend of mine went there a couple of months ago. He said it was amazing.

stocald said...

Man, this looks really nice!

The Greater Spartan said...

HAHA nice blog hehe check out my reviews and blogs :)

Rubilax said...

That is a gorgeous beach.

Atheos_Cirno said...

I like the giant hot dog thing in the first picture.

ProffesorDog said...

Biggest thailand promoter is Skuttideas. Love the blog mate.

Lewis said...

Thailand is a really nice place:)

JC said...

nice photography, makes it look even more appealing

Nerd Life said...

awesome info here... good job!

Mark said...

nice post, looks awesome

Discerning Gentleman said...

cool, this works for me!

Home Alone Stoned said...

great info as always! you make thailand look so beautiful

---- said...

Looks beautiful :)

The Square Circle said...

this blog delivers every time. thank you.

Unknown said...

Water Jets... :)~

Anonymous said...

is the superb pics man i like it very much



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