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Koh Samet

Koh Samet by Ferry: On the Way to the Legends

Ferry & speedboat crossings
Two speedboats moored in turquoise shallow water off a tropical beach with tourists and umbrellas onshore

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Destination overview

Koh Samet Information

Travel Routes and Attractions of Koh Samet


Samet is famous for its clear waters, exotic coral, and the white sandy beaches. The island is always full of people on the long holidays and on the weekends. It is only a three-hour drive from Bangkok as it is only 200 km away from the capital. You can find plenty of taxi services from Bangkok to take you to the nearest pier “Ban Phe Pier” in Rayong to hop on a ferry to Koh Samet. There are a few main spots to take the bus from Bangkok to Rayong, from which you can also take a ferry to the island. From
Phuket, you can take a plane to Pattaya, from which you can take a taxi to the Pier and then a ferry to Koh Samet. A bus is also an option from Phuket to Koh Samet as the bus will take you to the Nuanthip Pier in Ban Phe, to take a ferry straight to Koh Samet.

Samed Port pier in Rayong, Thailand, with white arched walkway, moored ferries and turquoise sea below a green hill
Schedules & prices

Popular Routes

Popular crossings to Koh Samet — pick a route to book.

Popular stations & vehicles

Piers

Nadan Pier

Discovery of Koh Samet’s Beauty starts at Nadan Pier! Introduction:   Welcome to Nadan Pier, the key gateway to the...
About Koh Samet

Koh Samet Island: Legends and Nature

Discover Koh Samet: Thailand's Island Gem Near Bangkok

Koh Samet is the perfect weekend escape for visitors based in or travelling through Thailand's capital. Located just 200 km away from Bangkok, the island attracts travellers seeking a quick coastal getaway without the need for a lengthy journey. Whether you're planning a long holiday or a weekend break, Koh Samet offers the ideal blend of accessibility and island charm.

About Koh Samet Island

Rich History and Local Legends

Koh Samet carries a colourful past steeped in folklore and mystery. It was once believed that the island was home to pirates, and some legends say that to this very day, there are treasures still buried somewhere on the island. Whether these tales hold truth or are the stuff of adventure stories, they certainly add to the island's intrigue and appeal for curious visitors.

The Story Behind the Name

The island was named after "Samet" trees which means "Cajeput" trees, due to the abundance of the "Cajeput" trees on the island. These distinctive trees have shaped the local landscape and remain a notable feature of Koh Samet's natural environment.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

One of Koh Samet's advantages is its climate. The island has less rainfall than other destinations in Thailand, making it a more reliable choice for sun-seeking travellers throughout much of the year. This drier weather pattern makes it particularly appealing for those planning outdoor activities and beach time during their stay.

Getting to Koh Samet

Transport Options and Routes

Reaching Koh Samet from Bangkok is straightforward thanks to its proximity. Multiple transport options connect the capital to the island, with several routes popular routes available depending on your starting point and preferred travel method. The short distance—just 200 km—means journey times are generally quick, making it ideal for last-minute trips and spontaneous getaways.

Transport services to Koh Samet typically include ferry, bus, minivan, and private transfer options, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your schedule, budget, and comfort preferences. Each transport method offers different advantages depending on whether you're travelling solo, with family, or in a group.

Booking Your Journey

When planning your trip to Koh Samet, comparing availability across different operators and departure times helps you find the best option for your needs. Prices and schedules vary depending on the season and how far in advance you book, so it's worth checking current availability to secure your preferred travel time.

Why Visit Koh Samet

Perfect for Quick Escapes from Bangkok

Koh Samet is perfect for those in the capital as it's only 200 km away from Bangkok. This proximity makes it an ideal destination for busy professionals, families, and tourists who want to experience a genuine island atmosphere without spending excessive time in transit. Visitors tend to go there on long holidays and weekends, creating a vibrant mix of relaxed holidaymakers and those seeking a quick refresh.

Natural Beauty and Activities

Beyond its historical intrigue and favourable climate, Koh Samet offers natural attractions and recreational opportunities that appeal to different types of visitors. The island's beaches, water activities, and natural scenery provide the setting for swimming, snorkelling, diving, and other water-based pursuits. The combination of easier access and a more arid climate compared to neighbouring destinations makes Koh Samet a practical choice for coastal exploration.

Plan Your Trip to Koh Samet Today

With its proximity to Bangkok, favourable weather patterns, and rich history, Koh Samet deserves a place on your Thailand itinerary. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, the island delivers an accessible island experience without the complications of long-distance travel.

Ready to book your journey? Check availability across all transport options, compare operators, and secure your tickets to Koh Samet. With our online fares starting fares and multiple daily departures, finding your perfect travel time is just a search away.

Search availability now and book your transport to Koh Samet with ease.

Some Activities to Enjoy on Koh Samet

Two big-game fishing rods with gold trolling reels mounted on a boat over calm blue ocean under clear sky

Fishing

Koh Samet is a home to a rich variety of fish, the abundance of fish species in the Gulf of Thailand makes it an amazing place to try deep-sea fishing. Some of these fish are garfish, pompano, grouper, emperor, snapper, trevally, and many more! You can jump aboard on one of the fishing ships and start your adventure. The fishing day begins at 6 a.m, the ship and its crew will take you to the fish zones and teach you everything you need to know and help you catch the fish you want.
Bronze mermaid statue on rocks above turquoise sea at Koh Samet beach, with boats offshore under blue sky

The Koh Samet Mermaid Statue

It’s a statue of a prince playing the flute and a mermaid, this was build in honor of Sunthorn Phu “a famous Thai poet”. The poem is 30,000 lines and it is considered to be a masterpiece. The prince was exiled to an undersea kingdom ruled by a giant female who transformed herself into a beautiful woman to deceive the prince, but he managed to escape with the help of a mermaid. The statue immortalizes the mysterious mermaid as a lover and a friend who provides safety, comfort, and wisdom.
Two people paddle a blue kayak in shallow turquoise water off a sandy beach with a forested headland behind

Canoeing and Kayaking

Discover the island at your own pace while paddling between Koh Samet’s beautiful beaches and the picturesque coastline. Canoeing and kayaking are both eco-friendly ways. The water is paddle-friendly and calm especially on the eastern shores as the west coast’s water is a little rough and rocky. The Ideal time to paddle is later afternoon, so you can also catch the gorgeous sunset. You have to stay close to shore at this time of the day, so play it safe and have fun! 
Dark-hulled racing yacht under full sail heeling on calm open sea beneath a hazy blue sky

Sailing and Windsurfing

There are endless water and beach activities on the island, it doesn’t require much planning to set sail on Koh Samet, especially if you choose to stay at one of the popular beaches on the island. Almost every resort and guesthouse on the island can help you with the necessary equipment or you can find a handful operator on popular beaches. The current is strong and the offshore winds offer you a challenge on the north area of Sai Kaew beach.
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the tourist seasons ?

Phuket

Phuket really just has two seasons, which are known as "high season" and "low season" (or "green season"). During the low season months (May–September), boat numbers are reduced. During the high season (October–April), boats to the surrounding islands are increased so you will have some more options.

Koh Samui

There are three distinct weather seasons on the tropical island of Koh Samui: the dry season (December until February), the hot season (March until August) and the rainy season (September until November).

How do I unlock my account now?

Wait, and try again. Every lock lifts on its own — a minute the first time, and never more than an hour however many attempts have failed. There is nothing to click and nobody to contact.

If you have forgotten your password, do not keep guessing: each wrong attempt makes the next wait longer. Use Forgot password instead. Resetting your password gets you straight back in.

What is the difference between a locked and a blocked account?

Locked is automatic and temporary. It happens after repeated failed sign-in attempts and it lifts by itself — within a minute in most cases.

Blocked is a decision made by our team, and it does not lift on its own. If your account is blocked you will need to contact us; waiting will not change it, and neither will resetting your password.

If you are not sure which applies to you, get in touch and we will tell you.

How long am I locked out for?

The first lock is one minute. If sign-in keeps failing after that, each further lock lasts longer:

  • 1st lock — 1 minute
  • 2nd lock — 5 minutes
  • 3rd lock — 15 minutes
  • 4th lock and after — 1 hour

An hour is the longest you will ever be locked out. You get five attempts before the first lock, and as soon as you sign in successfully everything resets — the next time you mistype, you start again at one minute.

My account locked but I never tried to sign in

Then someone else was trying to sign in as you, and the lock did its job — it stopped them.

Your account is safe: a lock means the attempts failed. Nobody got in. You do not have to do anything, and the lock will lift on its own.

We would still recommend two things:

  • Change your password, especially if you use the same one on another website.
  • Add an authenticator app in your account security settings, so a password alone is never enough to sign in as you.

If you get these repeatedly, contact us and we will look into it.

Why is my account locked?

We lock an account for a short time after several failed sign-in attempts in a row. It is an automatic safety measure: it stops someone else guessing your password, and it happens whether or not the person typing was you.

You do not need to contact us. The lock lifts on its own — see How long am I locked out for?

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