🌴 Koh Samet – Thailand’s Tropical Island Escape
Koh Samet Hotels – Where to Stay on Thailand’s Island Paradise
Koh Samet is a picturesque island off the coast of Rayong Province in eastern Thailand. Just a few hours from Bangkok, it’s a favorite getaway for both locals and international travelers. The island is renowned for its powdery white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and laid-back tropical vibe. This guide will help you explore the best beaches, neighborhoods, and accommodations on Koh Samet, tailored to your travel preferences and budget.
☀️ Island Atmosphere
Koh Samet strikes a perfect balance between tranquility and activity. On weekdays, the island is calm, ideal for quiet beach walks, swimming, and relaxation. Weekends bring more energy, with beach bars, live music, and local restaurants adding vibrancy to the main tourist areas.
Best Areas to Stay on Koh Samet
Ao Kiew (Private Beach)
Why stay here:
Enjoy the sunset and sunrise everyday
Beautiful sandy beach with clear water
Private beach and it’s quite relaxing
Ao Prao
Luxury & Quiet Beaches
Ideal for: Couples, honeymooners, luxury travelers
Best Hotels on Ao Prao
Why stay here:
High-end resorts and peaceful atmosphere
Less crowded than other beaches
Sai Kaew Beach
Lively & Central
Ideal for: First-time visitors, nightlife, convenience
Best Hotels on Sai Kaew
Why stay here:
Restaurants, bars, and beach activities
Easy access from the pier
Ao Thian
Balanced & Family-Friendly
Ideal for: Families, couples, mid-range budgets
Best Hotels on Ao Thian
Why stay here:
Boutique beachfront resorts
Easy access from the pier
Ao Vongdeuan
Balanced & Family-Friendly
Ideal for: Families, couples, mid-range budgets
Best Hotels on Ao Vongdeuan
Why stay here:
Mix of resorts and affordable hotels
Relaxed but still lively
Ao Tubtim
Social & Affordable
Ideal for: Young travelers, backpackers, social stays
Best Hotels on Ao Tubtim
Why stay here:
Budget-friendly bungalows
Close to nightlife but still beach-focused
Ao Noi Na
Local & Peaceful
Ideal for: Quiet stays, long weekends, local vibe
Best Hotels on Ao Noi Na
Ao Phai
Lively & Scenic
Ideal for: Couples, groups, beach views
Best Hotels on Ao Phai
Why stay here:
Resorts and guesthouses
Short boat ride to main beaches
Silver Sand Beach (Ao Phai East)
Lively & Scenic
Ideal for: Couples, groups, nightlife with beach views
Best Hotels in Silver Sand Beach
Why stay here:
Beautiful sandy beach with clear water
Lively evenings but relaxed daytime vibe
🏨 Types of Hotels in Koh Samet
Luxury resorts: Beachfront villas, pools, spa services
Mid-range resorts: Comfortable rooms, great locations
Budget hotels & bungalows: Simple, affordable beach stays
Boutique resorts: Stylish, intimate, nature-focused
Koh Samet offers excellent value for island accommodation.
📅 Best Time to Visit Koh Samet
November – February: Best weather, peak season
March – May: Hot but quieter
June – October: Rainy season, cheaper hotel prices
👉 Tip: Koh Samet is drier than many Thai islands and good year-round.
💡 Tips for Booking Hotels in Koh Samet
Choose your beach based on nightlife vs quiet
Book early for weekends and holidays
Check ferry and speedboat schedules
Beachfront rooms sell out fast
💡 National Park Entrance Fee Notice
Please be informed that all visitors to Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park are required to pay an entrance fee upon arrival at the pier on Koh Samet.
This fee is collected directly by the National Park officers and is not included in your room rate or any services provided by Mahina Villa.
Where to Eat – Restaurant in Ban Pe
If you want to experience genuine local food in Ban Pe, Rayong, Heiy Moo is a great place to go.
The menu highlights bold Thai flavors, including a fragrant basil stir-fry with mixed seafood crowned by a perfectly fried sunny-side-up egg, as well as a deep, aromatic tom yum soup packed with fresh shrimp, squid, shellfish, and fish.
Every dish tastes incredibly fresh, as if the catch came straight from the sea to your plate. With its humble, tucked-away atmosphere, this seafood spot offers an authentic local experience that shouldn’t be missed.
Where to Eat on Samet Island
Baan Ploy Sea (Seafoods and Local foods)
Sunset Bar (Foods and Drinks)
