TH · Rayong · 12.57°N 101.45°E

ko samet

Closest proper beach island to Bangkok, made for a lazy two-night escape.

Best time
It's one of the drier spots in Thailand, so it works most of the year. November to April is calmest. Weekends and Thai holidays get crowded, so go midweek if you can.
How long
2 days, 1 night
Getting there
Fly from KL to Bangkok (about 2 hours), then about 3 hours by road to Ban Phe pier in Rayong. The ferry over takes about 30–45 minutes, or about 15 minutes by speedboat.
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TH · Rayongko samet12.57°N 101.45°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Closest proper beach island to Bangkok, made for a lazy two-night escape.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingKo SametTH, Rayong
KLko samet
≈ 1,049 km from KL, as the crow flies
A beach on sunny day. Koh Samet, Thailand

Photo: Headshop5 · CC0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A small island off Rayong and the nearest proper beach island to Bangkok. Most of it is national park, so it's mainly sandy bays and forest, with low-key resorts along the east coast.

Makan

  1. Seafood barbecue on the sandIn the evenings, restaurants set out tables on the beach and grill fresh fish and prawns.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Hat Sai KaewThe main beach near the pier, with fine white sand.Map ↗
  2. Ao Wong DeuanA curved bay further south with calmer water.Map ↗
  3. Sunset at Ao PhraoThe main west-coast beach and the place to watch the sun go down.Map ↗
  4. Beach-hop on footA coastal path links the east-coast bays, so you can walk from one to the next.Map ↗
  5. Snorkelling tripBoats run out to the small islands nearby, where the water is clearer.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Foreign visitors pay a national park fee on arrival, so keep some cash and your ticket handy.
  • Book ahead for weekends, when Bangkok crowds fill the island.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.