Talk:Ko Samet/Listings

Province

TAT Listings

Some listings from TAT (from the Rayong (province) page), place one back if you have visited the listing and add your own personal traveler experience:

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Ko Samet (เกาะเสม็ด) People believe that this is the miracle island in Thai classical literature by Sunthon Phu. Ko Samet is quite a famous beach attraction of Rayong, for both Thai and foreign tourists. The island is 6.5 kilometres offshore of Ban Phe, Mueang district. Forest remains blanketing up to 80% of the total area of 3,125 rai. Tourists should be careful of storms in the monsoon season during May to September.

How to get there: Four operators; namely, Nuanthip, Si Ban Phe, Phe Port, and Saphan Pla, around Ban Phe offer shuttle boat services between their ports and the main port of the island. All operators charge a flat rate of 100 baht per person for a round trip or 50 baht for a single journey. Boats can leave anytime when more than 20 passengers are waiting. The service is available around the clock, seven days a week.

For groups of at least 7 persons, Nuanthip Boat (0 3865 1508) offers a shuttle boat service to other bays as well, such as Ao Wong Duean (120 baht each) and to the last bay Ao Pakarang (200 baht each). Si Ban Phe Boat (0 3865 1902) also runs a scheduled boat service during weekends between Ban Phe and the main port of Samet. The hourly boat service from Ban Phe runs from 8.00 a.m. to 6 p.m. In the return trip from Samet, the boat leaves at 10.00 a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. The company also offers a speed boat service at 1,000 baht a trip for 12 people to the main port, or higher rates for other routes. A parking service on the main land is available.

Getting around on Ko Samet: The island has only a single road. Some parts are concrete and some parts are only a dirt trail. A pick up truck offers a passenger service to the desired beach. The fee depends on negotiation, ranging from 20-100 baht each. Chartered service to get around the island costs between 200-1,500 baht.

Attractions on Ko Samet and Nearby

Most beaches are on the eastern side of the island. The beaches hide in small bays and stretch some 200 metres. From the north, there are Hat Sai Kaeo, Hat Hin Khrong, Hat Khlong Phai, Ao Phutsa, Ao Thapthim, Ao Naun, Ao Cho, Ao Thian, Ao Wai, Ao Kio Na Yok and Ao Karang. The only beach on the western side is Ao Phrao. One of the famous beaches is Ao Wong Duean in the middle of the eastern side. This beach stretches in the shape of an almost complete circle. Both Ao Wong Duean and Hat Sai Kaeo have very fine white sand.

• Ko Kruai, Ko Kham, and Ko Pla Tin (เกาะกรวย เกาะขาม และเกาะปลาตีน) These islands are some 600 metres north of Ko Kudi. With coral reefs, tourists can enjoy fishing here. A rental boat service is available at the port in Ban Phe.
• Ko Kudi or Ko Kut (เกาะกุฎี หรือเกาะกุด) The island is on the east of Ko Samet, six kilometres from the mainland. Ko Kudi totals an area of 63 rai. A nice beach and coral reefs make it a nice place for a hideaway. Nearby islands are Ko Thai Khangkhao and Ko Tham Ruesi. Without accommodation, the national park office on the island offers a tent for rent at 200 baht per person/ night. Pitching a private tent requires paying a fee of 20 baht per person/night. For more information, call Tel. 0 3865 3034, or in Bangkok at Tel.0 2561 2919 and 0 2561 2921.
• Ko Thalu (เกาะทะลุ) Some 6 kilometres east of Ko Kudi, the island is another scuba diving site among coral reefs. The island totals an area of 69 rai, most remains lush forest. While high cliffs occupy the west, white sandy beaches occupy the east and south of the island. Ko Thalu is a habitat of seagulls, flying fox, and turtles.

Tourists visiting Ko Kudi, Ko Kruai, Ko Kham, Ko PlaTin and Ko Thalu should rent a boat from Ban Phe or Ko Samet. They should prepare food and water, as there is neither facilities nor food supplies available on such islands.For more information, please contact Ireland Tour co., Ltd., Tel. 0 3865 3055-9

Sleep

Ao Noinar

• Ban Ploy Samet (บ้านพลอยเสม็ด) Ban Phe (Tel: 0 3864 4188-9 www.ploytalayresort.com) 14 rooms: 1,800-4,000 baht
• Mu Ban Thalay (หมู่บ้านทะเล) 1/8 Mu 4 Ban Phe (Tel: 0 3864 4251, 0 1838 8682 www.moobanthalays.com E-mail: moobanthalays.com), 21 rooms: 2,900-8,000 baht
• Muk Samet (มุกเสม็ด) 12/74 Mu 4 Ban Phe (Tel: 0 3864 4164) 3 rooms: 1,500-1,800 baht
• Sai Kaew Hill Resort (ทรายแก้ว ฮิลล์ รีสอร์ท) 11/6 Mu 4 Ban Phe (Tel: 0 3864 4234-7 E-mail: SHR@Saikaew.com) 60 rooms: 1,000-5,000 baht
• Samet Cliff Resort (เสม็ด คลิฟ รีสอร์ท) 100 Mu 4 Ban Phe (Tel: 0 2 6350800, 0 1645 7115), 27 rooms: 1,400-2,800 baht

Ao Supparod

• Pineapple (ไพน์แอปเปิ้ล) Ban Phe (Tel: 0 1658 5832, 0 1743 8804) 20 rooms: 800 baht
• The Umbrella (เดอะ อัมเบรลล่า) 97/5 Mu 4 Ban Phe (Tel: 0 3864 4221 www.theumbrella.net) 8 rooms: 800-1,600 baht

Hat Saikaew

• Chancoy Beach House (ฉันคอย บีช เฮาส์) 81/1 Mu 4 (Tel: 0 3864 4089, 0 6143 2326 E-mail: chancoy@hotmail.com) 10 rooms: 1,500-2,500 baht *Laemyai & Ploy Resort (แหลมใหญ่ แอนด์ พลอย รีสอร์ท) Mu 4 Ban Phe (Tel: 0 3865 1661, 0 3865 1496) 57 rooms: 800-4,000 baht
• Sai Kaew Beach Resort & Banana Hut (ทรายแก้ว บีช รีส��ร์ท แอนด์ บานาน่า ฮัท) Mu 4 Ban Phe (Tel: 0 3864 4193, 0 1770 9827 www.aopraoresort.com E-mail: sales@aopraoresort.com) 87 rooms: 2,900-8,000 baht
• Sai Kaew Villa (ทรายแก้ว วิลล่า) Mu 4 (Tel: 0 3865 1535, 0 3864 4144 www.saikaew.com E-mail: samet@saikaew.com) 80 rooms: 700-4,990 baht
• Sinsamut (สินสมุทร) 91 Mu 4 (Tel: 0 3864 4134, 0 3864 4207) 32 rooms: 350-1,000 baht
• Ploy Talay (พลอยทะเล) 82 Mu 4 (Tel: 0 3864 4214-5 www.ploytalayresort.com) 30 rooms: 500-2,500 baht
• White Sand (ไวท์ แซนด์) 56 Mu 4 (Tel: 0 3864 4000-3, 0 3865 3154) 90 rooms: 600-2,500 baht

Ao Phai

• Ao Phai Hut (อ่าวไผ่ ฮัท) (Tel: 0 3864 4075-6) 65 rooms: 500-1,200 baht
• Little Hut (ลิตเติ้ล ฮัท) 16/1 Mu 4 (Tel: 0 3864 4073) 36 rooms: 300-800 baht
• Jeab (เจี๊ยบ) Mu 4 (Tel: 0 3864 4113 0 1853 3121 www.jepbungalow.com) 60 rooms: 1,000-2,500 baht
• Naka (นากะ) 36 Mu 4 (Tel: 0 3864 4034-5, 0 3864 4167 E-mail: apinyputsom@hotmail.com) 28 rooms: 250-500 baht
• Samet Villa (เสม็ด วิลล่า) 89 Mu 4 (Tel: 0 3864 4094 E-mail: samedvilla@hotmail.com) 31 rooms: 1,200-2,500 baht
• Sea Breeze (ซี บรีส) 23 Mu 4 (Tel/Fax 0 3864 4124-5) 52 rooms: 600-1,500 baht
• Silver Sand (ซิลเวอร์ แซนด์) 92 Mu 4 (Tel: 0 1996 5720) 42 rooms: 300-800 baht

Ao Tubtim

• Phuttra (พุทรา) 75 Mu 4 (Tel: 0 3864 4066, 0 3864 4030) 25 rooms: 400-1,700 baht
• Tubtim Resort (ทับทิม รีสอร์ท) 13/15 Mu 4 (Tel: 0 1218 7759, 0 3864 4025-9 www.tubtimresort.com) 70 rooms: 500-1,200 baht

Ao Nuan – Ao Cho

• Ao Nuan (อ่าวนวล) 61/1 Mu 4 8 rooms: 150-400 baht
• Tantawan Resort & Ao Cho Guesthouse (ธารตะวัน รีสอร์ท แอนด์ อ่าวช่อ เกสต์เฮาส์) 46 Mu 4 (Tel: 0 3865 3055-9 www.geocitie.com/ao-cho E-mail: Islandtour1999@hotmail.com) 45 rooms: 300-3,000 baht
• Wonderland (วัลเดอร์แลนด์) (Lung Wung) (Tel: 0 3864 4162) 60 rooms: 200-2,500 baht

Ao Wongduan

• Malibu Garden Resort (มาลิบู การ์เดน รีสอร์ท) (Tel/Fax: 02 673 2668 www.malibu-samet.com) 74 rooms: 1,400-3,500 baht
• Samet Cabana (เสม็ด คาบาน่า) (Tel: 0 1838 4853, 0 1922 4992) 14 rooms: 300-700 baht
• Sea Horse (ซี ฮอร์ท) 13/10 Mu 4 (Tel: 0 3865 3740, 0 3864 4209) 25 rooms: 500-2,500 baht
• Wongduan Resort (วงเดือน รีสอร์ท) 22/2 Mu 4 (Tel: 0 1942 7220, 0 3864 4171-2) 54 rooms: 800-1,200 baht
• Vongduan Villa (วงเดือน วิลล่า) www.vonduern-villa.com 22 Mu 4 31 rooms: 900-2,500 baht
• Vimarnsamed Resort (วิมานเสม็ด) www.vimarnsamedresort.com : 2000-6000 baht

Ao Tean

• Ban Keang Talay Resort (บ้านกลางทะเล รีสอร์ท) (Tel: 0 3865 2067) 5 rooms: 500-800 baht
• Lung Dum (ลุงดำ) 229 Mu 2 (Tel: 0 6150 7661, 0 1458 8430) 30 rooms: 200-3,000 baht
• Sangtean Beach Resort (แสงเทียน บีช รีสอร์ท) 88 Mu 4 (Tel: 0 1295 9567, 0 3865 3210) 18 rooms: 400-700 baht

Ao Whai

• Samet Ville (เสม็ด วิลล่า) 229 Mu 2 (Tel: 0 3865 1681-2 www.sametvilleresort.com E-mail: question@sametvilleresort.com) 66 rooms: 900-2,500 baht

Ao Prakarung

• Nimmanoradee (นิมมานรดี) 76/1 Mu 4 (Tel: 0 3864 4273, 0 1862 8586 www.nimmanoradee.com ) 11 rooms: 3,000-3,500 baht

Ao Prao

• Lima Coco (ลิมา โคโค) 280/116 Mu 2 (Tel: 0 3865 1377, 0 3864 4068) 26 rooms: 1,800-3,200 baht
• Ao Prao Resort & Le viman (อ่าวพร้าว รีสอร์ท แอนด์ เลอ วิมาน) 292/2 Mu 2 (Tel: 0 3865 1134-5, 0 2438 9771-2 www.aopreoresort.com E-mail: rfv@aopreoresort.com) 78 rooms: 2,889-25,000 baht

Ao Kiew

• Paradee Resort & Spa (ปาราดี รีสอร์ท แอนด์ สปา) 292/2 Mu 2 (Tel: 0 3865 1134-5, 0 2438 9771-2 www.sametresort.com E-mail: rfv@sametresort.com) 10 rooms: 8,500 baht

--(WT-en) globe-trotter 14:49, 2 February 2010 (EST)

Island

Do

Events and Festivals

Rayong Fruit Festival (งานเทศกาลผลไม้และของดีเมืองระยอง) In May of each year, Rayong's fruit reaches its peak season. The venue for celebration is always changed between Mueang and Klaeng districts. Tourists can enjoy floats decorated with fruits, fruit contests, beauty contests, as well as fruit and seafood fair.

Sunthon Phu Day (งานวันสุนทรภู่) Organised on June 26 of each year at Sunthon Phu Monument, Klaeng district, to honour the great poet. Exhibitions and plays from his poetry will entertain visitors.

Changing the robe for Phra Chedi Klang Nam (งานห่มผ้าพระเจดีย์กลางน้ำ) The annual traditional event is held during the full moon night of the 12th lunar month, or in November. The robe blanketing around the pagoda in the middle of the Rayong River, in Mueang district, will be changed. Meanwhile, the people will celebrate the event along with the Loi Krathong Festival by boat racing and many kinds of local entertainment.

Thot Pha Pa Klang Nam (Waterborne Robe Offering Ceremony) (งานทอดผ้าป่ากลางน้ำ) During the Loi Krathong Festival of each year, or on the full moon night of November, people living near the mouth of the Prasae River will prepare a monk's robe at the pier. After completing the ceremony on the boat, a monk will come to get it. Normally, the robe offering ceremony is held at the temple. This special tradition has been inherited for over a century.

• Hiking

• Boat trips - should cost around 600 baht and can include snorkeling, fishing, a visit to the fish farms and floating restaurant, or a tour around the island and nearby Ko Thalu, Kud, Pateen and Kham etc. It is simple to find a boat trip and they come in either of two forms – by slow boat or speedboat. Most, which are for the full day, include a barbeque lunch, snorkeling gear and drinks.

• Yoga, ask for yoga at the Sea Breeze restaurant at Ao Pay beach. There is a yoga teacher who has been doing yoga for thirty years. He also does different types of massages (deep-tissue, aromatherapy, relaxation etc). Contact Bapa at Sea Breeze restaurant for all kind of yoga, (different levels, group or private) and massages.

• Traditional on almost every South-East Asia beach, Ko Samet has started featuring "Full/Half/Dark Moon" nights - not be confused with the massive Full Moon Parties on Ko Pha Ngan or other parts of Southern Thailand - here they are simply an excuse for drink specials, which are present every night of the year anyway

• Drink the local speciality, a SangSom bucket, which is a toxic mix of Thai whiskey, red bull and coke, served in a kids sandbucket with lots of straws

• Volleyball / Frisbee Tourists enjoy playing volleyball and Frisbee on the beach, if you don’t have your own you can ask the place you are staying at for a loan of theirs.

• Fishing Night fishing trips for squid can be arranged for around 500B.

• Windsurfing With its rocky coastline and offshore winds, north of Hat Sai Kaew is an excellent location for those wishing to try out a bit of wind surfing. Windsurfs can be rented out from most guesthouses and hotels for around 100-200baht per hour.

• Massage For a proper massage visit one of the indoor massage shops. Look to be paying around 200+ baht per hour. Doctors advise against having a massage from one of the many masseurs on the beach as many of them are poorly trained. If a Thai massage is performed wrongly it can do more harm than good.

Snorkeling/diving - Tourists can take a tour around the island and go snorkeling, if they wish, off the rocky uninhabited western side, or around the reefs at the southern tip. Scuba diving excursions can be arranged at Vong Duang.

Diving Center The two nearby islands of Ko Thalu and Ko Kud are excellent diving spots. Among the more reputable scuba establishments are:

• Ao Prao Diving Center, at Ao Prao Resort, Ao Prao Beach, Ko Samet. Tel: (038) 644-100. Diver propulsion vehicle (scooters) available for hire, PADI. www.aopraoresort.com

Shopping

Ko Samet doesn't have much in the way of shopping beyond basic beach accessories (sarongs, T-shirts, etc). But, there are high quality crystal products and reed products. Crystal can be purchased at Lotus Crystal Factory in Pluak Daeng District of Rayong.

Most hotels have some books to trade or rent, and there are a growing number of hawkers selling books too.

Popular local food in Ko Samet includes sumptuous fried durian and fruits which also includes rambutan and mangosteen. The province is also well-known for its great seafood products such as: shrimp paste, fish sauce, dried shrimp, squid, octopus and other dried seafood.

Spa

Spa Provider

Spas in Hotels/Resorts

• Ao Prao Resort (อ่าวพร้าวรีสอร์ท) Ao Prao Beach, Ko Samet (Tel: 0 2438 9771, Website: www.aopraoresort.com)
• Dhivarin Spa (ทิวาริน สปา) Paradee Resort & Spa, 76 Mu 4, Tambon Phe, Amphoe Muang, Koh Samet, Rayong
• Le Vimarn Cottages & Spa (เลอ วิมาน คอทเทจ แอนด์ สปา) 40/11 Mu 4, Ko Samet
• Sai Kaew Beach Resort (ทรายแก้วบีช รีสอร์ท) Sai Kaew Beach, Ko Samet (Tel: 0 2438 9771, Website: www.aopraoresort.com)
• Sai Kaew Villa (ทรายแก้ว วิลล่า) Sai Kaew Beach, Ko Samet (Tel: 0 3864 4144, Website: www.saikaew.com)

Learn

Thai Boxing (Muay Thai)

For those interested in learning Thai Boxing, there is a Thai boxing school with Thai and English instructors - Naga Muay Thai. They also organize regular Thai boxing matches at the ring adjacent to the Naga Bar. Naga Bungalows, Ko Samet. Email: nagamuaythai@gmail.com [1]

Fire Spinning

For around 1,500baht, there are three day courses on learning the art of fire-spinning. The small school is in Ladan Village.

Sleep

Always ask to see the room before taking it. Many rooms will have minimal bedding so you might want to bring your own sleep sack or sarong. Towels, soaps, toilet paper, etc. may not be provided in basic bungalows but should be for sale cheaply somewhere close by.

Always check that the windows on the room have well sealed mosquito screens. Dawn and dusk are the times that the mosquitos are out and about. It is well worth buying a mosquito aerosol spray and giving your room a blast before going out for your evening meal/drinks. Personal mosquito sprays or lotions are also recommended whilst you are out in the early morning or evening. Also if your room has an en-suite close its door as this will take away one water source for the mosquitoes. Also sleeping with a fan panning over the bed while you sleep makes it harder for any mosquitoes that you may have missed to actually land on you.

Always take a padlock and key with you if staying at some of the cheaper establishments. Some bungalow doors can be opened with a knife in seconds, and robberies, though less common than in the past, are still present.

Ao Noinar

• Ban Ploy Samet (บ้านพลอยเสม็ด) Ban Phe (Tel: 0 3864 4188-9 www.ploytalayresort.com) 14 rooms: 1,800-4,000 baht
• Mu Ban Thalay (หมู่บ้านทะเล) 1/8 Mu 4 Ban Phe (Tel: 0 3864 4251 0 1838 8682 www.moobanthalays.com E-mail: moobanthalays.com), 21 rooms: 2,900-8,000 baht
• Sai Kaew Hill Resort (ทรายแก้ว ฮิลล์ รีสอร์ท) 11/6 Mu 4 Ban Phe (Tel: 0 3864 4234-7 E-mail: SHR@Saikaew.com) 60 rooms: 1,000-5,000 baht
• Samet Club Resort (เสม็ด คลับ รีสอร์ท) 100 Mu 4 Ban Phe (Tel: 0 3864 4341 - 7 www.samedresorts.com), 27 rooms: 1,400-2,800 baht

Ao Supparod

• Pineapple (ไพน์แอปเปิ้ล) Ban Phe (Tel: 0 1658 5832 0 1743 8804) 20 rooms: 800 baht
• The Umbrella (ดิ อัมเบรลล่า) 97/5 Mu 4 Ban Phe (Tel: 0 3864 4221 www.theumbrella.net) 8 rooms: 800-1,600 baht

Hat Saikaew

• Laemyai & Ploy Resort (แหลมใหญ่ แอนด์ พลอย รีสอร์ท) Mu 4 Ban Phe (Tel: 0 3865 1661 0 3865 1496) 57 rooms: 800-4,000 baht
• Sai Kaew Beach Resort (ทรายแก้ว บีช รีสอร์ท) Mu 4 Ban Phe (Tel: 0 3864 4195-7 www.samedresorts.com) 87 rooms: 2,900-8,000 baht
• Samet Grand View Resort (เสม็ดแกรนด์วิว รีสอร์ท) 95/2 Mu 2 Ban Phe (0 .3864 4220 www.grandviewthai.com) 36 rooms 1,500-2,200 baht
• Sai Kaew Villa (ทรายแก้ว วิลล่า) Mu 4 (Tel: 0 3865 1535 0 3864 4144 www.saikaew.com E-mail: samet@saikaew.com) 80 rooms: 700-4,990 baht
• Samet Green Inn (เสม็ด กรีน อินน์) 33/4 Mu 4 Ban Phe (Tel. 0 3864 4318) 24 rooms : 800 – 1,500 baht
• Ton Sak Resort(ต้นสัก รีสอร์ท) Mu 4 26 rooms 2,200 – 5,000, pet and cooking are not allowed.

Ao Phai

• Samed Villa Resort (เสม็ดวิลล่า รีสอร์ท) (Tel: 0 3864 4094, 0 3864 4161), 35 rooms: 1400-3200 baht
• Ao Phai Hut (อ่าวไผ่ ฮัท) (Tel: 0 3864 4075-6) 65 rooms: 500-1,200 baht
• Little Hut (ลิตเติ้ล ฮัท) 16/1 Mu 4 (Tel: 0 3864 4073) 36 rooms: 300-800 baht
• Jeab (เจี๊ยบ) Mu 4 (Tel: 0 3864 4113 0 1853 3121 www.jepbungalow.com) 60 rooms: 1,000-2,500 baht
• Naka (นาก���) 36 Mu 4 (Tel: 0 3864 4034-5 0 3864 4167 E-mail: apinyputsom@hotmail.com) 28 rooms: 250-500 baht
• Sea Breeze (ซี บรีส) 23 Mu 4 (Tel/Fax 0 3864 4124-5) 52 rooms: 600-1,500 baht
• Silver Sand (ซิลเวอร์ แซนด์) 92 Mu 4 (Tel: 0 1996 5720) 42 rooms: 300-800 baht
• Tu tu (ตู ตู บังกาโล) Mu 4 (Tel: 0 3864 4113 0 1853 3121 www.jepbungalow.com) 60 rooms: 1,000-2,500 baht

Ao Tubtim

• Phuttra (พุทรา) 75 Mu 4 (Tel: 0 3864 4066 0 3864 4030) 25 rooms: 400-1,700 baht
• Tubtim Resort (ทับทิม รีสอร์ท) 13/15 Mu 4 (Tel: 0 1218 7759 0 3864 4025-9 www.tubtimresort.com) 70 rooms: 500-1,200 baht

Ao Nuan – Ao Cho

• Ao Nuan (อ่าวนวล) 61/1 Mu 4 8 rooms: 150-400 baht
• Tantawan Resort & Ao Cho Guesthouse (ธารตะวัน รีสอร์ท แอนด์ อ่าวช่อ เกสต์เฮาส์) 46 Mu 4 (Tel: 0 3865 3055-9 www.geocitie.com/ao-cho E-mail: Islandtour1999@hotmail.com) 45 rooms: 300-3,000 baht
• Ao Cho Hideaway (อ่าวช่อไฮด์อเวย์) Mu 4 (Tel. 0 3864 4332 www.grandviewgroupresort.com E-mail : info@grandviewgroupresort.com) 28 rooms : 3,700 – 4,700 baht
• Wonderland (วัลเดอร์แลนด์) (Lung Wung) (Tel: 0 3864 4162) 60 rooms: 200-2,500 baht

Ao Vongduern

• Vimarn Samet (วิมานเสม็ด รีสอร์ท) 19 rooms: 600-1,200 baht
• Blue Sky (บลูสกาย)(Tel. 08 9936 0842 08 1509 0547) 7 rooms 1,000 baht
• Malibu Garden Resort (มาลิบู การ์เด้นท์ รีสอร์ท) Wong Duen Beach, Koh Samet, Rayong, (Tel/Fax: 0 3864 4020 www.malibu-samet.com), Rate start from 2,046 baht
• Samet Cabana (เสม็ด คาบาน่า) [2] 41 rooms: 1,900 – 3,500 baht
• Sea Horse (ซี ฮอร์ส) 13/10 Mu 4 (Tel: 0 3865 3740 0 3864 4209) 25 rooms: 500-2,500 baht
• Bell House (บ้านระฆัง) (Tel. 0 3864 4270) 10 rooms: 1,500 baht
• Vongduern Resort (วงเดือน รีสอร์ท) 22/2 Mu 4 (Tel: 0 1942 7220 0 3864 4171-2) 54 rooms: 2,500 -3,500 baht
• Vongduern Villa (วงเดือน วิลล่า) [3] 22 Mu 4 34 rooms: 1150-3,850 baht

Ao Tean

• Candle Light (Saeng Tean Beach Resort-แสงเทียน บีช รีสอร์ท) 88 Mu 4 (Tel. 08 1295 9567 08 1996 9793 0 3864 4255) 18 rooms: 400 – 700 baht
• Ban Kiang Talay Resort (บ้านเคียงทะเล รีสอร์ท) (Tel: 08 6158 1619) 5 rooms: 500-800 baht
• Lung Dum (ลุงดำ) 229 Mu 2 (Tel: 08 6150 7661 08 1458 8430 0 3865 1810) 30 rooms: 200-3,000 baht
• Maeng ga proon fai (แมงกะพรุนไฟ) (Tel.:08 1652 5056 08 1458 8430 0 3864 4331) 15 rooms: 500 – 1,200 baht
• Ton Had (ต้นหาดบังกะโล) (Tel. 0 3865 1733 08 1435 8900) 6 rooms: 600 – 1,500 baht
• Ban Thai Saeng Tean (บ้านไทยแสงเทียน) (Tel. 0 3864 4322 08 1305 9408)

Ao Whai

• Samet Ville (เสม็ด วิลล์) 229 Mu 2 (Tel: 0 3865 1681-2 www.sametvilleresort.com E-mail: question@sametvilleresort.com) 66 rooms: 900-2,500 baht

Ao Prakarung

• Nimmanoradee (นิมมานรดี) 76/1 Mu 4 (Tel: 0 3864 4273 0 1862 8586 www.nimmanoradee.com ) 11 rooms: 2,000-3,500 baht

Ao Prao

• Ao Prao Resort (อ่าวพร้าวรีสอร์ท) (Tel. 0 3864 4100 – 3 E-mail: frontoffice_ aoprao@samedresorts.com) 52 rooms: 5,900 – 16,500 baht
• Le viman (เลอ วิมาน) 292/2 Mu 2 (Tel: 0 3864 4104-7 0-2438 9771-2 www.samedresorts.com E-mail: frontoffice_levimarn@samedresorts.com) 28 rooms: 9,700 baht
• Lima Coco (ลิมา โคโค) 280/116 Mu 2 (Tel: 0 3864 4241 0 3864 4068 0 2938 1811 www.limacoco.com E-mail: info@limacoco.com) 44 rooms: 2,500 – 6,900 baht

Ao Kiew

• Paradee Resort & Spa (ปารดี รีสอร์ท แอนด์ สปา) 292/2 Mu 2 (Tel: 0 38644 283-92 0 2438 9771-2 www.sametresorts.com E-mail: gro@paradeeresort.com) 10 rooms:15,000 – 80,000 baht

Other

• Le Vimarn Cottages (เลอว��มาน คอทเทจส์) [4] 40/11 Mu 4, Tambon Phe, Amphoe Mueang, Rayong, Rate start from 6,500 baht
• Paradee Resort & Spa (ปารดี รีสอร์ท แอนด์ สปา) 76 Mu 4, Tambon Phe, Amphoe Muang, Koh Samet, Rayong, Rate start from 9,225 baht

Health and Medical Centers

Medical Facilities

On Koh Samet, there is one hospital near Sai Kaew beach, but for anything serious it’s better to return to Bangkok. For nothing too severe there are plenty of clinics and pharmacies in the main areas.

Retirement Living

More and more foreigners are living on Ko Samet, many of them retirees. A favourite spot for them are on the beaches. There are some other retirees though, who reside in quieter locations away from the tourist scene.

Media/Contact

Nationwide television, cable TVs, local cable TV channels are available in Ko Samet. International newspapers and magazines are available at the tourist spots.

Landline telephones, satellite phones, all mobile phone systems, high-speed internet (ADSL), post offices and parcel services are available in most of the places of Ko Samet.

Suggested Itinerary

3 Days / 2 Nights

• Day 1: Leave Bangkok early in the morning and arrive in Ko Samet before mid-day. Go to one of the quiet beaches like Ao Wai or Ao Nuan, check in, and spend the rest of the afternoon sunbathing and swimming. In the evening, enjoy a romantic seafood dinner with your loved-one. Before bed have a cocktail under the stars.

• Day 2: Move to Hat Sai Kaew and go on one of the snorkeling tours to the nearby islands such as Ko Thalu and Ko Kud. In the evening, go on a bar crawl and shoot a few games of pool.

• Day 3: Spend the morning relaxing on the beach and see the statue of Phra Aphai Manee. Perhaps try your hand at windsurfing, volleyball or Frisbee. Return to Bangkok in the early afternoon after having had a seafood lunch at one of the top hotels.

Boat Rental

• Sai Kaew Villa (ทรายแก้ว วิลล่า) Ko Samet Tel: 0 3864 4144

Local Tips

The best time of the year to see Ko Samet is from November to February where the weather is cooler and the seas are calmer. Since Samet has a micro-climate it is one of the driest places in Thailand. During the rainy season Samet has substantially less rain than the other islands in Thailand.

• Do make sure that any boat you take has enough life-jackets for everyone on board.
• Do protect yourself from mosquitoes.
• Do, if you come down with a high fever, go to the hospital immediately.
• Do, if you get bit by a dog, go to the hospital immediately.
• Do bargain the price of the room in the low season.
• Do bargain with vendors.
• Do contact the tourist police in any dodgy situation.
• Do be careful of over-charging drivers.
• Do carry around small change.
• Do try the local seafood.
• Do get off the beaten track.
• Do, if you hire a motorbike, make sure the owners have a trustworthy reputation.

Useful Contacts

• Immegration Office 0 3863 8674
• Highway Police 1193 0 3861 1203
• Tourist Police 1155 0 3865 1669
• Police Station 0 3887 1106
• Rayong Hospital 0 3861 1104
• Emergency Calls 191
• Weather Forecast Department 0 3865 5075