INTRODUCTION
This smallish island located some 80km southeast of Pattaya in the Gulf of Thailand has dazzling white sand beaches, low key nightlife and some fine food.
The island was declared a National Park in 1981 and attracts a 200 baht entry fee for farangs (foreigners), so it's best to stay at least 3 days to get your money's worth.
The busiest beaches are Hat Sai Kaew, Ao Hin Kok and Wong Duan. The first two are located on the northeast coast while Wong Duan is halfway down the island and has it's own ferry departures and arrivals.
WHERE TO STAY?
One of the best places to stay is Tub Tim Resort on Ao Tub Tim. The beach is medium busy and has some limited coral right off shore. The resort has bungalows from 700 baht and the restaurant serves up delicious (aroy) food. It's the 4th beach along the eastern side of the island.
EXPLORING THE ISLAND
There is a walking track which links the bays and it's possible to walk north and south either along the track or along the beaches.
At the southern end of Ao Wong Duan there's a funky restaurant with good northern views. A good place to stop for lunch or a few drinks.
Further south the bays become quieter and the accommodation more rustic.
The northern beaches of Hin Kok and Hat Sai Kaew while more busy are still relatively subdued compared to the busy beaches of Phuket or Samui.
On the western side of the island there's only a couple of beaches with only Ao Prao having accommodation, though it's upmarket here.
The northern part of the island known as Ao Noi Na also has accommodation and if you stay here you can avoid the National Park fee (potentially). It's more of a village feel here.
ACTIVITIES
If you want loads of activities then Samet isn't for you. It's a place to relax on one of the fine beaches, swim, enjoy the delicious food and soak up some rays.
There are some snorkelling and fishing trips available if you want though
GETTING HERE
The departure point for the ferries and speed boats is Ban Phe, located some 17km east of Ranong and 200km from Bangkok. You can catch government buses from Ekamai in Bangkok or take a mini bus.
Boats drop off on Samet at the northern pier of Na Dan and Wong Duan, located halfway down the eastern coast.
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