Bangkok is a great place but sometimes it gets overwhelming with all the hustle and bustle. If you want a cheap, quick and easy get-away, then a weekend in Koh Samet is just about right. It’s only about 4.5 hours away by coach and ferry, and even quicker if you drive.
You can take a coach to Ban Phe from the Bangkok Eastern Bus Terminal at Ekkamai which is easily accessible from the BTS at Ekkamai station. Coaches are generally comfortable and cost about 300 baht/pax for a round trip. Upon alighting at Ban Phe after a 3.5 hour ride, you can walk to the ferry terminal not far away. It’s 100 baht/pax for a round-trip to Samet. The ferry leaves as soon as there is the required number of people (about 15) on-board. It is a slow ride but takes only 30 – 45 minutes to destination. A faster boat is available but I’m sure at a much higher price.
Koh Samet is not that small an island and traveling inland requires either one of the taxi pick-up trucks or a scooter which you can rent at one of the many shops. I would recommend that you get to your hotel first by booking one of the shared taxi pick-up trucks for about 80 baht/pax, settle in and then look for a scooter if you are keen. Generally, as one would expect, scooter rental prices go up the closer you are to the jetty.
We stayed Vong Duen Villa on Vong Duen beach which is the last beach along the Eastern stretch from the main beach at Sai Kaew. It is a pleasantly quiet beach and has a lovely outdoor restaurant on the beach. It cost us 1,200 baht/night.
Vong Duen villa
Koh Samet has a number of beaches, and I was pleasantly surprised to note that they are not as commercial as those in Phuket or Samui.
At night, seafood restaurant take over the beaches and most provide an awesome fireshow!
Seafood at Koh Samet
The night sky is spectacular too!
Koh Samet is an island I will definitely visit again. Don’t expect big parties there, but just a quiet beach vacation with lots of great food. When in Thailand, you could definitely do without the noise, pollution…and ladyboys. On a weekend in Koh Samet.
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