Sunset at Koh Samed
After one visit to Khoa San road and a few other less desirable areas in Bangkok and an afternoon avoiding tuktuk scams and ping pong shows were hanging to get out of Bangkok. With only a few days left of our South East Asia tour we eventually decided on the small island of Koh Samed.
If you are in need of some nice quiet relaxing time than this is the place to be.
The island of Koh Samed ( Ko Samet, Koh Samet or Ko Samed ) is located approximately 220 km south easterly from Bangkok. And it is worth every mile!
This tiny island is the playground for the youth of Bangkok. With a variety of accommodation from luxury beach side villas ( ($500USD a night) to lonely little bungalows for less then $20usd a night it has something to offer everyone. We ended up at the Chilli Hotel, which is on the Main Street near the beach, before the national park entry. A bit expensive at $65USD a night for a room, no breakfast and a window that opened into the breezeway and staff rooms.
Book accommodation before you arrive! We had and arrived on a Friday which was still rather quiet. By mid-day Saturday the island was literally buzzing with people. We saw quite a few Western couples and groups doing the rounds trying to find accommodation at any price!
There really isn’t much to do on the island beyond being a beach bum. You can go snorkeling, snooze on the beach, para-sail, watch the little crabs on the beach, swim some more. I’m sure you get the picture. Unlike other beaches in Thailand and Cambodia there seems to be less beach workers harassing you for a foot massage or trying to sell fire works and bracelets. Which is a welcome relief. Interestingly the beach workers all wore numbered hi-vis blue vests. Suggesting that there is some sort of registration system going on.
Getting to Koh Samet-
The fastest and most comfortable way, which we took, is by mini bus. For 200baht per person we sat in an air conditioned minibus for just on 3hrs.
Mini buses depart from the Victory Monument every hour from 8-5(ish).
Mini bus signs
We had read a lot about how dangerous these were but we had no problems. The driver spoke no English at all but did a great job of getting us to Rayong, where the ferry departs.
The other option is a public bus for 178baht per person and a 4hour journey. As well as an additional 35-45min trip to get to the bus stop in Bangkok.
Getting onto the island was a little bit more interesting. The scammers where trying it on with everyone! From a young Thai couple to us crazy foreigners. You shouldn’t pay more than 100baht one way for the ferry. And no more than 250baht for a speedboat. Not the 1600baht she tried to charge us! The ferry takes around 30mins and goes directly to the main port. Unless your hotel is on the east/west side of the island I wouldn’t bother paying the extra for a speedboat.
There are lots of green utes that are the islands official taxis. They can get you to get about anywhere on the island.
We feel in love with The Funky Monkey for food. A small bar run by a British expat, the staff are friendly and helpful and the food delicious. The banana filled pancakes are a winner! All reasonably priced too, with an afternoon session happy hour. If you want to watch football (soccer) then these guys usually have it on. There’s a notice board out the front letting you know what time the games are on and who’s playing.
Banana pancakes. A Thai breakfast delicacy
Coffee at the Funky Monkey
There are a few sneaky costs for the island. There is a 10baht landing fee on arrival. And a 200baht foreigners few to enter the beach area, which technically is a national park. However it was real hit and miss if you actually did need to pay it. We watched for over an hour during breakfast and couldn’t figure it out. Some people where charged, others not. We also couldn’t get an answer if the fee is daily or a weekend rate! Honestly if you don’t have a big back pack or suitcase with you just walk on through like you’ve been there all along.
Laundry here is exceptionally cheap compared to other areas in Thailand. 50baht/kilo. We dropped ours off to a lovely girls at the bakery across the road from our hotel. For a huge 100baht we got most of our washing done AND doughnuts. It was a great deal.
Now we are off to spend another day becoming beach babes!
Oh Hi there little Mr Crab
Main street as you walk into town and the National Park
Beach kitty helping herself to dinner
