Koh Samet is a small island with a vibrant atmosphere off the coast of Rayong Province, in the northeast of the country. Boasting crystal-clear beaches and lush vegetation, this corner of paradise offers an immersion in nature and remains conducive to relaxation.
In this guide, you’ll find all you need to know about the best places to stay on Koh Samet. We describe the atmosphere, things to do in the area, means of transport and accommodation on offer. To help you find what you’re looking for, we’ve also compiled a list of hotels to suit every budget.
Things you need to know
Before going into detail on each area to help you decide where to stay in Koh Samet, here are some key things you need to know about the city. This’ll give you a better idea of the city.
Our favorite places to stay
If you’re in a hurry, here are our top places to stay in Koh Samet:
- $ this resort, close to Wong Duean and Ao Cho beaches
- $$ this hotel, ideally located on the seafront
- $$$ this luxury establishment facing Ao Prao Bay
Map of different areas to stay in Koh Samet
Here’s a map which includes our picks of hotels and flats. You can also use this map to pinpoint the different areas we’ll cover in this guide.
We’ve used the following colour code: green for budget hotels, blue for mid-range hotels and red for luxury hotels.
Essentials to stay in Koh Samet
Areas where to stay in Koh Samet
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying on Koh Samet.
To stay between Sai Keaw and Ao Phai, for the animation
The most touristic and pleasant area, the town center facing Sai Kaew Bay is one of the most interesting places to stay on Koh Samet. Combining a stretch of sand to relax on with its proximity to bars and restaurants, it's the perfect cocktail to enjoy.
Sai Keaw beach, also known as “Diamond Beach”, is a must-see. Between swimming, sunbathing and water sports, you can have a lot of fun. Note that snorkeling is to be practiced without moderation.
You'll find another one a little further down, Ao Phai, just below, which is quieter and more remote. In addition to water sports, Sai Kaew beach also offers a fire dance show.
In the town center, you'll find a lively nightlife after dark. Many restaurants, bars and nightclubs are open. During the day, we recommend a visit to Wat Koh Samet, a Buddha statue in the heart of the city.
You can also book a boat trip from the town center for diving. You can also rent a scooter, an indispensable means of transport for getting around the island.
Note that you're bound to pass through this area, as ferries to Koh Samet disembark here at Nadan pier (which departs from Ban Phe pier).
As for where to stay, there are a number of beachfront resorts and hotel complexes. They are obviously more expensive than the hotels you'll find on the streets, although the latter may be suitable for smaller budgets.
Our choice of accommodation
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Located in Ao Phai, this establishment is elegantly decorated. Spacious rooms, a large swimming pool surrounded by vegetation and a restaurant serving local cuisine make this a great place to stay on Koh Samet.
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Facing the sea, this hotel has many assets: its restaurant lets you eat with your feet in the sand. Adjacent to the coast, it also offers spa treatments for relaxation. Rooms are bright and pleasant. Bicycles are available for hire.
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Beautiful upscale hotel facing Sai Kaew. Simple and modern, it offers an outdoor swimming pool and a gym overlooking the pool. Gourmet breakfast. Clearly the best place to stay on Koh Samet.
Stay at Ao Wong Duean, a quieter place
Ao Wong Duean, a bay in the middle of the island, is more family-friendly and quiet. This corner is less crowded than the previous one, so you'll find it quieter.
On this 500-meter-long stretch of sand, take advantage of the many deckchairs for sunbathing and beach bars for ice cream. Crystal-clear water for swimming You'll also find a number of water sports activities that have been developed in recent years: you can try parasailing or hire a jet-ski to have fun in the bay. Snorkeling too
Most of the hotels in the area border the sea, so you'll have direct access to the sea in just a few steps. Most of them are very affordable, even if the offer is very limited, counting on the fingers of one hand.
If you want to explore the rest of the island, you can rent a scooter on arrival and use it to get to your hotel. It takes an average of just ten minutes to get from Sai Keaw to the town center.
Our recommendations for where to stay
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Pleasant establishment, with a restaurant on the sand. The premises are airy and spacious. We appreciate the bungalows and the friendly atmosphere. An address that lets you enjoy nature.
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Idyllic setting and bohemian decor for this hotel 50 meters from Ao Wong Duen. Set back on a peninsula, it offers a more peaceful, natural setting. Some rooms have sea views. The restaurant serves Thai cuisine.
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The cottages have direct access to the sea. The decor is a little old-fashioned, but the rooms are comfortable. A hearty breakfast is included in all packages. This address offers good value for money.
Other places to stay in Koh Samet
The rest of the island is much quieter, more isolated and natural. You'll be totally immersed in nature. There's no big infrastructure here, just wild corners of paradise to discover.
The first of these is Ao Phrao, located in the northwest, less than 10 minutes' drive from Sai Kaew Beach. This peaceful spot offers sun loungers and drinks. The sunset show on this bay is not to be missed. Come here to relax and enjoy the calm of the surrounding nature.
The bay of Ao Chor, above Ao Wong Duean, is also very authentic. Beach bars, relaxation, sunbathing and swimming characterize this area. The good thing is that you can get between Wong Duean Beach and Sai Kaew very quickly.
Don't hesitate to explore the rest of the island, which is just as interesting to explore during the day. Even so, having drop-off points like Ao Chor and Ao Phrao means you can recuperate peacefully and enjoy the ambience of the other corners in the evening. As a result, it's better for families to stay in these areas.
Hotels where to stay
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Close to Ao Chor beach, this secluded hotel offers well-equipped and decorated bungalows. It's on the beachfront and its restaurant serves Asian cuisine. Few crowds, so it's the ideal place to stay on Koh Samet if you want peace and quiet.
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Located in the north-west of the island, facing the bay of Ao Prao, this beautiful establishment boasts many assets. Its superb central swimming pool is surrounded by bungalows and vegetation. The restaurant offers seafood and Asian cuisine. We come here to get away from it all.
Summary
This guide ends here. Now you know all you need to know about where to stay on Koh Samet. If you want to enjoy a lively atmosphere, opt for Sai Keaw and Ao Phai, or lesser Ao Wong Duean. For a stay totally immersed in nature, opt for the rest of Koh Samet.