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Located approximately 220 kilometers from Bangkok is another delightfulresort on Thailand’s eastern coast – Rayong province. A late bloomer, the province is well known for its pristine beaches stretching along a100-kilometer coastline and scenic waterfalls a midst exotic surroundings. Aside from this, Rayong is blessed with an abundance of seafood products such as shrimp paste, fish sauce and dried seafood,and tropical fruits of which rambutan, mangosteen and durian are the most famous.

Rayong borders Chonburi Province on the north and the west, the Gulf of Thailand on the south, and Chantaburi Province on the east. Most of the land is marked by a series of mountains interspersed by flat plains and large tracts of forest and fruit plantations. Administratively, the province is divided into Mueang Rayong, Klaeng, Ban Khai, Bang Chang, Pluak Daeng and Wang Chan districts and Khao Chamao and Nikhom Phatthana Sub-districts.

Koh Samet is one of Thailand’s nicest islands and has a unique place in Thai culture. It was here that Sunthorn Phu – Thailand’s greatest poetic – was inspired to create his masterpiece “Phra Aphaimani” – the story of a prince imprisoned in an undersea kingdom. Despite its place in literary history, Koh Samet is these days more famed for its beauty and location – near enough to Bangkok to be a popular destination for weekend trips and far enough away from the capital to offer foreign tourists a chance to get away from it all.

Koh Samet is part of the Khao-Laem-Yah Koh Samet National Park and as result enjoyed the protection of the National Parks Division. Although developed, the island is not overdeveloped and retains its charm.

The whole of Koh Samet is typified by glorious white sand, making the beaches excellent places to spend some time. There are 14 white beaches on the Island and surrounded by colourful reefs. Western Samet consists of long bays and shallow, crystal clear water. A series of paths link the bays… stray south and you come across a number of smaller, more secluded bays.

The beaches on the northeast of the island are beautiful and better developed. As you move south down the east coast the coves and bays become less congested, though no less beautiful. The beaches on the southeast coast are the least developed and least visited. The west coast is rocky but does have one very secluded beach with bungalow resorts and a nice view of the sunset.

Koh Samet and the minuscule islands nearby are surrounded by coral formations in shallow water which make for enjoyable snorkeling. Scuba divers may not find them very interesting. Other water sports, including sailing, parasailing, skiing, and fishing can be arranged at a number of resorts.

Of course, Samet has its fair share of diving and other water sports; the island has numerous outlets for canoeing, sailing windsurfing, snorkelling and, although technically illegal on the island, jet skiing. Those with an ecological perspective should avoid jet skis which are slowly eroding Koh Samet’s coral.

With so many foreigners coming to the island, a healthy nightlife has emerged, and although this is not Pattaya, it has elements of Pattaya… bars, restaurants… the works really but in less intense amounts!

How to get there

Most of Ko Samet, including all of the good parts, is part of KhaoLaem Ya and Mu Ko Samet National Park and has an entry fee. If your ferry arrives at the main pier and you take a songthaew to thebeaches, there will be a stop at the main ticket checkpoint. If your ferry arrives at one of the beaches, an officer will collect the fee as you step out of the surf.

The 1st class bus from Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) toBan Phe usually takes just over 3 hours, costs 276 baht, and terminates opposite the ferry piers (there's no direct service to Ban Phe from MohChit - nearest alternative is to Rayong, from there you can take a songthaew to Ban Phe). If you take a regular bus from Pattaya or Sattahip, you'll need to take a songthaew or charter a tuk-tuk to the ferry piers. Minibus services go straight to the piers.

Boats to Koh Samet leave from Ban Pae, 30 mins by songthaw from Rayong.
At Ban Pae a few boat companies operate to Koh Samet. Each one has its own pier. If you travel from Rayong by a songthaw and if you have a ticket already, you may inform the songthaw driver the name of your boat company or its pier. All piers are walking distance from the bus stations at Ban Pae.

Most boats go to Nadan pier which is in N part of the island and the main pier of the island and others go to some other beaches. If you have already booked a room, ask your hotel which boat you should take and when the boat leaves from Ban Pae.
If you go to a pier without a ticket, all boat companies are really pushy to you to buy a return ticket. No need to buy this unless you can get a big discount fare. Without the return ticket, you can take a first boat available and you do not need to waste time to wait for the same company boat.

Ferries from Ban Phe to Ko Samet take around 30 to 45 minutes. Only buy a one-way ticket, as there's no discount on round-trip tickets andyou won't have to worry about losing it or finding that your ticketisn't valid for the most convenient return ferry. The ticket sellers may also offer to sell you the national park ticket - don't bother.

The nearest airport fielding commercial flights is U-Tapao, just east of Sattahip - about 45km from Ban Phe - however it only hasf lights to Ko Samui and Phuket.

There are direct 1st class bus services between Rayong and Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Getting around Koh Samet

There are two methods to get around the island. The first is by songthaew (usually a rather well-worn pickup truck with two benches inthe back and no roof), which costs 200 baht for a private trip, orbetween 20 and 60 baht per person for a full car, depending on which beach you are going to. This is a rather expensive method to get around the island, and the dusty roads can make it an uncomfortable trip. The second way is by renting a motorcycle. Signs advertise 300 baht per day or 100 baht per hour, but when you go to enquire about renting they will often say 400 or 500 baht per day. Insist on paying 300 baht. You will usually be able to rent it from the hotel you are staying at. Leaving your passport or a deposit is not necessary or advisable.

Boasting in dispensable sea-life resources, Rayong is one of the country’s major agricultural and industrial provinces. On the other hand, the province has maintained its traditions and customs in the daily lifestyle of the locals. The best months to visit Rayong are from November to February.