Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights & Activities
On some islands you beach-hop, but on Ko Samet you cove-hop. The coastal footpath tra-
verses rocky headlands, cicada-serenaded forests and one stunning bay after another. The
mood becomes successively more mellow the further south you go.
BEACH
Hat Sai Kaew
Starting in the island's northeastern corner, Hat Sai Kaew, or 'Diamond Sand', is the is-
land's widest and whitest stretch of sand, as well as its busiest beach. With sunbathers,
sarong-sellers, speedboats, jet-skis, resorts and restaurants galore, the people-watching
here is part of the appeal. At night, the scene is equally rambunctious with late-night
parties and karaoke sessions.
GOOGLE MAP
that memorialise Samet's literary role in
Phra Aphaimani,
the great Thai epic
by Sunthorn Phu. The story follows the travails of a prince exiled to an undersea kingdom
ruled by a lovesick female giant (who has her own lonely statue in Hat Puak Tian in
Phetchaburi). A mermaid aids the prince in his escape to Ko Samet, where he defeats the
giant by playing a magic flute.
Ao Hin Khok & Ao Phai
Less frenetic than their northern neighbour, Ao Hin Khok and Ao Phai are two gorgeous
bays separated by rocky headlands. The crowd here tends to be younger and more stylish
than the tour groups who gather in Hat Sai Kaew; these two beaches are the traditional
backpacker party centres of the island.
BEACH
Ao Phutsa (Ao Tub Tim)
Further still is wide and sandy Ao Phutsa (Ao Tub Tim), a favourite for solitude seekers,
families and couples who need access to 'civilisation' but not a lot of other stimulation.
BEACH
Ao Wong Deuan
A smaller sister to Hat Sai Kaew, Ao Wong Deuan is a lovely crescent-shaped bay. Busy
at the weekends, it's much more relaxed during the week.
BEACH
Ao Thian
BEACH
