Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
other beach lovers as it's an easy weekend escape from Bangkok as well as a ma-
jor package-tour destination.
Sights & Activities
Beaches
Starting in the island's northeastern corner, Hat Sai Kaew, or 'Diamond Sand', is the
island's widest and whitest stretch of sand and has all the hubbub you'd expect of a
top-notch beach resort.
More subdued than its northern neighbour, Ao Hin Khok and Ao Phai are two gor-
geous bays separated by rocky headlands. The crowd here tends to be younger
and more stylish than the down-to-earth crew in Hat Sai Kaew and the parties are
late-nighters.
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.
A smaller sister to Hat Sai Kaew,
Ao Wong Deuan
is a long, crescent-shaped
bay packed with people, mainly package tourists.
Ao Thian (Candlelight Beach) is punctuated by big boulders that shelter small
sandy spots creating a castaway ambience. It is one of Ko Samet's most casual,
easygoing beaches and is deliciously lonely on weekdays.
The cove 'caboose ' is
Ao Wai
, a lovely beach far removed from everything else
(in reality it is only 1km from Ao Thian) .
Beach Admission Fee
Ko Samet is part of a national park and charges all visitors an entrance fee (200/100B
adult/child) upon arrival. The fee is collected at the National Parks office in Hat Sai Kaew;
sŏrng·tăa·ou
from the pier will stop at the gates for payment. Hold on to your ticket for
later inspections.
