home
Rayong
Hotels
Destinations
Rayong Guide
Things to do
Transportation
English
promotion
Hotels
Hotels

Attractions
Attractions

Beaches
Beaches
Maps
Maps

Transportation
Transportation

Koh Samet
Koh Samet
A Guide to Rayong and Koh Samet
Rayong (ระยอง) is located in the eastern Thailand approximately 220 kilometers from Bangkok. It covers 3,552 square kilometers and 100 kilometers of beaches facing the Gulf of Thailand. The 10 islands group is prolific with marine resources. The islands and rocks in this area are beautiful and have odd shapes. The biggest island in the group is Koh Samet, a sought-after weekend escape for Bangkokians. The island boasts 14 white sand beaches and colourful coral reefs providing a profusion of aquatic activities. The weather as it is always warm and not much affected by the monsoon. Apart from the beaches, there are also other scenic natural attractions such mountains and caves, historical sites, religious sites, fruit orchards and museum. A number of beachfront restaurants beckon all for sumptuous seafood as well as other types of cuisines. Accommodations of all types from simple bungalows to 5 star resorts are available both on the mainland and on Koh Samet.
Hotels
Attractions
Beaches
Map
Transportation
Koh Samet
Arrival date / Check-in:
  
Departure date / Check-out:
  
Stay:
nights
adult / child:
Search by hotel / location:
Destinations: (for MAP or Search)

Find nearby area/locations:
Additional filters:

Thailand hotels from
Sawadee.com
Lowest discount rates and daily special promotions!

Currency: USD
Sorting:

Most popular Rayong, Koh Samet hotels of this month:

Koh Samet, Ao Kew Beach
reviews
Traveler rating 9.6
250~344 $
recommend
dates
Koh Samet, Ao Prao Beach
reviews
Traveler rating 8.3
163~198 $
recommend
dates
Koh Samet, Saikaew Beach
reviews
Traveler rating 8.1
100~123 $
recommend
dates
Koh Samet, Ao Prao Beach
reviews
Traveler rating 7.8
103~153 $
recommend
dates
Koh Samet, Ao Pakarang
reviews
Traveler rating -/-
from 68 $
recommend
dates
Rayong, Paknam Beach
reviews
Traveler rating 10.0
59~69 $
dates
Rayong, Klaeng
reviews
Traveler rating 9.2
47~59 $
dates
Koh Samet, Vongduen Beach
reviews
Traveler rating 8.8
45~63 $
dates
Koh Samet, Ao Phai Beach
reviews
Traveler rating 7.3
67~106 $
dates
Koh Samet, Noi Na Beach
reviews
Traveler rating 7.3
55~91 $
dates
Koh Samet, Saikaew Beach
reviews
Traveler rating 7.2
from 58 $
dates
Koh Samet, Vongduen Beach
reviews
Traveler rating 7.2
56~75 $
dates
Rayong, Mae Rumphung
reviews
Traveler rating 6.9
from 19 $
dates
Koh Samet, Ao Pacha
reviews
Traveler rating 5.9
from 23 $
dates
Koh Samet, Noi Na Beach
reviews
Traveler rating 5.9
60~66 $
dates
Koh Samet, Ao Prao Beach
reviews
Traveler rating 5.5
from 45 $
dates
Koh Samet, Saikaew Beach
reviews
Traveler rating 3.8
68~100 $
dates
provided by R24.org
hotels found:
Where you want to stay?
Rayong Banchang Saengchan Paknam Maeramphung Laemtarn Laemmaephim Kohsamet Aoprao Aonoina Saikaew Vongduen Aowai Aokew Aopakarang Rayong Map
Koh Samet Koh Samet (เกาะเสม็ด)
Definitely an all-time favorite get-away destination for Bangkok residents and well as tourists, Koh Samet offers extensive pristine beaches with clean white sand. A haven for relaxation, this T-shaped island is a perfect retreat for those looking for sun, sand and sea.

The island is very popular for divers due its easy access from Bangkok and clear water, colorful coral and diversity of marine life such as: turtles, tiger sharks and manta rays. A wide range of accommodations on the island is available with from the budget conscious bungalow with basic amenities to the mid- and top range hotels and resorts mostly located around the Hat Sai Kaew area. Advance reservation is highly recommended as the island can get quite crowded.
Rayong Rayong (ระยอง)
Rayong Town is located approx. 220 km from Bangkok. Despite being a bit a late comer on the tourism scene, the province is well known for its pristine beaches stretching along a 100-kilometer coastline and scenic waterfalls amidst exotic surroundings. Aside from this, Rayong is blessed with an abundance of popular seafood restaurants as well as byproducts products such as shrimp paste, fish sauce and dried seafood, and lastly home to a range of tropical fruits orchards of which rambutan, mangosteen and durian are the most famous.

Rayong Province borders Chonburi Province on the north and the west and Chantaburi Province on the east. Boasting indispensable sea- life resources, Rayong is one of the country's major agricultural and industrial provinces.
Ban Chang Ban Chang (บ้านฉาง)
is the westernmost district of Rayong Province, eastern Thailand. Located close to the U-Tapao airport in the Chonburi province it features the beautiful Phayun Beach, which is about 32 km West from Rayong town as well as Pala Beach, only 3 km from Payoon Beach. Both are very quiet beaches with a shady sea pine forest, perfect for a family get-away.

Accommodation is available on both destinations albeit they are not too developed commercially and one may find the choice of restaurants and shops quite limited if available at all.
Saeng Chan Beach Saeng Chan Beach (หาดแสงจันทร์)
Saeng Chan Beach is located about 7 km from Rayong Town, this beach is connected to Laem Charoen beach and is also suitable for swimming.

Saeng Chan Beach is a very popular place to stay as it is in easy reach of the Rayong Town and the many luxurious hotels and residences offer very nice views of the beach and commanding horizon.

Behind the Beach Road is a street packed with great restaurants and bars, while the adjoining Laem Chareon is a large fishing village with numerous seafood restaurants.
Paknam Beach Paknam (ปากน้ำ) / Laem Charoen Beach (หาดแหลมเจริญ)
Laem Charoen Beach is located about 5 km from town at Tambon Pak Nam. Laem Charoen Beach is a very popular seaside area with townspeople who come to enjoy the scene and the seafood.

Saeng Chan Beach, 7 km from town at Tambon Pak Nam, is connected to Laem Charoen beach and also suitable for swimming. Food shops and accommodation facilities are available.
Mae Ram Phung Beach Mae Ram Phung Beach (หาดแม่รำพึง)
is a 12-kilometre long stretch of white sandy beach. It is part of the Laemya-Samet Islands National Park, and is perfect to enjoy the scenery while swimming. The beach trails along the way to meet Ban Kon Ao, where a small fishing community can be found.

While visiting this eastern coastal area, Suan Wang Kaeo, an old private plantation, is a must. The beach there is serene and beautiful with comfortable accommodation. Food here is varied, both along the beach and in town. A wide choice of Thai, Chinese, Western, Japanese, and seafood is available in a range of both simple and more elaborate restaurants.
Laem Tarn Laem Tarn (แหลมตาล)
Laem Tarn is located on the east coast in Rayong Province and is two and a half hours from Bangkok. Laem Tarn is a palm-fringed private beach and offers panoramic views of the seas and beautiful islands.

Laem Tarn Hotels offer exclusive leisure amenities that ensure a great vacation in Rayong. The beach side resort in Rayong Laem Tarn offer excellent accommodation along with luxury spa, fresh sea food, and several sports.
Laem Maephim Laem Maephim (แหลมแม่พิมพ์)
Located about 20 kilometers east of Rayong town and is a very nice area with a number of delicious restaurants overlooking the sea are dotting the beach. As much as there are a couple of Sea canoes, banana boats and jet-ski for rent you can have a nice peaceful day at the seaside.

The 3 Islands off of Laem Mae Phim Beach are called, Koh Mun Nai, Koh Mun Klang and Koh Mun Nok, They are about 5 km from the beach and have lovely white sandy beaches and very clear seas, some of which have been developed basic bungalow accommodations.
Ao Prao Ao Prao (อ่าวพร้าว)
is one of the quietest beaches of Koh Samet. It is located on the North West Coast, quite far away from the lively nightlife of Sai Kaew Beach. Ao Prao is preferred by a bit more upscale travelers who relax and enjoy the privacy of the area and appreciate the deep blue sea and white sand in the sunshine. Ao Prao has a long white sandy shallow beach which is ideal for swimming.

Despite the recent development of more luxurious resorts, Ao Prao remains a great beach to visit on a daytrip or in the late afternoon and evening to watch the spectacular sunset and follow it up with a splash-out meal.
Ao Noi Na Ao Noi Na (อ่าวน้อยหน่า)
Ao Noi Na or Noi Na Bay, while located near Sai Kaew Beach, has a very different feel than Sai Kaew Beach, while being quite close to the action.

The bay is much quieter and therefore more suitable for those looking to sit back and relax on the white sandy beach, in a more quiet environment.
Saikaew Beach Saikaew Beach (หาดทรายแก้ว)
One of the most beautiful and most popular beaches on Koh Samet, Sai Kaew Beach is about 1 kilometer long. The name, which literally means Crystal Sand Beach, is a nice beach filled with activities. From dusk to dawn, visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, jet skiing, windsurfing, riding on a banana boat or even partying at night.

There are local bars at virtually every beach, and nearly all of them on Sai Kaew Beach have hostesses. Besides bars there isn't much else but restaurants selling alcohol. An all-time favorite is the popular sand bucket full of your favorite drink.
Vongduen Beach Vongduen Beach (หาดวงเดือน)
The large sweeping and well protected Vongduen Beach is one of the most popular beaches to stay at on Koh Samet. It is the is the second largest beach on the island after Sai Kaew Beach. Vongduen beach attracts number of tourist groups and day trippers during both the high and low seasons due to its beach and good accommodation. On top of this, seafood restaurants with nice views are also available. As well Scuba diving as well as boating excursions can be arranged at Vongduen Beach to reach either of the two of the most popular locations for diving around Koh Samet, Koh Talu and Koh Kood. As well, Tourists can take a tour around the island and go snorkeling off the rocky uninhabited western shore, or around the reefs at the southern tip.
Ao Wai Ao Wai (อ่าวหวาย)
Ao Wai, in the Southern East Coast, is conveniently located within a short walking distance of Candlelight Beach. Away from the masses of visitors, the well protected shady coconut trees, is a quite, very scenic and serene spot for sea lovers.

The distance to Saikaew Beach contributes to the quite atmosphere while a bit a of a challenge for those looking for nightlife and entertainment as it is very minimal in this area of the island.
Ao Kew Ao Kew (อ่าวกิ่ว)
This bay is a perfect secluded area for travelers looking to keep their distance from the busy, crowded beaches and vibrant nightlife.

From Ao Kew Nok, visitors can actually walk to Ao Kew Nai which is the ideal spot to see the spectacular sunrise and sunset.
Ao Pakarang Ao Pakarang (อ่าวปะการัง)
Ao Prakarang, or Prakarang Bay, is the probably the most popular place on Koh Samet to experience the traditional lifestyle of the island's residents, where can also be found a number of delicious seafood restaurants providing local seafood at very reasonable prices.

On the beach there are number of masseurs offering their Thai massage service as well as many massage shops can be found on the main road.
Recommended hotels in RAYONG
638621
Samed Cabana Resort
from 66 $
Koh Samet, Vongduen Beach
Koh Samed, Rayong 21160
638604
Kantary Bay Rayong
from 69 $
Rayong, Paknam Beach
Muang, Rayong 21000
638511
Nim-ma-no-ra-dee
from 80 $
Koh Samet, Ao Pakarang
Muang, Rayong 21160
638501
Ao Prao Resort
from 122 $
Koh Samet, Ao Prao Beach
Koh Samet, Rayong 21160
638625
Rayong Chalet
from 47 $
Rayong, Laem Mae Pim
Charkpong, Klaeng, Rayong 21190
638505
Le Vimarn Cottages & Spa
from 192 $
Koh Samet, Ao Prao Beach
Koh Samet, Rayong 21160
rayong.funkyfruit2012
Rayong Funky Fruit Festival 2012
When: 1 - 31 May 2012
Where: Ta Phong Fruit Central Market, Rayong
Rayong has made a name for itself as a treasure trove of exotic tropical fruits, and plays host for an annual fruit festival. Fruit contests, displays of agricultural and horticultural produce, sales of local handicrafts and products, colorful floats decorated with fruit and flowers paraded through the streets, beauty pageants, cultural performances, and folk entertainment add to the festive ambience of the event. 
rayong.sunthonphu2012
Sunthon Phu Day
When: 26 June 2012
Where: Sunthon Phu Monument, Amphoe Klaeng, Rayong
This festival held to commemorate the Thailand's great poet Sunthon Phu, the royal poet in the reign of King Rama II, the fair features fountain with light and sound presentation with the recitation of the poet's biography. There are also Sunthorn Phu's characters costume competition, exhibition, students' poem competition, impromptu poem competition and inexpensive local products from 4 provinces in the eastern region. 
Weather and Climate
Located on the east coast of Thailand, Rayong and Samet Island receive less rainfall less than any other provinces in the eastern region. Koh Samet is located approximately 7 km from the mainland with microclimate and quite dry but occasional storms exist. It can be very windy at times especially on the island.

To make the best out of the blue sky and sunshine, plan and schedule your holiday in advance. This section provides information on the average rainfall, average temperature of each month, the actual temperature and the best time to visit.
Getting There
Located only 220 kilometers from Bangkok, Rayong and Koh Samet can be accessed within 3 hours by different means of transport to suit your convenience. Driving is easy and the road is well-indicated. Even though cars are not allowed on to Koh Samet, there are parking service on the mainland where you can leave your car and ferry only yourself to the island. Buses frequently leave Bangkok’s Ekkamai Bus Terminal to Rayong city as well as Ban Phe where the piers to the island are located. It is also possible to fly but the nearest airport is the U-Tapao International Airport located in Chonburi (app. 35 km from Rayong City) which will require a road transfer to Rayong. Flights are only possible from Koh Samui and Phuket. Information on the flights, driving directions from Bangkok, bus information, ferry schedules from different piers and different companies and some useful travelling tips are provided in this section.
Attractions
As a major tourist destination, Koh Samet might overshadow Rayong. In fact, Rayong has a kaleidoscope of natural attractions, religious and historical sites waiting to be explored. Rayong is a home to Khao Chamao – Khao Wang National Park where there are wondrous 20 caves and 4 waterfalls lie within. More waterfalls and caves can be found outside the National Park such as Klong Pla Kang Waterfall, Khao Wong Cave. Religious sites, shrines and monuments such as Pa Pradu Temple, Saranat Thammaram Temple, Somdet Krommaluang Chumporn Shrine or the statue of Sunthorn Phu. Parks, gardens and museums scatter throughout the city. Often forgotten, Rayong’s beaches offer a fantastic beach holidays on its long stretch beaches in serene surroundings. Beaches on the mainland include Mae Ramphueng Beach, Laem Chareon Beach, Laem Mae Phim, Saeng Chan Beach, Hat Phayun. This section provides information on attractions on different locations on Rayong mainland.
Activities
Rayong is brimmed with natural resources which provide abundance of things to do. The most apparent thing to do when visiting Rayong is lazing around in the sun on the white sand beach and swimming in the azure water. A ton of other fun things abound. In waters of the Gulf of Thailand, the coral reefs are prolific. Dive down to see the blue world of hundred species of fish swimming in its colourful playground. Some spots offer a chance to snorkel. Offshore, some pristine and uninhibited islands align along the horizon calling all to explore either by renting a boat. Kayak is a good activity to discover the coastline of the both mainland and island. As a home to a National Park, it provides an opportunity to hike or trek. Golf lovers will not be disappointed as Rayong has some good golf courses amidst majestic view of the nature. A multitude of offshore and on land activities are offered that you will not get bored when you are in Rayong.
Beaches & Islands
Sit on the east coast, Rayong mainland is not really a destination where international tourists stay overnight. Most of them hit the city and then off to the island which makes the beaches in Rayong a tranquil place to unwind. The beaches stretch along the coastline with the length from 1 km to 12 km. The beaches include hat Phayun, Mae Ramphueng Beach, Laem Charoen Beach, Saeng Chan Beach, Laem Mae Phim. Great seafood is offered in the restaurants along the beach. Sparsely dotted in the sea, many offshore islands remain untouched, uninhibited and some with scattered population. Koh Samet seems to be the most well-known and frequently visited by Bangkokians and neighbouring residents over the weekend and national holidays. Yet, other surrounding islands such as Mun Islands, Koh Kudee, Koh Kruai, Koh Khangkhao and Koh Platin are worth to visit. Accommodations are available on the beach on the mainland and only on big islands like Koh Samet and Koh Mun.
Koh Samet
Koh Samet is located 7 km from the mainland, travelling to the island is no hassle as there are ferry services leaving frequently between 07.00 am. – 05.00 pm. from 3 piers on the mainland or speedboat can take you only 10-15 minutes to the island. The island has 14 beautiful beaches and surrounded by colourful coral reefs and smaller surrounding islands providing a profusion of aquatic activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, island hopping, fishing, jet ski and sailing. With an area of only 13.1 sq km, it allows you to explore different beaches around the island by mini bus service on the island or even by foot. Each beach has different shapes, some are in crescent and some are long stretch. All beaches offer a range of accommodation from budget bungalow to 5-star resort. Despite its small size, the island caters tourists with a moderate option of cuisines such as Thai, Italian, Indian, seafood and seafood BBQ is offered at most resorts at dinner.
Dining in Rayong
Dining in Rayong and Koh Samet is highlighted by its freshly caught seafood. A variety of dishes cooked in Thai style or just BBQ is offered everywhere. In Rayong, the Thai, seafood restaurants and some international restaurants spread out on the beach such as on Mae Ramphueng Beach. Hotels and resorts offer a wider option for international food.

Koh Samet is more concentrated on catering tourists, rather than the locals. A good option of cuisine and a number of restaurants can be enjoyed on the island. Every resort and bungalow provides food at its property on the beach or inner side of the island. There is a choice of Thai, Italian, German, Indian and other western food at reasonable price.
Nightlife in Rayong
The nightlife in Rayong is more likely to be more local than touristic place. Pubs, bars and karaoke bars concentrate in the city centre and around with a few spread out in other areas like Ban Chang.

Koh Samet is not known a party island but the night scene here is energetic and vibrant in particular on Sai Kaew Beach and Ao Phai. It can cater those who are seeking a crazy night on the weekend with music and dance floor. Other beaches are more relaxed and offer chilling out night with cocktails served on the beach. Some of the restaurant lay out mats, low tables and cushions on the beach. Some restaurants offer fire show. It is possible to just walk along the beach and take your pick.
Time in Rayong is 13:28 (GMT+7)