Popular with foreign tourists and as a weekend getaway for residents of nearby Bangkok, most of the island (excluding the Na Dan area) belongs to the Khao Laem Ya-Mu Koh Samet National Park . In 1981, the Royal Forest Department declared the archipelago of Samet, along with nine other small islands, the headland of Khao Laem Ya, and the 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) Mae Rampeung Beach to be a National Park, and is thus Koh Samet is under the protection of the National Parks Division of the Thai Government.

Geography and Climate

Located just 220 km from the capital in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samet is approximately 13.1 square kilometres (5.1 sq mi) in size, and shaped somewhat like a letter "t". Along the length of the "t" (north-south) the island measures approximately 7 km, and measures 4 km across the "t" (west-east). Forest remains blanket up to 80% of the total area.

Closest to the Rayong coast, lies the small island port village of Na Dan, commonly known as Koh Samet Village, with its popular nearby beach Hat Sai Gaew, the longest beach on Koh Samet. Most of Koh Samet's beaches lie along the eastern shore of the island. Other beaches on the island include: Ao Phai, Ao Wai, Ao Kui Na Nai, Ao Cho, Ao Kui Na Nok, Ao Vong Duern, Cape Khut, Ao Toei, and Ao Korang at the southern tip, and Ao Prao on the western shore of the island. Just off the southern tip of the island are three small rock-islands, Koh Jan, Koh San Chalam (Shark Fin Island), and Hin Khao.

Koh Samet is one of the driest archipelagos in Thailand. Koh Samet gets significantly less rainfall than Rayong Province, even though it is only a few kilometres offshore. The island's "rainy season" extends only from May to July, but even during this season it has less rain that other islands in Thailand. The island despite being arid, consists of lush forested hills, covered with evergreen and deciduous forest and cajeput trees grow abundantly. Owing to the lack of rain, Ko Samet still ships in potable water to the island.


Sights

Most beaches are on the eastern side of the island. The beaches hide in small bays and stretch some 200 metres. From the north, there are Hat Sai Kaeo, Hat Hin Khrong, Hat Khlong Phai, Ao Phutsa, Ao Thapthim, Ao Naun, Ao Cho, Ao Thian, Ao Wai, Ao Kio Na Yok and Ao Karang. The only beach on the western side is Ao Phrao. One of the famous beaches is Ao Wong Duean in the middle of the eastern side. This beach stretches in the shape of an almost complete circle. Both Ao Wong Duean and Hat Sai Kaeo have very fine white sand.

• Hat Sai Kaew (Diamond Beach) One of the most beautiful and most popular beaches on Koh Samet, Hat Sai Kaew is 1 kilometer long and 25 – 30 meters wide. The name speaks for itself, Hat Sai Kaew, which literally means Crystal Sand Beach, is a nice beach filled with activities. From dusk to dawn, it is the place for sunbathing, swimming, jet skiing, windsurfing, riding on a banana boat or even partying at night.

• Ao Noi Na Ao Noi Na, which is located near Hat Sai Kaew, has a different ambience to Hat Sai Kaew. It is quieter and therefore more suitable for those looking to relax on the white, sandy beach.

• Ao Pai Located close to Hat Sai Kaew, Ao Pai is therefore quite crowded. For visitors interested in sunbathing, this is the good place.

• Ao Phutsa Ao Put Sa is a small bay on Koh Samet which draws repeat visitors intent on relaxing. Suitable for those who are tired of crowded beaches and nightlife activities, Ao Put Sa offers a quiet natural retreat.

• Ao Thapthim Ao Tub Tim, which is set in a peaceful atmosphere, is located near Ao Put Sa and is well known for its white sand and clear water. Ao Tub Tim has a small, cozy resort, which provides nice services in a well decorated compound.

• Ao Wong Deuan Ao Wong Deuan is the second largest beach on the island (the first being Hat Sai Kaew). Ao Wong Deuan attracts tourist groups 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.

• Ao Wai Ao Wai is located within a short walking distance of Candlelight Beach. Shaded by coconut trees, the beach is quite and scenic.

• Ao Kiu Nok This bay is decent for those planning to keep their distance from the busy, crowded beaches and nightlife. From Aow Kiew Nok, visitors can actually walk to Aow Kiew Nai is the ideal spot on the island to see the sun rise and sun set.

• Ao Karang This is the best place on the island to experience the traditional lifestyle of the residents of Koh Samet, is at Ao Karang, where there also are a number of seafood restaurants providing seafood dishes.

• Ao Phrao Ao Prow is one of the quietest beaches of Ko Samet. Located quite far away from the nightlife of Ko Samet; Ao Prow is preferred by travelers who quietly enjoy the sea, swimming and sand.

Activities

Snorkeling / Diving

The Koh Samet area is a popular for divers and snorkelers due its close proximity to Bangkok and abundance of clear water, colorful coral and diversity of marine life such as: turtles, tiger sharks and manta rays. Two of the most favoured locations for diving around Koh Samet are Koh Talu and Koh Kud. Tourists can take a tour around the island and go snorkeling off the rocky uninhabited western side, or around the reefs at the southern tip. Scuba diving excursions can be arranged at Vong Duang.

Volleyball / Frisbee

Tourists enjoy playing volleyball and Frisbee on the beach.

Fishing

Night fishing trips for squid are usually arranged.

Boat Trips

These are arranged to take tourists (either by slow boat or speedboat) around the island to snorkeling and diving spots.

Windsurfing

With its rocky coastline and offshore winds, north of Hat Sai Kaew is a good location for windsurfing.

Massage

On the beach there are countless masseurs offering their massage service. Of the beach on the main roads are massage shops

Nightlife

There are bar-beers at virtually every beach, nearly all of them on Hat Sai Kaew have hostesses. Besides bars there isn’t much else but restaurants selling alcohol. You can even get the popular sand bucket full of your favorite drink.