🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Koh Samet sits within Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park in Rayong province. It's only about a 30-minute boat ride from Ban Phe pier. Most of the beaches cluster along the east side of the island, facing the sunrise, while the west side has just one beach where you can watch the sunset over the sea: Ao Phrao. The island isn't big, so you can walk or hop a songthaew between beaches easily, which makes it a good place to base yourself on one beach and wander over to the next.
The main beaches of Koh Samet — compared one by one
Sai Kaew Beach
The biggest and liveliest beach on the island, at the far north and a short walk from the entrance pier. The sand is fine and white, easy on bare feet, with plenty of watersports by day and beach bars and fire shows running late into the night. Great if you want some buzz, but if you'd rather sleep in peace, pick a spot toward the far end of the beach.
Ao Wong Duean
Named for its crescent-moon curve, this is the second busiest beach after Sai Kaew but smaller. The shore slopes gently into shallow water that's easy for swimming, and you'll find restaurants, places to stay and convenience stores all in one bay. Speedboats can run straight in here, so it suits anyone who wants both convenience and a nicely balanced atmosphere.
Ao Phrao
The island's only west-facing beach, which makes it the one place you can watch the sun set into the sea. The water is clear and the mood calm and private, with upmarket resorts and a beachfront cafe where you can sip a drink and take in the view. It's well away from the bustle of the east side, so it suits couples or anyone who wants a real rest, though room rates run higher than other beaches.
Ao Thian (Candlelight Beach)
Just south of Ao Wong Duean, its name comes from the candlelight the beachside spots used in the old days. The beach is a good length, the water clear, and there are noticeably fewer people than the beaches up north. It faces the sunrise, so wake up early and you can catch the first light from the sand. Good for anyone who wants a pretty beach without the crowds, and it's a short walk back to Ao Wong Duean for food.
How to choose a beach without regrets
The simple rule: the east side (Sai Kaew, Wong Duean, Thian) is for sunrises, and the west side (Ao Phrao) is for sunsets. If you're coming for just one night and want easy access, go with Sai Kaew or Wong Duean. If you're set on really unwinding, pick a beach further down toward the south for more quiet.
Want more out of Rayong? Book tours & activities
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Quiet corners, away from the crowds
If your real goal is to escape the bustle, look at the beaches deeper toward the south and the tip of the island. Fewer people, fewer shops, but in return you get calm and clear water that plenty of visitors say is even prettier than the beaches up north.
Ao Kiu
Near the tip of the island with just one place to stay, so it's very quiet and private. The draw is a narrow headland where you can see both the sunrise and sunset from one spot.
Ao Wai
A small, quiet beach in the south with clear water and few people, and no party scene. Ideal if you just want to fall asleep to the sound of the waves.
Ao Phai / Ao Thap Thim
Just below Sai Kaew, a touch quieter but still an easy walk back to the lively zone. Good for anyone who wants the middle ground between convenient and peaceful.
How to get to Koh Samet + costs
You start at Ban Phe pier in Mueang Rayong district, about a 3-hour drive from Bangkok, or take a minivan or coach to Ban Phe and catch the boat from there. The pier has both regular passenger ferries and speedboats to choose from.
- Regular passenger ferry — around ฿70/person/trip, taking about 30 minutes. Most dock at the entrance pier (near Sai Kaew Beach), where you can pick up a songthaew to other beaches.
- Speedboat — from around ฿200/person/trip, faster at about 10–15 minutes, and runs straight to the beach you've booked, such as Ao Wong Duean or Ao Phrao.
- Island entry fee (national park) — around ฿40/person for Thais and ฿200/person for foreigners, paid on arrival.
- Songthaew on the island — the fare depends on your destination beach; beaches further out cost more.
About boat times
Regular ferries tend to run in batches and wait for a reasonable number of passengers before leaving, while speedboats keep to clearer set times. If you reach Ban Phe in the late afternoon, check the time of the last boat first so you don't miss it.
How many days for Koh Samet
A day trip out in the morning and back in the evening is enough to swim at Sai Kaew, though it feels a little rushed and you'll miss the nighttime atmosphere. Most people go for 2 days and 1 night, which hits a nice balance: you get to swim, watch the sunset at Ao Phrao and stroll the beach in the evening. If you want to see several beaches without rushing, 3 days and 2 nights is the most relaxed, splitting it between a night on a lively beach and a night on a quiet one.
Plan a full Rayong–Koh Samet trip
See the Rayong travel guide →