Koh Samet accommodation from AU$83

Koh Samet is a 30 to 45-minute ferry ride from the coast of mainland Rayong Province. Nadan Pier on the north coast is the main entry point and from there it isn’t far to the best Koh Samet beach, Hat Sai Kaew, on the eastern shore. It‘s a silky, kilometre-long, wide stretch of sand where green forest, beach stalls selling cool refreshments, and hotels line the shore. Deckchairs and mats with cushions are lined up outside most resorts on this beach, which is alive with activity both day and night. When you aren’t lounging in the sun you can take a dip in the cool, blue water or try something more exciting. Jet skis and banana boats are there for travellers who want to send their heart rates soaring, while small sailboats and windsurfing boards will let you take it easy.

For some travellers, Sai Kaew Beach will be fun but a bit too lively a place to spend most of their holiday. The good thing about Koh Samet is that fantastic beaches and coves are located all the way down its east coast, all lovely places to visit even if you are staying somewhere else. Samet is a small island, so taking the time to explore every corner is highly recommend. Renting a motorcycle is one of the best ways to get around and an adventure all its own - when you take to Samet’s more secluded, unpaved routes. As soon as you leave Sai Kaew Beach, things get noticeably quieter and the first four beaches of Ao Hin Khok, Ao Pai, Ao Put Sa and Ao Nuan give you plenty of space to relax, go snorkelling and walk around with restaurants close at hand.

At the southern tip of Koh Samet is Ao Karang, a small cove with neat trees growing out of the sand where you can get some shade close to the water, and rocks lining the headlands at each end. You have a good chance of having the entire beach to yourself here and the cheap but delicious seafood restaurants here have a very welcoming, local air to them that you won’t find up north. Best of all, it’s just a short walk over to the west coast where you can catch a dazzling sunset or two during your Koh Samet holiday.

Book from our Koh Samet hotels and flights to Bangkok today and have that pure beach vacation you’ve been dreaming of.