Koh Samet from Bangkok is the easiest beach escape to plan when you live in or pass through the capital. Allow about four hours door to door, one bus, one boat, and your feet are in white sand. Here is how I get there, what it costs and which beaches to choose.
How to get to Koh Samet from Bangkok
The island is in Rayong province, about 220 km south-east of Bangkok. The journey has two stages: the road to the port of Ban Phe, then the boat to the island. There is no airport on Koh Samet.
By bus from Ekkamai
This is the classic option. Buses leave from the Eastern Bus Terminal at Ekkamai, right next to the BTS station of the same name. They drop you directly at Ban Phe pier. The ride takes 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic, for around 200 to 300 THB depending on the company and class (prices checked in 2026). Departures run from morning to late afternoon. I recommend taking a bus before 11am so you can catch a boat without stress.
By minivan or bus from Mo Chit
If you are staying in the north of Bangkok, Mo Chit terminal also has departures to Ban Phe, often sold as a combined bus or minivan plus boat ticket. Allow 4 to 5 hours and around 400 to 500 THB. The minivan is a little faster, but luggage space is limited. With a big suitcase, I prefer the large bus.
The ferry from Ban Phe
In Ban Phe, several piers line the main street. The slow boat reaches Na Dan pier, in the north of the island, in about 40 minutes, for 50 to 100 THB one way depending on the pier. The speedboat takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs around 150 to 200 THB per person in a shared boat, more if you go straight to the southern beaches. The last slow boat leaves in the late afternoon: check the time on the spot.
The national park entrance fee
Koh Samet is part of Khao Laem Ya – Mu Ko Samet National Park. On arrival, every foreign visitor pays an entrance fee of 200 THB per adult and 100 THB per child (prices checked in 2026). The booth is on the road just after Na Dan pier, and there is another one near Ao Wong Duean. Pay in cash and keep your ticket, as you may be asked for it. Do not buy this ticket from a middleman in Ban Phe: only park staff sell it.
The beaches of Koh Samet
The island is small, about 7 km from north to south. From Na Dan, songthaews (shared pick-up trucks) serve the beaches for a few dozen baht. Each beach has its own feel:
- Hat Sai Kaew: the longest and liveliest, 10 minutes from the pier. Very white sand, busy at weekends.
- Ao Phai: just to the south, smaller, relaxed and easy to reach on foot from Sai Kaew.
- Ao Wong Duean: a crescent-shaped bay on the east coast, calm water, a good choice for families.
- Ao Prao: the only large beach on the west coast, quieter, with lovely sunsets.
- Ao Thian and the southern coves: wilder, ideal for walking from one cove to the next.
What is the best season?
Koh Samet is one of the driest areas in Thailand. The best period runs from November to April: calm sea, clear skies and bearable heat. December to February is perfect, but also busier, especially during Thai holidays and at weekends.
And late October? The rainy season is coming to an end. You may still get showers, usually short, and a slightly rough sea on some days. On the plus side, accommodation is cheaper and the beaches are quiet. If you travel at this time, keep your plans a little flexible.
How many days should you plan?
In theory a day trip is possible, but that is a lot of road for very little beach. My view: two nights on the island is the right minimum. You get one full day to tour the beaches by scooter or on foot. With three or four nights you can really enjoy it, especially on weekdays. If you are looking for a bigger, wilder island, also have a look at my guide Koh Chang from Bangkok.
Mr Schaka’s practical tips
- Go on a weekday: on Friday evening and Saturday morning, buses and boats are full of Bangkok residents.
- Bring cash: there are cash machines on the island, but not everywhere, and the entrance fee is paid in cash.
- Book your accommodation in advance for Thai public holidays and long weekends.
- For the southern beaches, only rent a scooter if you are used to riding one: some tracks are dirt and steep.
- Pack a small torch: some paths between beaches are poorly lit at night.
- Still torn between several islands? Read which Thai island to choose.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Bangkok to Koh Samet?
Allow about 4 to 5 hours in total: 3 to 4 hours by road to Ban Phe, then 15 to 40 minutes by boat depending on whether you take the speedboat or the slow ferry.
Is the national park entrance fee compulsory?
Yes. Foreign visitors pay 200 THB per adult and 100 THB per child at the national park entrance, in cash, to official staff.
Can you visit Koh Samet in late October?
Yes, it is the end of the rainy season. A few showers are still possible, but the island is often sunny and less crowded. High season starts in November.
To go further
Mr Schaka’s guidebook, Pattaya – The Practical Guide, covers the essentials: transport, neighbourhoods, addresses, food, etiquette and safety, updated for 2026–2027.
