How to go to Koh Samet from Bangkok

   The following is a recap of my personal Koh Samed experiences:

1. About destination: Koh Samet or Koh Samed is an island off the coast of Eastern Thailand.

• My first time I arrived at Ao Wong Duean. Ao Wong Duean is a beautiful beach but it is 45 - 60 minutes by boat. The water is clean. Restaurants are open on the beach. When the tide comes up, you can enjoy a BBQ and feel the waves clap under your table. Ao Wong Duean is rather quiet. It's good for people who enjoy peace and calm.

• Ao Sai Keo or Diamond Beach is popular as Koh Samet Pier is nearby. Ao Sai Keo is attracts mostly young people who enjoy bars and dancing. The Sai Keo area is crowded because most locals live here. It take about 30 minutes from Ban Phe Pier to here.

• The other beaches (Ao) are awesome also. Based on your preferences, you will choose where to stay during your period in Koh Samet. But I'm sure that those beaches have clean water and white silky sand.

2. How to get to Koh Samet: Koh Samet is located about 200kms from Bangkok in Eastern Thailand.

   You can take bus from Ekkamai Bus Terminal in Bangkok. Ekkamai Bus Terminal is near Ekkamai BTS Station. The bus costs 151 baht for one way. They will sell you both the bus and boat ticket. But only buy boat ticket at Ekkamai if you staying near Koh Samet Pier. If you stay in other areas of Koh Samet, you should wait untill you arrive Ban Phe Pier on the main land and buy your boat ticket at that time. There are many ticket sales offices at Ban Phe pier for other Koh Samet destinations other than the Koh Samet pier.

   Travel time is 4 hours from Bangkok to Ban Phe Pier. You can take a regular boat or a speed boat depending on you budget. The regular boat costs 50 baht/person. The speed boat costs 200 baht/person and it will take 6 persons together.

   They do not advise you that you must pay 200 baht for Koh Samet National Park upon your arrival. When you get to the island, the police will do their duty and collect the entrance fee. If you read this point, you won't be suprised!

   

3. About weather: I came Koh Samet once at the end of October. There were many jelly fish. I think fall is jelly-fish's breeding season. Other times appear to be good.

4. About accommodation: The price of accommodation depends on season. Low season is obviously less expensive. High season is from September to April. Most Western visitors travel at that time. You can check prices on Booking.com and choose one based on your budget. You may pay cash or with either a Visa or MasterCard.

5. About conviniences: You can find some ATMs and 7-Eleven convinience shops easily in Ao Sai Keo. The other areas may have ATMs but not many choices. However, Exchange Service are everywhere. You can carry some cash and you will be fine.
   
   If you like discover Koh Samet, you can hire a Tuktuk-taxi or rent a motorbike. Tuktuk-taxi costs 700 baht minimum. They will bright you to all beaches in Koh Samet. It take 2 hours. You can rent motorbike if you can drive. It cost 300 baht per day (24 hours).

   Those are my experiences in Koh Samet. You may have other experiences when you visit. I hope you will enjoy it. If it is helpful, you can like and share for your friends who are planning to travel to Koh Samet. Please also add your experience about Koh Samet in below. Thank you for reading!