Paradise for a Weekend (Ko Samet)

Member Name: Traveller101

Product:	Ko Samet
Date:	09/07/08 (105 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fairly quiet, beautiful beaches, close to Bangkok.

Disadvantages: Getting around the island is sometimes a pain

Ko Samet is an Island which is quite close to Bangkok, and is popular for short weekend vacations for Thai locals and foreign travellers.

It is rather quiet compared to the other party islands, such as Haad Rin Beach on Koh Phangan, or Chaweng on Koh Samui, it does have it's share of bars, but everything stops around 2 AM here.

The main beaches are Sai Kaew and Ao Phai, which are unspoilt and beautiful, though note that Ko Samet isn't a prime snorkeling or diving spot.

The main place for late-night partying is Silversand, which is a small beach bar, expect to see familiar faces here each night if you spend a few days on the island.

Samet isn't a prime shopping destination, infact you struggle to find certain items sometimes, only really the essentials are available, so any specialist items or medication, bring with you.

Getting around is provided by pick-up trucks going from place to place for between 60THB to 200THB depending on number of people and distance, ATV's are available to rent for around 1000 THB per day, the roads actually make pretty good off-road tracks!

Other activities are beach and watersport-related, Jetskiing, riding the Banana Boat, sunbathing is good, when the rain drops, it DROPS! - but not for long, so the sun it out most of the time during the day.

Getting to samet is easy from Bangkok, although the ride can be quite long, depending on the vehicle, you can also fly to nearby rayong and have a short ride and ferry.

Overall, a nice relaxed place, with friendly travellers and locals mixed in, and beautiful beaches.

Summary: Check it out for a weekend, you will remember it!