Hey Leosquad! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by Bangkok’s constant noise and crowds, learning this guide to Koh Samet from Bangkok might be the quickest solution. I was looking for a tropical escape from Bangkok that didn’t require flights or complicated planning, and Koh Samet turned out to be the perfect answer — calm beaches, clear waters, and only a few hours away 🌊.
Located in Rayong Province, Koh Samet is a protected national park island known for its white sand beaches and relaxed atmosphere 🏝️. What makes it especially appealing is how easy and affordable the journey is, even for first-time travelers to Thailand.
🎥 How to get to Koh Samet from Bangkok Shorts
🚐 The Journey from Bangkok to Koh Samet
I started my trip at Ekkamai Bus Terminal in Bangkok, one of the most convenient places to catch public transport heading east. Buses to Nuanthip Pier (Ban Phe area) run frequently, and the ticket cost me just 200 Baht. The ride took about three hours, passing through quieter towns until the city chaos slowly faded away.
📍 Location: Sukhumvit road, Khlong Tan subdistrict, Khlong Toei district, Bangkok
💰 Ticket Fee: 200 Baht ( Bus trip to Nuanthip Pier)
⏰ Opening Hours: Open Everyday 5:00-23:00
💡 Tip: Arrive early at Ekkamai Bus Terminal, especially on weekends, as tickets can sell out quickly.
Once I arrived at the pier, the sea was already in sight — always a good sign ⚓🌊. From here, you have two boat options to reach the island. The speedboat costs around 300 Baht, but if you’re not in a rush, the slow boat is only 120 Baht. I chose the slow boat, enjoyed the sea breeze, and reached Koh Samet in roughly 45 minutes.
💡 What to Know Before Arriving on the Island
As Koh Samet is part of a national park, visitors must purchase a national park entrance ticket 🎟️ upon arrival. Keep this ticket with you at all times — local officers do check it before tours and even at different island stops. It’s a small detail, but an important one to avoid trouble later.
💡 Tip: Keep your ticket safe for checkpoint.
🏨 Where I Stayed in Koh Samet?
Source: (2nd and 3rd Pic) Trip.com
I checked into Silver Sand Hotel, a beachfront stay with relaxed, no-stress vibes. One of the best parts? Step outside, and you’re already on the sand 👣🏖️. It’s an ideal base whether you want quiet mornings by the sea or lively evenings nearby.
📍 Location: Koh Samet, 92 M4 Phe, Muang, Phe, Mueang Rayong District, Rayong 21160, Thailand
💰 Room Rate : 72.5 USD/ Night
⏰ Opening Hours: Open Everyday 8:00-22:00
👉 Book your stay here — safe, simple, and flexible with free cancellation.
Right in front of the hotel, there’s a motorbike rental — and honestly, you’ll need one to get around the island. There’s no Grab on Koh Samet, trust me. I learned this the hard way after getting stranded at night while my feet were still injured from my Chiang Mai trip. Renting a motorbike is the best decision if you want to explore the island freely, on your own schedule. I rented an automatic motorbike for 400 Baht per day. The roads are easy to navigate, and most beaches and viewpoints are easily accessible.
🛵 Tip: It needs an ID Card, so I handed down my passport instead
After checkin , we tried to go to see the sunset at Sunset View point located on map. just be on the west part of the island , then you will see sunset.
I managed to catch the sunset, but the sunrise… well, sleep definitely won that round 😴. If you’re a morning person, you can visit the sunrise viewpoint at Lam Toei – Ao Pakarang, located on the southernmost part of the island, for a quiet and beautiful start to the day 🌅.
🏝️ Food, Nightlife, and Island Life
Dinner at the hotel didn’t disappoint. I had grilled pork ribs🍖 for 300 Baht — juicy, tender, and absolutely worth it. If you’re craving something lighter and comforting, their pork noodles🍜 are just 80 Baht, perfect after a long travel day.
At night, Silver Sand Bar truly comes alive 🎶🔥. Expect upbeat music, a lively crowd, and beachside energy that feels exciting without being overwhelming. It’s easily one of the most happening party spots in Koh Samet, where the vibes stay fun well into the night. I also heard that some of the island’s most energetic LGBTQ+–friendly parties often take place here, adding to the inclusive and celebratory atmosphere.
📍 Location: Koh Samet, 92 M4 Phe, Muang, Phe, Mueang Rayong District, Rayong 21160, Thailand
⏰ Opening Hours: Weekday 09:00 – 24:00; Weekend 09:00 – 24:00
🎯 Day trip in Koh Samet
Mornings on Koh Samet can be as relaxed or as active as you want. You can enjoy a peaceful beach day or join a snorkeling and island-hopping tour for around 500 Baht 🤿🏝️.
This island-hopping tour cost around 24 USD and departed directly from Koh Samet.
Hotel pick-up was at 13:30, followed by arrival at the pier around 14:00.
By 14:15, we were heading to Bat Island for our first snorkeling stop.
The next stop was Kudee Island, where we took a short break, enjoyed some fresh fruit, and went in for a second snorkeling session.
Around 15:50, we left Kudee Island for Koh Kang, known for its clear waters and coral views.
The final leg of the trip took us from Koh Kham to Koh Jum at around 16:30, before returning to the hotel by 17:30, just in time to relax before sunset.
👉 Interested in this island hopping and snorkeling tour? Check availability and book it here before spots fill up.
🌴Is Koh Samet Worth It?
Absolutely. In less than four hours, I went from Bangkok’s traffic and noise to island calm and salty air. If you’re wondering how to get to Koh Samet from Bangkok without stress, this route is simple, budget-friendly, and ideal for a short escape or weekend trip.
From hectic streets to peaceful shores, Koh Samet proves that paradise doesn’t have to be far away🌴.
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That’s it for this blog post! If you found this helpful, give it a thumbs up! See you in the next post! Love you all! Thank you!
Travel Deeper, Eat Bolder, Live the Moments, and Follow the Trails.✈️🍜🔥🌏
Bye Bye!
