Koh Samet – About Ko Samet in Thailand
How would you like to go on a treasure hunt in a tropical paradise? If that sounds like something you’d enjoy, then the island of Ko Samet is the perfect vacation spot for you. According to the famous legends about Koh Samet, a pirate treasure is buried somewhere on the island. If you are vacationing with your children, you and the kids can have a lot of fun with this hidden treasure theme; searching for pirate gold could be an idea for an exciting afternoon’s expedition.
Ko Samet is part of a national marine park in the Gulf of Thailand off the south coast, and is only about 200 km from the capital city, Bangkok. The island has undergone a certain amount of development as a tourist destination, but its essential character has been preserved. Koh Samet’s clear waters and clean sandy white beaches are very appealing, whether you are into swimming, diving or snorkeling. Because it is so close to Bangkok, it’s also a popular vacation getaway for Thai families living in the capital. This will give you the chance to meet and get to know Thais in a relaxed and friendly setting.
Accommodation
If you’re looking to save money by staying in inexpensive lodgings, you’ve come to the right place. Koh Samet offers a choice of luxury hotels, simple hostels or basic living in a beach bungalow. There is a quite a bit of affordable accommodation right on the beach. To get to Koh Samet from Bangkok, take a plane flight to a nearby airport and then continue your journey by bus and ferry, just a few hours total traveling. There are regularly scheduled ferries from Nuan Thip and Ban Phe several times a day. You will have to pay an entrance fee to Koh Samet, as part of the Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park. The charge is 200 baht per adult or 100 baht per child.
Activities
As you might expect on this unspoiled island, the majority of attractions on Koh Samet are centered on the sea. Swim in the temperate waters or try snorkeling or diving to explore the hidden world under the waves. If you would like to see some amazing reefs, join one of the expeditions by boat to dive in deeper water. Wind surfing and canoeing are 2 more exciting activities. It is possible to rent bicycles, but this is a sport for vacationers in good physical shape, since it is not easy to pedal around Koh Samet’s terrain. Because the island is so small, though, it’s easy to get around on foot. In the evenings, enjoy dinner and entertainment under the stars at one of the island’s many bars and restaurants. Then have a good night dreaming about Koh Samet.