Eastern Thailand · island
Koh Samet
Stay near Sai Kaew for more activity or choose a quieter bay farther south.
The feel of the place
A short-break island with sandy beaches within reach of Bangkok.
Koh Samet is a short-break island within reach of Bangkok, with sandy bays ranging from lively Sai Kaew to quieter beach areas. Beach bars, seafood and simple seaside days shape most visits. Weekend and holiday demand can change the pace and price of a stay considerably.
Keep in mind
Popular beaches can be busy and stays cost more on weekends and holidays. Choose your beach carefully if quiet evenings matter, and include boat transfers and park fees in your budget.
Get to know Koh Samet
What is Koh Samet like?
Our editorial assessments · Select a factor to see how we scored this place.
Why we rate Koh Samet 8/10
Several attractive white-sand bays are easy weekend escapes from Bangkok, though the busiest beaches can be crowded.
What we assess
Beach appeal, convenient access and variety during a beach-focused stay, within the destination itself.
Why we rate Koh Samet 7/10
Curving coves, clear Gulf water and coastal forest make a pleasant island setting, without the dramatic cliffs of the Andaman.
What we assess
The visual impact of natural surroundings and how central those landscapes are to a typical stay.
Why we rate Koh Samet 2/10
A few local shrines and village details aside, the island’s visitor appeal is mostly beaches and short breaks.
What we assess
The variety, depth and practical access to historic places, temples, architecture, traditions and cultural experiences during a typical stay.
Why we rate Koh Samet 6/10
Seafood, Thai dishes and resort restaurants are easy to find, though the overall choice is limited by the island’s size.
What we assess
Food quality, variety, distinctive local cooking and how readily visitors can find good places to eat, regardless of price.
Why we rate Koh Samet 5/10
Beach bars and fire shows add lively evenings at the main beaches, with much quieter options elsewhere.
What we assess
The choice, variety and liveliness of evening venues, their opening hours and how easily you can enjoy a typical night out.
Why we rate Koh Samet 5/10
Quiet stays are possible away from the main bays, but weekend crowds and beach entertainment are common.
What we assess
How easily you can enjoy a peaceful stay, considering traffic, nightlife noise, crowds and practical quieter bases.
Why we rate Koh Samet 6/10
Short boat outings reach nearby coves and snorkelling spots, but the excursion choice is more limited than at major island hubs.
What we assess
The variety of worthwhile sea-island trips, convenient departures, journey times and flexibility under normal operating conditions.
Why we rate Koh Samet 7/10
Walkable beach areas, songthaews and boat transfers cover many visitor needs, though cross-island trips take coordination.
What we assess
Freedom to explore without renting a scooter, using walking, public transport, taxis, tuk-tuks, ride-hailing or boats; transport price is assessed separately.
Why we rate Koh Samet 6/10
Simple rooms and local food are available, but weekend demand, park fees and boat transfers can raise the total.
What we assess
How easily you can enjoy a typical stay on a modest budget, including simple accommodation, food, realistic transport and characteristic activities.
Scores out of 10 · Higher means more of that characteristicAbout these scores
How to read the scale
Scores describe how strongly a destination offers each characteristic. They are editorial assessments, not visitor ratings.
Higher does not always mean better
A higher nightlife score means a livelier scene. A higher quietness score means a calmer atmosphere. The right balance depends on your trip.
Plan your trip
When to go
See how temperature, rainfall and travel conditions change through the year. Select a month to focus on your travel dates.
| Factor | Koh Samet |
|---|---|
| Average daytime high | 32°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 29 mm |
| Rainy days | 3 |
| Crowds | High |
| Stay prices | High |
| Sea conditions | Calm |
| Average daytime high | 32°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 32 mm |
| Rainy days | 3.7 |
| Crowds | High |
| Stay prices | High |
| Sea conditions | Calm |
| Average daytime high | 33°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 71 mm |
| Rainy days | 5.6 |
| Crowds | High |
| Stay prices | Typical |
| Sea conditions | Calm |
| Average daytime high | 34°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 85 mm |
| Rainy days | 7 |
| Crowds | Moderate |
| Stay prices | Typical |
| Sea conditions | Calm |
| Average daytime high | 34°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 191 mm |
| Rainy days | 13.6 |
| Crowds | Moderate |
| Stay prices | Low |
| Sea conditions | Variable |
| Average daytime high | 33°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 178 mm |
| Rainy days | 15.3 |
| Crowds | Moderate |
| Stay prices | Low |
| Sea conditions | Variable |
| Average daytime high | 32°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 177 mm |
| Rainy days | 14.6 |
| Crowds | Moderate |
| Stay prices | Low |
| Sea conditions | Variable |
| Average daytime high | 32°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 128 mm |
| Rainy days | 13.7 |
| Crowds | Moderate |
| Stay prices | Low |
| Sea conditions | Variable |
| Average daytime high | 32°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 269 mm |
| Rainy days | 18.1 |
| Crowds | Low |
| Stay prices | Low |
| Sea conditions | Variable |
| Average daytime high | 32°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 196 mm |
| Rainy days | 17 |
| Crowds | Moderate |
| Stay prices | Low |
| Sea conditions | Variable |
| Average daytime high | 33°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 44 mm |
| Rainy days | 5.5 |
| Crowds | High |
| Stay prices | High |
| Sea conditions | Calm |
| Average daytime high | 32°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 8 mm |
| Rainy days | 1.7 |
| Crowds | High |
| Stay prices | High |
| Sea conditions | Calm |
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average daytime high | ||||||||||||
| Koh Samet |
32°C
|
32°C
|
33°C
|
34°C
|
34°C
|
33°C
|
32°C
|
32°C
|
32°C
|
32°C
|
33°C
|
32°C
|
| Monthly Rainfall | ||||||||||||
| Koh Samet |
29 mm
|
32 mm
|
71 mm
|
85 mm
|
191 mm
|
178 mm
|
177 mm
|
128 mm
|
269 mm
|
196 mm
|
44 mm
|
8 mm
|
| Rainy days | ||||||||||||
| Koh Samet | 3 | 3.7 | 5.6 | 7 | 13.6 | 15.3 | 14.6 | 13.7 | 18.1 | 17 | 5.5 | 1.7 |
| Crowds | ||||||||||||
| Koh Samet | High | High | High | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Low | Moderate | High | High |
| Stay prices | ||||||||||||
| Koh Samet | High | High | Typical | Typical | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | High | High |
| Sea conditions | ||||||||||||
| Koh Samet | Calm | Calm | Calm | Calm | Variable | Variable | Variable | Variable | Variable | Variable | Calm | Calm |
Temperatures are historical average daytime highs, not the highest temperatures you might experience. Rainfall and rainy days are monthly averages, not a forecast. A rainy day need not mean rain all day.
Stay prices are relative to each destination’s usual rates. Holidays can bring extra crowds and higher prices. Sea conditions vary by beach and day; check local conditions before boat trips.
Koh Samet: Thai Meteorological Department — RAYONG, 1991–2020.
The practical side
Getting to and around Koh Samet
Arriving
Reach the Ban Phe coast by road, then take a boat to Koh Samet. Confirm the exact departure pier and island landing point, since different services and resort transfers use different arrangements.
Without a scooter
Walkable beach areas, songthaews and boat transfers cover many visitor needs, though cross-island trips take coordination.
Before you decide
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