I had a good time in Koh Samet exploring the beaches and enjoying nightlife. In this article, I will share with you my itinerary for 2-3 days in Koh Samet, and my opinion on how many days in Koh Samet is enough. Let’s get started!
Koh Samet is a small island located in the Gulf of Thailand, around 200 km southeast of Bangkok, and 80 km from Pattaya. This is a popular destination for both locals and tourists to get away from the hustle and bustle of major cities in central Thailand.
How many days in Koh Samet is enough?
In my opinion, two to three days is a good amount of time to explore Koh Samet. This time will allow you to enjoy the beach activities, do some trekking, and explore the nightlife. The island is very small, only 7 km in length, you can easily do beach hopping on foot, motorbike, or songthaew.
If you are a slow traveler or you just want to chill on the beach, you can spend as much time as you want.
Here are my recommendations on things to do in Koh Samet and how long to do these activities:
#1. Beach hopping. There are few main beaches on the island, including Sai Kaew Beach, Wong Duean Beach, Wai Beach, Ao Pakarang, and Ao Prao. You can easily explore these beaches within a day or two. You can explore them by walking, renting a motorbike, or hiring a pick up truck.
#2. Nightlife. Within a night or two in Koh Samet, you can enjoy nightlife activities such as fire shows, have a nice dinner on the beach, and have fun at several bars on the island.
#3. Island hopping. You can spend a day doing an island hopping tour or the sunset boat tour. Nearby islands are Thalu island, Koh Man Nai, and Koh Man Sound.
See more: 21 Amazing Things to Do in Koh Samet
Getting to Koh Samet:
To get to Koh Samet, you need to get to Nuan Thip Pier in Ban Phe first, then take a ferry to the island. You can travel to Ban Phe’s pier by bus, or private transfer. There are buses departing from Bangkok’s Ekkamai Bus Terminal or Mo Chit Bus Terminal and the journey to Ban Phe is around 3-4 hours.
It takes around 15 minutes by speedboat and 40 minutes by ferry to get from Ban Phe Pier on the mainland to Nadan Pier in Koh Samet. Nadan Pier is the main pier of the island but there are also several other piers scattered around for private use and boat tour activities.
Take note that you are not allowed to bring a car into the island, so if you drive to the pier with a car, you can park at the pier and catch the ferry.
Getting around Koh Samet:
Renting a motorbike is one of the best ways to get around Koh Samet. You can consider renting the golf carts to explore the island. There are several rental shops on the main village and around the pier. If you don’t drive, you can walk, use songthaew, taxi, or guided tours.
I explored the whole island on foot. You can do this too, but the downside is that it can be very hot and tired walking under the heat. There are always songthaew options at popular beaches to use if you want to take a break from walking.
See more: How to get to Koh Samet & Get Around
Best months to visit Koh Samet:
Koh Samet has two seasons, including the dry season from November to April, and the rainy season from May to October. The best time to visit Koh Samet is from October to April when the weather is dry and the sea water is calm.
Accommodation and transport from/to Koh Samet can be expensive during high season, so remember to book in advance. If you visit during the low season, which is the rainy season, you can enjoy the benefits of cheaper hotels and fewer crowds.
Accommodations in Koh Samet:
Most accommodation is concentrated on the north east coast of Koh Samui on the main beaches of Sai Kaew and Ao Phai as well as the main village.
Further south, the beaches are quieter and have fewer amenities. There is nothing much on the west coast except Prao Beach. See more at Where to stay in Koh Samet.
Here are the brief of my itinerary for 2-3 days in Koh Samet:
How to Spend 2-3 Days in Koh Samet Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival from Pattaya, Sai Kaew Beach, and Fire Show
I traveled to Koh Samet from Pattaya. I took a minivan from Pattaya to Nuan Thip Pier, then a boat from Nuan Thip Pier to Koh Samet. I was 2 hours on the road, and 1 hour on the boat.
Nadan Pier
I arrived at Nadan Pier on Koh Samet around 2pm. The first impression of Koh Samet is the huge Mermaid statue at the pier. After getting off the boat, I walked along the covered pier for 5 minutes then reached the ticket counter.
You’ll need to pay entrance at the pier because Koh Samet is part of Khao Laem Ya – Mu Ko Samet National Park. It is 200 baht for foreigners and 40 baht for Thai people.
After the ticket counter, you can use green songthaews to get to your hotel on the island. They have prices listed on the board near these buses.
It was 20 baht/person (shared with other people), and 100 baht/ charter to get to Sai Kaew Beach, which is the closest area to Nadan pier. It was 60 baht/person, and 500 baht/charter to get to Ao Pakarang, which is the farthest area from Nadan pier.
There is a 7-11 convenience store, amazon cafe, a clinic, and several travel agencies located just outside of the pier.
You can rent a motorbike at a motor bike rental shop at the pier to get to your hotel if you can drive and you don’t have a big suitcase.
I stayed in Sai Kaew village, so I walked to my hostel. It was only a 10 minute walk from the pier. I walk through the main street of the village, which is lined with hotels, restaurants, bars, and massage shops.
Lunch on the Main Street of Koh Samet
After checking in at the hotel in Sai Kaew, I went out for a late lunch. I had Thai pineapple fried rice at a local restaurant near the police station on the main street. You can find a cluster of restaurants and bars here. There are also souvenir shops, tattoo shops, cafes, and pharmacies here.
Sai Kaew Beach
Sai Kaew Beach is the main beach on Koh Samet. It is a long white fine sandy beach and is packed with facilities such as restaurants, bars, as well as sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. This beach is great for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying water sport activities.
There are street food vendors on the beach selling grilled seafood and meat, as well as people selling Thai beach towels. I bought one of these towels, and it was very light and convenient to carry for my travels around South Thailand.
You will see lots of crab at one end of the beach near Baan Som Ja Ann Seafood restaurant. At the other end of the beach stands a mermaid statue which is a great place to take photos.
You can sit on the big rocks close to the mermaid statue to watch the sunset and enjoy the sea view. Be sure to use insect spray because there are lots of sand flies and mosquitoes in early evening.
Ao Hin Khok Beach
Ao Hin Khok is a nice small beach located between Ao Phai Beach and Sai Kaew Beach. It is separated from Sai Kaew Beach by the Mermaid statue.
There are a few bars, restaurants, and resorts on the beach and on the road running parallel with Ao Hin Khok Beach. You’ll find the funky Naga Bar, Flow Beach Cafe, or Jep’s restaurant.
Ao Phai Beach
Continue walking along the coast to the south from Ao Hin Khok, you will reach Ao Phai Beach. Like Sai Kaew and Ao Hin Khok, Ao Phai has lots of big rocks at its two ends.
This beach is home to some nice resorts such as Silversand resort and Samed Villa Resort. There are several popular beach bars and restaurants here such as Silversand bar, Nicky Bar, or Gecko Bar.
Ao Tubtim Beach
From Ao Phai Beach, I walk along the coast passing Samed Villa Resort then reach Ao Tubtim Beach. This is a small beautiful bay with a couple of bars and restaurants on the beach.
There are the rocks on one end of the beach and a hill on another end, creating a peaceful atmosphere. You can stay here at the Samed Tubtim Resort or Samed Tamarind Beach Resort.
Ao Nuan Beach
From Ao Tubtim, you hike up to a small hill to reach Ao Nuan. There is a sign showing direction to Ao Nuan at the southern end of Ao Tubtim Beach. Ao Nuan has only one resort on the beach, creating secluded atmosphere.
From Ao Nuan, I walked to the hill, passed Noina’s Restaurant to head to the main road to Ao Tubtim, and all the way to Sai Kaew Beach.
Fire show on Sai Kaew Beach at Ploy Talay restaurant
Sai Kaew Beach is very lively at night with very nice decorations. Tables and chairs are set up right on the sand. Many bars and restaurants here offer fire shows.
I chose to dine at Ploy Talay restaurant, which is one of the most popular places to watch a fire show on Koh Samet. I had seafood fried rice and smoothe here. Price is similar to other restaurants on the beach.
The fire show was very impressive. It is one of the best fire shows that I’ve seen in Thailand. It lasted for about 1 hour.
Day 2: Walking around the island and beach hopping
On my 2nd day in Koh Samet, I explored different beaches on the island by walking. I visited Wat Koh Same, Ao Chor, Ao Thian, Wong Duean, Ao Lung Dam, Ao Wai, Ao Pakarang, and Ao Prao Beach.
Wat Koh Samet
Wat Koh Samet is located very close to my hostel, Stayed Samed. It is a small temple with a big seated Buddha statue on its ground. You can spend a few minutes here walking around.
Ao Chor Beach
I followed Google Maps to walk from Wat Koh Samet in Sai Kaew Village to head to Ao Chor Beach. Ao Chor Beach is located within one hour walk from Sai Kaew.
Ao Chor is another beautiful beach on Koh Samed. It is home to couples of bars such as Reggae Bar and Rasta Bar. This is a great place to chill, swim, and enjoy a drink with ocean views.
Wong Duean Beach
Wong Duean Beach is a beautiful long and white sandy beach located right south of Ao Chor Beach. I used a shortcut to walk from Ao Chor to Wong Duean Beach. It is only a few minutes walk away.
Wong Duean Beach is lined with beachfront resorts and hotels. This is less crowded compared to Sai Kaew Beach. It is a great place to chill and swim.
I walked to the southern end of Wong Duean Beach near The C Samet Beach Resort, and found the trail to head to Ao Thian Beach.
Ao Thian Beach
Ao Thian Beach is a nice small beach with crystal clear water. It is a great place for swimming and away from the crowd. There are a few resorts on Ao Thian beach including Sangthian Beach Resort, Viking Holiday Resort, and Tonhad Bungalow.
Ao Lung Dam Beach
You can walk through the resorts from Ao Thian to reach Ao Lung Dam. This is a quiet sandy beach that has a hippie vibe. The center of the beach is the pier where you can find a beautiful Apache restaurant and bar.
From Ao Lung Dam Beach, I headed to the main road to visit Ao Wai Beach.
Ao Wai Beach
Ao Wai Beach is accessible via Samet Ville Resort from the main road. It opens only for customers who use their services such as accommodation, restaurant, cafe, or convenience store.
This is another beautiful beach on Koh Samet, home to one resort and its facilities such as restaurant and cafe. Nothing much in the surrounding areas and the main road.
Ao Pakarang
From Ao Wai Beach, I returned back to the main road and continued walking south to Ao Pakarang. The road here is getting more curved and hilly. On the way, I skipped Ao Kiew Beach because it belongs to Paradee Resort. You need to pay to access this beach if you are not staying at the hotel.
Ao Pakarang is the last beach on the south east coast of Koh Samet. It is home to one resort called Nimmanoradee Resort, but it was under construction when I visited in Dec 2024.
You can walk to the Laem Kut rock area nearby as well as swim, and chill on the sand in many shade areas. I recommend bringing a beach towel and some snacks with you to eat on the beach.
Baikarang Bay Park Ranger Office
From Ao Pakarang, I continued walking south toward Baikarang Bay Park Ranger Office. This area has nice views of the sea and Rayong City. There are also toilets onsite. You can buy some water and snacks at their office. I had instant noodles here because I was too hungry.
From this park’s office, I followed the trail to Sunset and Sunrise Viewpoint. You can explore beautiful rock formations in the west, walk through the long bridge, and enjoy the views of Chan Island.
I spent one hour here, exploring the natural trail to the viewpoints, and rested. From here I walked back to the main road and headed to Prao Beach on the west coast of Koh Samet. On the way, I stopped at the Sunset view point on the west coast near Ao Lung Dam.
Ao Prao Beach
I reached Ao Prao Beach around sunset time, which is the perfect time to explore the beach. This is the only beach on the north west coast of Koh Samet, home to luxury Ao Prao Resort and Kerala Coco Resort.
I enjoy walking along the beach and its long pier. Great place to relax, swimming, and kayaking. I recommend visiting this beach at sunset time.
I wanted to take Songthaew to get back to the main town, but I was alone and didn’t want to pay for the whole truck privately. I needed to wait for other people to come to share, but I didn’t want to wait either, so I walked back to Sai Kaew village. It was another 35 minutes walk.
I spent my second night in Koh Samet, exploring the walking street and Sai Kaew Beach again!
Day 3: Travel to Koh Chang/ Other things to do in Koh Samet
On day 3 on Koh Samet, I walked to Nadan Pier, got into a speedboat to get to the mainland, then transferred to another minivan and boat to get to Koh Chang.
Koh Samet is surrounded by numerous islands. You can consider island hopping tours to nearby islands such as Koh Man Nai, Koh Man Sound, Koh Man Nok, Koh Kudee, and Koh Thalu.
Other things to do in Koh Samet:
- 9 islands hopping tours
- 6 island trips
- 5 island trips
- Thalu island trip
- Sunset Boat trip
So, you have it, my recommendation on how to spend 2-3 days in Koh Samet. This popular weekend getaway from Bangkok and Pattaya offers laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and a lovely nightlife scene.