In this article, I will share with you how to get to Koh Samet from Pattaya, Bangkok, and Koh Chang. We will also look at the best ways to get around Koh Samet, which include walking, renting a motorbike, and using songthaew.
Koh Samet is a beautiful beach destination located close to other famous cities such as Pattaya and Bangkok. It is located just a few hours from Thailand’s capital city, making it a popular weekend getaway for both locals and expats.
This island is located in the Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park, in the Gulf of Thailand, in Rayong Province. It is about 220 km southeast of Bangkok. In general, to get to Koh Samet, you need to get to Ban Phe Pier in mainland Rayong first, then take a 30-60 minutes boat ride to Koh Samet.
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How to get to Koh Samet from Pattaya
It took me about a 4 hour trip from Pattaya to Koh Samet including a minivan transfer from a hotel in Pattaya to Nuan Thip Pier in Rayong, then a boat trip from the pier to Koh Samet Pier.
I stayed in Downtown Pattaya, and booked a ticket to Koh Samet at the office of 35 Group Pattaya. The staff told me that they will pick me up around 9.30-9.45 am but the driver actually showed up late around 10.25am. We arrived at Nuan Thip Pier around 12.30pm.
The driver bought tickets for us and showed us the way to the boat. The boat leaves around 1pm. It arrived at Nadan Pier of Koh Samet around 1.50pm. You will need to pay an entrance ticket of 200 baht at the pier to enter the island as it is part of the National Park.
From the pier, you can use Songthaew to get to your hotel. My hostel is located in the town center, so I decided to walk. There are a 7-11 as well as several tour agencies and motorbike rentals right outside of the pier.
You can book a ticket to travel between Pattaya and Koh Samet at tour agencies, ask your hotel for more updated information, or check online at 12go.asia. Companies like Andaman Shuttle and 35 Group Pattaya are running this route.
Vans in Thailand are not always on time, especially if they pick you up from your hotel, so be patient with them. If you travel in the high season, it is best to book your ticket in advance.
If you have a generous budget, you can consider getting a private taxi from Pattaya to get to Ban Phe Pier, then buy a boat ticket to Koh Samet.
How to get to Koh Samet from Bangkok
From Bangkok, you can book combo bus/boat tickets at Mo Chit New Van Terminal or Ekkamai Bus Station. You can book it and check the schedule online here. The ticket includes both bus and ferry tickets. The journey is around 4-5 hours depending on traffic and boat schedule.
First, check the closest Bus Station to your hotel, then use additional transport such as Grab or public transport to get to these stations. Ekkamai Bus Station is located near Ekkamai BTS Station, so you can use BTS sky train to reach it.
The bus will stop at the pier in Ban Phe from where you can get on the boat to Koh Samet.
How to get to Koh Samet from Ko Chang
Generally, when traveling from Koh Chang to Koh Samet, you will need a transfer from your hotel to Koh Chang Pier, then a ferry to Aow Thammachat in Trat mainland, then you need another van/taxi to get to Ban Phe Pier in Rayong mainland, where you will take another boat to Koh Samet.
You can check this route with any travel agency on the island if they have a shared minivan option. If you travel with a group/ family, or you have a good budget, taking private transfer is the best option. Have a look at the price on 12go.asia. These services will handle all kinds of transport for you.
I traveled from Koh Samet to Koh Chang. You can have an overall idea of how to travel between two islands. I recommend booking a ticket in advance if you travel in the high season.
I booked my ticket with the PN group by calling them, then they gave me confirmation on whatsapp. I paid at their office the next day in the mainland after taking the speed boat. The ticket includes a speed boat from Koh Samet to Ban Phe pier, van to Ao Thammachat, and ferry to Koh Chang.
When we arrived at Ao Thammachat at 12.40pm, they gave us the ticket to get into the big boat. The boat arrived at Koh Chang Pier at 1.10pm. From here, I used a shared songthaew to get to my guest house in White Beach.
Best ways to get around Koh Samet
Some of the top ways to get around Koh Samet are by walking, riding motorbike, or using Songthaew to visit different beaches. Walking is the best option if you don’t drive motorbike and you don’t want to spend money on songthaew.
Riding a motorbike gives you more freedom to explore beaches. It is cheaper than taking a shared truck, and cooler than walking. Using songthaew green truck is the best option if you travel with a group, not very economical for solo travelers like me.
Explore Koh Samet on foot
Koh Samet is a small island, only 7 km in length and 2 km in width at its widest point. The best way to get around Koh Samet, in my opinion, is on foot. The island is quite small, you can walk from beach to beach. A walk from one end of the island to the other end on the main road is around 2 hours.
If you are tired of the heat, you can take a songthaew ride. Most popular beaches have songthaew drivers waiting there.
I explored all the islands on foot. From the pier, I walked all the way to my hotel in the town center. I explore all the beaches by walking too. They are Sai Kaew Beach, Ao Phai Beach, Ao Nuan, Wong Duean Beach, and Prao Beach.
Get around Koh Samet on motorbike
If you are confident in driving a motorbike in Thailand, you can consider riding a motorbike on Koh Samet. The island is quite flat, and easy to get around with a motorbike. You can find several rental shops around the pier. This is one of the most affordable ways to get around the island.
see more:
- Where to stay in Koh Samet
- How to spend 2-3 Days In Koh Samet Itinerary
- 21 Amazing Things to Do in Koh Samet
There you have it, some of the best ways to get to Koh Samet and how to get around. I hope you have found some information about getting from Bangkok, Pattaya, and Koh Chang to Koh Samet.