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Koh Samet

Thailand · Island · THB · 12.550000, 101.450000
Family friendly 7.3/10 · Rank 506 of 2 709
Best season: November-February (dry season)

Best for

Suitable for beach lovers, families and those seeking affordable island holidays.

Best season

November-February (dry season)

Daily budget
$55.00 (≈ 4 616 ₽ · ≈ 1 925 THB)
For 7 days
$385.00 (≈ 32 309 ₽ · ≈ 13 475 THB)
Koh Samet is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand, located just a few hours from Bangkok and Pattaya, popular with locals and tourists alike for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear water. The island is part of Khao Laem Ya – Mu Ko Samet National Park and offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking. Here you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, escape the city bustle, and try fresh seafood. Koh Samet is the perfect place for a short beach getaway.
Summer
35.0°C
Winter
23.0°C
Sea
30.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Friendly, working in tourism.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Proximity to Bangkok
  • Beautiful beaches
  • Affordable prices
  • Quiet atmosphere

Cons

  • Rainy season
  • Limited nightlife
  • Fewer attractions
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
29.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
30.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
35.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
26.5°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
27.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
23.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
29.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
30.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
May-October (wet season)
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
white sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
white
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
weak
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
crystal clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Sai Kaew Beach
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
No
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
No
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
Present
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
Present
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
None
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Heavy rain possible during wet season. Sea urchins and corals on reefs.

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins found on coral reefs

Corals and reefs — details

  • Coral reefs along the coast, do not step on them

Jellyfish — details

  • Various jellyfish species inhabit the waters off Koh Samet, which can appear during the rainy season. Jellyfish can be venomous, and tourists should strictly observe precautions
  • In 2014, millions of multicoloured transparent jellyfish invaded the Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet national marine park, making swimming in the sea impossible. Caution is recommended

Sharks — details

  • Various shark species inhabit the waters off Koh Samet, but they are rarely encountered in the coastal zone. Sharks do not pose a serious danger to swimmers
  • Shark attacks on humans have not been recorded in this region. Caution is recommended in open waters
Attractions

Sai Kaew Beach

The island's main beach with white sand and developed infrastructure.

Wong Duen Beach

More secluded beach with crystal clear water.

Koh Samet National Park

National park covering most of the island.

Viewpoint

Panoramic view of the island from the east side.

Best areas

Sai Kaew Beach

Main tourist area with hotels, restaurants and bars.

Wong Duen Beach

Quieter area with good beaches.

Must-try food

Pad Thai

Fried noodles with prawns and vegetables.

Fresh seafood

Fresh fish and prawns.

Where to go next

Pattaya

Resort town on the mainland, ~1 hour by ferry.

Bangkok

Capital of Thailand, ~2.5 hours by car.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
moderate
Getting there
Nearest airports
U-Tapao International Airport (UTP).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required (up to 30 days)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
November-February (dry season)
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 525 THB
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽ · ≈ 1 225 THB
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 2 100 THB
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽ · ≈ 3 500 THB
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 1 750 THB
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 1 050 THB
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽ · ≈ 210 THB
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 420 THB
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽ · ≈ 88 THB
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 70 THB
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽ · ≈ 35 THB
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽ · ≈ 245 THB
Burger
Average price for a burger
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 175 THB
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 105 THB
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 140 THB
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 700 THB
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.50
≈ 42 ₽ · ≈ 18 THB
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 140 THB
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 875 THB
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 280 THB
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 420 THB
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 700 THB
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 1 400 THB
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 525 THB
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 280 THB
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 350 THB
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Frequently asked questions
Koh Samet: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is November-February (dry season). At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Koh Samet: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +35.0°C, during the day — up to +30.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Koh Samet: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +23.0°C, during the day — up to +27.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Koh Samet: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +30.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Koh Samet: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on May-October (wet season). During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Koh Samet: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "white sand" surface, white sand, crystal clear water. The most popular beaches: Sai Kaew Beach. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Koh Samet: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry.
Koh Samet: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: sea urchins, corals. Heavy rain possible during wet season. Sea urchins and corals on reefs.. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Koh Samet: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $55.00 (≈ 4 616 ₽ · ≈ 1 925 THB) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Koh Samet: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $15.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $35.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $60.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $100.00 per night, an apartment — $30.00 per night, a villa — $50.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Koh Samet: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $6.00, dinner at a restaurant — $12.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.50, a 0.5L beer — $2.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Koh Samet: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $20.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.50, a short taxi ride — $4.00, car rental — $25.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Koh Samet: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Sai Kaew Beach — The island's main beach with white sand and developed infrastructure.; Wong Duen Beach — More secluded beach with crystal clear water.; Koh Samet National Park — National park covering most of the island.; Viewpoint — Panoramic view of the island from the east side.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Koh Samet: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Pad Thai — Fried noodles with prawns and vegetables.; Fresh seafood — Fresh fish and prawns.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Koh Samet: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Sai Kaew Beach — Main tourist area with hotels, restaurants and bars.; Wong Duen Beach — Quieter area with good beaches.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Koh Samet: is a visa required?
Visa: not required (up to 30 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Koh Samet: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — U-Tapao International Airport (code UTP). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $20.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Koh Samet: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — THB. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $55.00 (≈ 4 616 ₽ · ≈ 1 925 THB). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Koh Samet: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Koh Samet: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as moderate. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Koh Samet: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Pattaya — Resort town on the mainland, ~1 hour by ferry.; Bangkok — Capital of Thailand, ~2.5 hours by car.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

7.3/10
Overall rank: 506 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 374