BEACH
Ao Prao is the only beach on the western side of Ko Samet and, for us, one of the most photogenic beach on the island. The small bay has a quiet stretch of very fine white sand, calm clear water and a coral reef just offshore. Surrounded by green hills and without the busy atmosphere found on the eastern side of the island, Ao Prao has a more exclusive and relaxed feel.
It is also our favorite bay for snorkeling on Ko Samet. The coral itself is not particularly impressive, but there are plenty of beautiful and colorful fish to see. In the late afternoon, people come here to enjoy the sunset, as Ao Prao is perfectly positioned on the western side of the island. Especially when we are in the mood for a little more luxury, we love coming to Ao Prao.
WHERE TO STAY
There are three stays directly on Ao Prao Beach. Two are excellent upscale options: Le Vimarn Cottages and Ao Prao Resort. Both are perfect if you want to combine a beautiful beach with a little more comfort and luxury.
Kerala Coco is the mid-range option, although we find it somewhat overpriced for what you get. If you are traveling on a tight budget, we would probably skip staying at Ao Prao and visit the beach as a day trip instead.
The stays have their own restaurants, so you do not need to leave the bay for dinner. If you want more choice or a livelier atmosphere, the eastern side of Ko Samet is about a 20-minute walk along a quiet road, or just a few minutes away by scooter.
