BEACH
Ao Wai is a quiet spot on Ko Samet. The further south you go on the island, the quieter it becomes. Fine white sand and transparent water make it a good place to unwind. Along the beach you will find mangrove trees.
Enjoy relaxing in your beach chair under the shade of the trees along the waterside. The beach is small during high tide, so if the hotel is fully booked (usually on weekends), it can feel quite crowded. However, during the week it is a good beach to go to.
WHERE TO STAY
Samet Ville Resort is the only place to stay at Ao Wai, offering a good number of bungalows ranging from simple fan bungalows to honeymoon villas. You will also find a basic swimming pool.
This stay has a restaurant. The next beachfront restaurant is a 15-minute walk, but you can also take a scooter to one of Ko Samet’s other bays.
ISLAND
Ko Samet is a popular island in the Gulf of Thailand. We see Ko Samet as a good place to start or end your holiday. It is located close to the airport, has numerous good beaches for sunbathing, and various entertainment and nightlife options. It is one of the closest and most accessible islands from Bangkok, making it a popular weekend getaway for both locals and tourists.
WHAT TO DO
Although the main draw of Ko Samet is its pristine beaches and relaxed ambiance, the island offers various activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, hiking, and beachside massages. You can sign up for yoga, boxing, and cooking classes. Keep in mind that the nature of the island itself is not quite special. So if you wish to explore a scenic island, we recommend choosing a different place.
Na Dan, located in the northeast of the island, is the only village and a nice variation if you are tired of sunbathing. You can visit some of the many restaurants and souvenir shops. Finally, the temple complex at the pond is definitely worth the visit.
The entrance fee to Ko Samet is 200 baht, as the island is part of a national park. Upon arrival on the beach, don’t miss people passing by with fresh fruit, barbecued chicken and papaya salad: our favorite lunch!
TRANSPORT
From the airport, a taxi to Ban Phe takes about 2.5 hours and costs between 2,000 and 2,500 baht. From Bangkok a taxi costs 2500 baht, including the toll for the highway. It is possible to take a bus or minibus in Bangkok from Ekamai Bus Station or the Victory Monument for 250 baht. From the city it takes about 3 hours to get to Ban Phe.
Eventually, for the last leg of the journey, catch a slow boat, catamaran or speedboat in Ban Phe at Tarua Phe Pier, directly in front of the 7-Eleven. A one-way ticket costs 200 baht for a shared speed boat, 50 baht for the slow boat, and 150 baht for the catamaran. The catamaran departs at 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 2:15 PM, and 5:00 PM.
Passengers are dropped off at the pier, which means you’ll need to hire a pick-up to drive to Tubtim. This will cost you around 20 baht for a shared pick-up taxi and 200 baht for a private pick-up taxi. It is easy to rent scooters, and exploring the small island only takes a few hours.
