Island in Rayong, Thailand
Koh Samet
Closest white-sand island to Bangkok, with a short ferry from Ban Phe and rain-shadow weather. Best for short beach breaks; crowded and pricey at weekends, and the island is small with few long-stay options.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,250–1,940Comfortable, one person · ฿42,000–65,000Details
- Value for money61/100Better value than 60% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MarWarmest: Apr, 30°CDetails
- Internet299 MbpsFixed broadband, Thailand medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledIsland water is not drinkable; use bottled or refill-machine water.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$21–60Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundFerry from Ban Phe pierYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards in resorts and some beachfront restaurants; cash for songthaews, small guesthouses, markets and the national park entry gate.Details
Where to stay in Koh Samet
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Hat Sai Kaew | Longest beach: restaurants, bars, fire shows, most visitors |
| Ao Phrao | Upscale and quiet, with resorts and sunset views |
| Ao Wong Duan | Calm bay for couples and families; mid-range |
| Nadan (ferry pier) | Arrival village with basic food and shops |
Apps that work in Koh Samet
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: LINE
- 12Go: Buses, trains and ferries between towns
- IQAir AirVisual: Checking smoke levels in burning season
- Taxis: No ride apps. Songthaews and hotel pickups set prices; confirm fares before leaving the pier. Speedboat transfers should be booked ahead.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Thailand.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards in resorts and some beachfront restaurants; cash for songthaews, small guesthouses, markets and the national park entry gate.
- Currency: Baht (THB). US$1 ≈ ฿33.56 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Thai ATMs charge foreign cards about 220 THB per withdrawal; limits usually 20,000–30,000 THB, so withdraw larger amounts.
- Tipping: Not expected; round up or leave 20–100 THB for good service. Upmarket restaurants add 10% service charge plus 7% VAT.
- Paying by phone: Apple and Google Pay work at contactless terminals; Thai QR (PromptPay) works with some linked Asian bank apps.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Fill in the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours before arrival; paid look-alike sites are scams.
- Officers may ask for an onward ticket, accommodation details and proof of funds (20,000 THB per person); rarely checked, but enforced at times.
- In May 2026 the cabinet approved shortening visa-free stays; check the current permitted length before booking a long trip.
Emergency numbers
Police 191 · Ambulance 1669 · Fire 199 · Tourist police 1155
Plugs
Type A, B, C, O · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
AIS, True and dtac airport counters sell tourist SIMs and eSIMs, roughly 300–600 THB for 8–15 days; passport required. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Thailand
Going to Koh Samet solo?
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Sources
- Tourism Authority of Thailand: Rayong
- Thai National Parks (Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet)
- Bangkok Hospital Rayong
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.