In the island’s northeastern corner near the ferry pier, and an extension of Na Dan, Hat Sai Kaew – the 'town beach' – is the island’s widest, busiest and wildest stretch of sand. Sunbathers, sarong-sellers, speedboats, jet skis and restaurants take up almost every inch of space and the beach can feel totally overrun by package tourists at times. The scene is lively at night, too with at least two nightly fire shows pulling crowds.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
1.64 MILES
Ao Thian is a delightfully pretty beach punctuated by big boulders that shelter small sandy spots, creating a castaway ambience. It remains one of Samet’s…
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2.19 MILES
Ao Wai is a lovely beach far removed from everything else (though in reality it is only 1.5km from Ao Thian).
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Khao Laem Ya/Mu Ko Samet National Park
0.63 MILES
Along with Ko Samet, Ko Man Klang, Ko Kudee, Ko Man Nok and Ko Man Nai to the west are part of this national park. The official status hasn’t kept away…
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1.22 MILES
Ao Wong Deuan ('Crescent Moon Bay') is Samet's second-busiest beach after Hat Sai Kaew, with a range of resorts and more modest guesthouses. It's a wide,…
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0.69 MILES
Cute, sandy Ao Phutsa (Ao Tub Tim), south of Ao Hin Khok and Ao Phai, strikes a good balance between being relatively accessible but generally not too…
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1.08 MILES
On the west coast, Ao Prao is one of the island's prettiest beaches. It's secluded but backed by three high-end resorts, so it still gets quite busy and…
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0.23 MILES
Less frenetic than its northern neighbour Hat Sai Kaew, Ao Hin Khok is a gorgeous bay attracting a younger crowd. Plenty of places to stay, eat and drink.
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0.55 MILES
A short walk west of Ao Hin Khok over a rocky headland, Ao Phai is a pretty bay with some worthy bars and eateries and a backpacker scene.
Nearby Ko Samet attractions
0.23 MILES
Less frenetic than its northern neighbour Hat Sai Kaew, Ao Hin Khok is a gorgeous bay attracting a younger crowd. Plenty of places to stay, eat and drink.
0.55 MILES
A short walk west of Ao Hin Khok over a rocky headland, Ao Phai is a pretty bay with some worthy bars and eateries and a backpacker scene.
3. Khao Laem Ya/Mu Ko Samet National Park
0.63 MILES
Along with Ko Samet, Ko Man Klang, Ko Kudee, Ko Man Nok and Ko Man Nai to the west are part of this national park. The official status hasn’t kept away…
0.69 MILES
Cute, sandy Ao Phutsa (Ao Tub Tim), south of Ao Hin Khok and Ao Phai, strikes a good balance between being relatively accessible but generally not too…
1.08 MILES
On the west coast, Ao Prao is one of the island's prettiest beaches. It's secluded but backed by three high-end resorts, so it still gets quite busy and…
1.22 MILES
Ao Wong Deuan ('Crescent Moon Bay') is Samet's second-busiest beach after Hat Sai Kaew, with a range of resorts and more modest guesthouses. It's a wide,…
1.64 MILES
Ao Thian is a delightfully pretty beach punctuated by big boulders that shelter small sandy spots, creating a castaway ambience. It remains one of Samet’s…
2.19 MILES
Ao Wai is a lovely beach far removed from everything else (though in reality it is only 1.5km from Ao Thian).