KOH SAMET for NEWBIES | Everything you need to know before your next trip!
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- Опубліковано 24 лис 2024
- Welcome to this guide to the fantastic Thai island of Koh Samet! In this video, we will give you all the important information you need to know before planning your own trip to this great holiday island. Even if you've been before, so much has changed you'll find some essential information here.
Samet is famous for it's beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, but one of the main reasons it's so popular is that it's easy and cheap to get to from Bangkok, Pattaya or other provinces.
There's some insider tips on the best way to get across to the island, and we take a look at the top 2 rated beaches on TripAdvisor.
Throughout this video useful information is shown on screen, and there's also some footage of the places visited.
And you can't visit Samet without seeing a fire show. The island is famous for them!
I am planning my trip and this video has been very very helpful. Thank you, Sir!!
It's my pleasure! I hope you have a great trip! Koh Samet is a fantastic island.
Great video. Visited Samet in '99 and it was VERY different. No fresh water, power cuts, big mosquitos, mangy dogs. Rented a room at a bar and lived with the family, borrowed their DT125 to get about. A week I'll never forget. Good times.
Wow! That sounds wonderful. Well, apart from the dogs and mossies. Sadly those days are probably gone for most of Samet. But there must be other islands still like that. I'll keep looking!
I walked from the peir years ago, no suitcase just my backpack, and walked right into the park - no fee required.
Been going there since '92 but the last time we went it was choked with Chinese tour groups - couldn't even walk the Saikaew. We headed back south.
We can drive there in 1.5 hours now, this looks much better now!
Thanks for the story TD. Happy memories. There were some great times back in the day.
another good one. super views bet Mr Egg didn't do the camera work or has he got hidden talent
Thanks for the positive comments, Bigbopper! I can confirm that if Mr Egg has any talent it's very well hidden ;-) Flying solo for this one!
I could happily stay on a beach like that for weeks.
Yes, absolutely. There's a number of beautiful beaches on Samet. Unfortunately, I only had a short stay but I'll head back there later this year! Thanks for your comment.
I'm planning to go with my family there next month and this video helps a lot 👌🏼🙏🏻
Good to hear, thanks. I'm sure you'll have a great time there!
Probably the island I have visited the most. Possibly because of it's ease to get to. From Bangkok in 2014 just after the coup was my first time. The number 1 beach is probably the worst beach to be stuck at if you don't have transport. Many of the beaches on the south eastern side have resorts, bars and restaurants whether to stay or just to visit, lots of families too. Best sunset (and sunrise) from the southern tip of the island. But quite steep roads. There is a view point halfway down the island. Beautiful place.
Hey Paul, thanks for that it's very interesting! I've never managed to get down to the southern tip beaches despite visiting several times. I'll put in on the list for next time! I guess transport isn't a problem with all the songtaews. The problem is how much they want especially when going fairly short distances!
Great video BC. The comment regarding the National Park admission fee sums up all islands for me, “nothing you can do about it”. That is the mentality of island holidays and islanders in general.
However, the scenery looks amazing and , as ever, a comprehensive and well thought out production.
If you haven’t subscribed to this channel yet it’s a crime.
Thanks alot, Phil! I was ready for the old foreigners pay double. But 5 times is taking the Michael! Obviously it's only 200 baht, but using Thai numerals for the locals' price is just sneaky! The only thing you can really do about it is vote with your feet and not go. But there's so much to do there, that would be a pity!
A crime punished by higher national park entrance prices. Oh wait.
@@peapaulofthailand6539 It's the principle of the thing, but then I remembered I deposited my principles in the left luggage at Bangkok airport over 13 years ago!
Sadly, it’s not just the islands ripping tourists off with the dual pricing. Up in the NE there are many waterfalls etc and “National Park” where it’s 20 baht for Thais and 200 for foreigners.
@@keef6586 People might say it's not much money, but for me the principle is all wrong.
This is great comprehensive info BC, I am thinking of going here for a couple of days during Songkran to get away from the madness in Pattaya.
Many thanks, Ed. That's a good idea. I'd imagine Sai Kaew beach would be lively, but not as mad as Pattaya. The further South you go, there's some really beautiful and quiet beaches. Sounds like a plan!
Best beginner film about Koh Samet I've seen. Well done Ballon chaser 👍
Anders, thank you so much for that comment. I really appreciate it. A few more islands coming up in the next few weeks. Keep watching!
Have not been there before. Will check it out on my next trip. Thanx on another great vid!
Thanks. Can almost guarantee you'll love Samet if you haven't been before! Easy to get to, lots of choices for places to stay at all prices, dozens of places to eat! And strolling down the beach is really relaxing! Go for it!
I'm currently in the hotel he recommended beautiful beach followed the guidance bolt from pattaya white shark power boat 350.return. si not expensive in my opinion. Saw one I will visit next trip called sawadee coco. Bit up market but your on holiday. Two nights in beach front room with bath tub 20 metres if that from sea. Includes breakfast 109 quid a nite. Perfect
Great stuff, Andrew. Sounds like you had a good time and have some ideas for your next trip! Nice one!
thanks for sharing just found your channel, some great info and its on my list of places to visit i like koh chang but this seems a great option and easier to get to from pattaya thanks again.
Thanks Phill. Welcome aboard! I've been to Koh Chang a few times. Like it also, but you're right, you can save a few hours off the round trip, and have a great time by going to Samet!
i found this interesting. It has encouraged me to go see it.
I'm pleased to hear that. If you get the opportunity, go! I'm sure you'd love it
Thank you sir , where planning and can’t wait to go there in Koh Samet in November, From Philippines.
It's my pleasure! November would be a great month to visit Koh Samet! Have a good trip!
@@balloonchaser Yes! It’s my birth month, Thankyou!
long time Thailand visitor never tried here, ( more used to the expense krabi has now become) and i'd like to give here a go with my Thai partner. I was unsure about accomodation and large suit cases on the boats lol.
Thanks r b. Perfect place to try, especially with a Thai partner. Lots of choice of accommodation from cheap to very expensive. And the boat I took would have happily carried all the suitcases I've ever owned! And if the charter the songtaew to your resort then you'd also have the whole space for luggage. Give it a go!
Got a brand new pier coming to Phe with Cafes and restaruants and shops. Should be a couple of years before that is finished, but Banphe will also be a tourist destination also.
Thanks, Carl. I think they are going to build it between the two piers I went on. I saw some impressive artist's impressions of what they plan. Should be really good. Ban Phe could be a nice stop-over with a few more facilities. Good comment, cheers.
Planning a trip in May curious to know if the return boat tickets have to be used on the same day, Im planning on staying a couple of nights. Great video thank you.
No, they don't have to be used on the same day. You can stay two nights with no problem. Just tell them when you plan to return when you buy your ticket, and they'll tell you how to reserve your seats for the return journey! Enjoy your trip!
Great video! The one I wish I had done on this lovely island.
I loved Koh Samet, stayed at the Samed Villa Resort, which was nice, though filled with a bit too many Russian tourists at that time. Just near it, is a great restaurant on Ao Tubtim beach : Reef bar & restaurant, just on the beach, great cocktails, excellent food, and its own fire show without the loud boom boom of the bars on Sai Kaew beach. Video on my channel if you're interested.
Thanks for your comment, Wanderlust. I'll certainly check out the video on your channel. I've been a few times to Samet, and this was the first time I took my camera. Oh well, no regrets. Just have to go again and again!
Great video thanks
Thanks for the positive comment Kevin.
Hello, can you please tell us more about the nakonchair air bus from pattaya to bang be? Where does it starts?
I haven't been to Samet for a while, but just looking at what's on offer now, there's no big bus from Pattaya. There are a few companies offering minivan services, I believe, but I don't like minivans!
I'm awate of some services out of ekkamai, Bangkok and one company operates "midivan" services which I'd prefer. Their link is here
facebook.com/share/fykTNczqDmCnbPUF/
To be perfectly honest, I think from Pattaya I'd be tempted to get a taxi if funds permit, of course!
Good and informative video!
Still, another very "touristy", selfie-video with added music, as you probably expect from another western middle-aged man visiting: speed-boat, tuk-tuk, resort "boutique"....Jetskis and banana boats....no!
Ok, don t get me wrong, nothing bad being said about this, just so many different ways of visiting here as a tourist.
(Nice to support the locals and go with the real slow boat, transporting all different things, normally no need to pay the fee for the park.) Accomodation, esp. during low season can be very cheap here. Usually a bit of a difference weekdays and weekends here. High season crowded during weekends. Still, a lot of tourists on extremely arranged trips visiting all year around, normally staying just one night.
By the way 13.28, 100 m after seven eleven just turn right, best local "food-court" here. You probably missed it? You will need more than 24 hours next time, nice island here.
Keep up the good work!
Many thanks for your comment. I take it as a compliment at my age to be called a middle-aged man! I've been to Samet a few times. Must admit I've never managed to avoid the park fee even though I don't really like it! I have tried the slow boat. For me, it's worth paying the extra just because of the time saving and convenience. But, as you say, if you stay for longer, it probably doesn't matter. There's certainly something for everyone on Samet, and there's various ways to enjoy it. Thanks again!
I got stung by a jellyfish on one of the beaches in Koh Samet back in 1997-98, so never went back! 555
Do I need to bring a girlfriend with me BC? Did not see any nighttime bar action on the video. 55555
Looks wonderful, great info on the transportation and hotels
BTW, Most nation parks in the U.S. cost 1300 baht to enter, so 200 is pretty reasonable. Then it is another 800-1000 baht just to camp out, with limited facilities.
Hey Ric, thanks! And there was me thinking that jellyfish aren't an intelligent lifeform, but obviously they're very astute! The street with the 7 eleven has a few bars which appear to be friendly although I didn't investigate. Sai Kaew beach is probably the liveliest. Lots of places to eat, drink and listen to music. But a place to bring a friend or be a Nobby no-mates like me!
Hi Rictor. BC forgot BYO Thai girl lol only 40 baht too lol. As BC says there is the main strip road between the pier and start of the National Park entrance just after the 2 opposite 7 elevens. But there is the Naga bar opposite the Mermaid statue which is that end the main beach with the fire show not the alley way out. There was also the Gecko bar a bit further up. Some of the beaches on the south eastern side have bars too.
@@peapaulofthailand6539 are those the bars with cocktail buckets and florescent paint all over the walls. I vaguely remember them from a previous visit. Vaguely being the operative word!
@Balloon Chaser Those 2 there yes. But there are other bars, just unsure about availability of girls for errrm dating. So either take one and enjoy her spending or go solo and enjoy the break.
@@peapaulofthailand6539 Definitely girls looking for dating down the road with 2 7 elevens, but elsewhere I didn't see. Not that I was looking, of course.
What time do the fireshows start?
First fireshow was 7.30pm I think. And then another around 9.30pm. But they advised to queue up an hour before!
They're a few start at half eight and move about depends on. How busy restaurants are
I walked to Sai Kaew from the pier, not a long walk, granted you wouldn't want to do it with a suitcase
Thanks, Ant. You're right. Definitely walkable. Only the heat and the fact I'm a lazy £##& stopped me!
what are the schdules of van/bus from bangkok?
also what time is the last trip of boat to and rom KOH SAMET?
Thanks for your question, but there's no simple answer. The big buses from Ekkamai go every 2 hours but the latest you can leave is probably midday if you want to get a ferry to Samet the same day.
Minivans vary more but companies like Phittinin Transport run vans until about 5.30pm but of course the difficulty is getting across to the island once it gets late.
The big ferries generally stop in either direction at 6pm, obviously after that is getting dark. You can get a speedboat in theory at any time but again outside daylight hours it's expensive.
This is based on what I understand to be the situation, but please check with the travel companies themselves for the most up to date information.
@@balloonchaser Thank you so much! You're so helpful my god! that info really lightened me up and understood the travel to koh samet.
@@jazzellmaquipoten855 My pleasure
Do they have money exchanges on the island?
Yes, they do, but the rated are worse than on the mainland. My advice is to change money before arriving. Otherwise, get money from an atm if that works for you.
thanks good video, just note 100 baht for 1 hr motorbike 300 baht per day
Thanks for pointing that out, Brett! Cheers!
yeah mine was 300 for 24 hour
Hi! Do you know they have motorbike that fit 3 ppl for 2 adult and 1 child?
Scooters rental: 100 is for an hour, not the whole day. That's 300-400... All the best
Many thanks for the correction. I thought it sounded too cheap! 👍
I'm embarrassed by the cheek of us foreigners complaining about the different National Park fees for us and the Thai. How else could Thai people, on their much smaller incomes, get to see the beauty of their own homeland than on subsidized entrance fees?
Nobody asked for Thais to pay a fee 5 times higher. The entry fee isn't subsidised. Visiting an island should be free for all visitors.
can i pick up my motorbike on a ferry?
Yes, you can. But it's not free. You'd have to check the amount with the boat operator. I've heard people say it's cheaper just to rent out there, depending on how long you're staying and the bike type.
@@balloonchaser thx for your reply. mhm i understand. not a type of ferry i exepted. yes better renting one on the island itself.
@@getupkid80 Enjoy your trip. Take care, the roads are, er, challenging on Samet!
👍🏼🍻🇦🇺
Thanks for the support, Sandgroper
@@balloonchaser Very informative as per usual , lots of handy tips delivered clearly. What more would one want in a video about the beautiful Koh Samet 👍🏼
@@sandgroper1980 Thanks, again. In terms of what more could you want, I did ask for Miss Thailand in a bikini but she was obviously washing her hair that day!
@@balloonchaser 😆👍🏼
I ventured there in 2016. The scenery was indeed beautiful. My experience was less so. I went there in a mini-bus which featured a Ladyboy as the guide. When I arrived on the island, I was asked for a fee for the national park. Not great to be greeted by officials with their hands out looking for cash. Then, I moved on to transport. Only, moto-taxis were available (not that baht bus thing) and predictably they were scamming as usual. I refused to pay and lugged my bags all the way to the hotel. It was extremely hot, but I saved that 200 baht.The island is gorgeous, but I would not go back. I am not exactly a beach person and to me all these islands are roughly the same. If you have seen one, you can do without the rest - similar to churches and monasteries in that respect.
Thanks, David. Yes, it's beautiful and for that alone I can forgive one or two negatives. For me, I would avoid the minivans even though they're cheap. Too cramped and not the safest form of transport. I don't mind paying to enter a national park, but dual pricing still annoys me. There's such a variety of beaches here, let alone islands around Thailand, I do believe there's something for every taste. Thanks for the interesting comment!
Jesus man, your on an island where they have to make some money, sounds like you wouldn’t be happy if it was free , chill out bro and try to enjoy life!!
I visited koh samet a lot. Now they asking 200 bath entry. Scammer. The hotels become very expensive. Well not for me. Thank you. Use to be very cheap and beautiful.
Thanks. I've visited a couple of islands this month, and the hotel prices amaze me, to be honest. I don't think it's just Samet. Seems to be everywhere, especially the islands. I'm looking forward to "low season"!
Hey just found out about your channel and subscribed ( thanks to Mr Egg @LePubPattaya ) this video is very helpful as I will try and go to K Samet next time I am in Pattaya. Thanks.
That's great! Thanks for the sub. Coincidentally, I'm just sitting next to Phil as we've just finished filming a video for his channel! Samet is a great place. I'm sure you'd love it
Crease to expensive 15.000 THB.
FOR A BUNGALOW
That sounds interesting. Thanks.