Koh Samet is admittedly not a very big island. Even if quite a few tourists find their way here — especially from Bangkok during the weekends — the fact that the island has status as a national park has kept the level of exploitation on a comparatively low level. That is also why the beaches still are fairly untouched, i.e. the good news; the bad news is that it means practically no street lighting.
Getting to Koh Samet normally involves traveling by bus from Bangkok southeast, past Rayong, for some four hours to the harbour of Baan Phe. From there, you can catch either a ferry or the speedboat. Once on the island, there are a number of exotically attractive beaches to choose from. Haad Sai Kaew could lay claims on being not only the longest but also the nicest beach on the island. It tends to attract somewhat younger rather than more senior tourists. Should you belong to the latter category, you are better off heading for Ao Phai for some peace and quiet, or Ao Phrao for comfortability and first-class service facilities.
