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Sparkling white sand and cliffs rising from
an azure sea...the archipelago of Samet Island is the setting that
inspired classical Thai poet, Sunthorn Phu, to write his most famous
epics: Phra Aphai Manee, a story of princes, sages, mermaids and giants.
That was 150 years ago, and today you can still enjoy the magical
qualities of Samet and surrounding areas. In 1981, the Royal Forest
Department declared the archipelago of Samet, the headland of Khao Laem
Ya, and 11 kilometer Mae Rampeung Beach to be a National Park.
Located 200 kilometers southeast of
Bangkok in Rayong Province, Khao Laem Ya - Mu Koh Samet National Park
covers 131 square kilometers of land and sea, and is an easy destination
for Bangkokians and world travelers alike. Most come to relax and enjoy
the beaches, but opportunities exist for the more adventurous biking
trails and exploring reefs.
Natural History
The headland of Khao Laem Ya is composed of particularly hard silicates
which are resistant to erosion. The resulting cape maintains the
extensive Mae Rampeung Beach to the West and protects a smaller secluded
beach and sea grass bed to the east. Sea grasses are rapidly
disappearing in Thailand and throughout the world. Until recently they
have been vastly under-recognized as an essential coastal ecosystem.
Many small coral reefs are available for
viewing in the park. The most popular are located near Koh Khudi, Koh
Thalu and off the southern shores of Koh Samet. Unfortunately some of
these areas have been ravaged by dynamite fishing and anchor damage.
Recently they show great signs of recovery.
Coral reefs are the underwater equivalent
to tropical rainforests in terms of species diversity, complexity and
fragility. These factors are supported by an intricate interdependent
web of coastal ecology. In addition to their intrinsic value, coral
reefs and sea-grass beds provide invaluable habitat for a multitude of
organisms including some economically important species. Exploring this
exquisite undersea world is easy to do without have adverse effects on
the local environment. Please, if you do plan to visit the reefs, do so
responsibly and respectfully.
Though much of the park is marine
oriented, the vegetation is mixed deciduous and lowland scrub, largely
secondary growth. Wildlife includes monitor lizards, long tailed
macaques and variable squirrels. Koh Thalu harbors a colony of large
fruit eating bats, sometimes referred to as "flying foxes". A
variety of birds including several species of nesting terns, herons and
hornbills reside seasonally or year-round in the park. Though sea
turtles rarely nest on the beaches, they have in the past and still are
known to frequent park waters.
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