It
is the biggest the islands of Kao Laem-ya and Samet
islands National Park, covers an area of 6,000 rai,
6 kms. from the shore of Ban-pae. It is literary important
and maintains many beauty spots. White sandy beach,
sky clear water with corals around the island.. Ideal
for camping, swimming and snorkeling. The best part
is lots of bays and the National Park Guard office
unit 2 (Koh Samet) sited there. - Haad-Sai-Kaeo, wide
and long beach, about 2 kms., on the East of the island.
Paper white sandy beach, good for swimming and other
activity. - Ao-phai , next to Haad-sai-kaeo, a small
bay, private beach with bungalows available for tourists.
- Ao-wong-duen, beautiful, oval shape bay. - Ao-wai,Aow-kiew,
Aow-tien, lying along the east side of the island.
Best spot for coral snorkeling. Specially at Ao-kiew
that has a narrow dune about 500 m. wide, you can
walk to the other side of the island, feel either
east or west side of Koh-samet. - Ao-pra-ka-rang,
in the south, beautiful coral, snorkeling and close
to view point. - Laem-yai-chong-Koh-jan, a lands-end
in the south with forest stripe and meadow, rock in
irregular shape, ideal for fishing but not swimming
because water deep and strong turbulence. - Ao-prow,
west side of the island with sloping beach and full
of coconut palm trees, quiet and clean. It is the
most beautiful sunset spot of Koh-samet. Nearby tourist
spot - Koh-kudi, 8 kms. From the coast, small, covers
area about 300 rai with two colonies, Koh-tam-kang-kow
and Koh-tam-risi. Koh-kudi lays east of Samet island
and sited National Park Guard office unit 1(Koh-kudi).
Main attraction, sandy beach and peaceful nature.
Pa-nil-mung-korn, south side of the island, adorn
a panoramic view and coral along the shore. It is
best for coral snorkeling, fishing and camping. Reptiles,
big or small and no danger, can be seen plentiful
on the land. - Koh-kluay, Koh-karm, and Koh-plai-tin,
a virgin island amid the sea, 600 m. north of Koh-kudi.
The two islands are connected by sand dune and roc,
this can be seen when low tide, total area is small,
only 600 rai. Koh-plai-tin is 400m. away from the
first two. Camping and beautiful coral snorkeling
is ideal. Most coral has never been blasted by fisherman.
- Koh-jan, smallest among all islands, area about
10 rai, sited far south of Samet island, 600m. away
from Hua-laem-yai. Mostly rocky, less soil, deep water
and good for fishing but not for night camping ( beautiful
coral around the island). - Koh-ta-lu, 6 kms. East
of Koh-kudi, area 400 rai. The surrounding is still
untouch and the main attraction that became the name
of the island is a natural bridge connect to the north
island allow a hole for sea water to run through.
This the real identity. Physically a jungle while
east and south sides are big white sandy beach, suitable
for camping. West side is steep rocky area for hundreds
of seagulls to reside. June-July, nesting time and
the cliff whitened with seagulls, sea tortoises lay
eggs on the beach, big bats also hanging there. Coral
can be sighted around the island. Specially at the
east side beach, coral spread cover an area of 10
rai. It is ideal for scuba diving. A paradise on the
east coast. For information and reservation: contact
Kao-laem-ya and Samet islands National Park 79 moo
1, Haadmaelumpung-Pae Road, Kon-aow, Tambon Pae, Amphor
Muang, Rayong. 211610. tel./fax 0 3865 3034.
Koh
Samet, Rayong located at Eastern board of Thailand,
179km by car from Bangkok. It consists of 3,552 square
km area and 100 km of beach connect to the gulf of
Thailand. The 10 islands group is abundant with marine
resources. It contains many oddly shaped islands and
rocks. The largest island is Koh Samet which is well
known in South East Asia. Koh Samet has superb beaches
and relaxed atmosphere. Less than seven kms off the
coast of Rayong Province in the eastern Gulf of Thailand,
it combines the allure of a tropical paradise with
reasonable proximity to Bangkok.
Koh
Samet has been known as a safe anchorage for sailors
since at least the 13th century and in the 19th century
its sheer beauty was the inspiration for the literary
masterpiece of Thailand’s most famous romantic poet,
Sunthorn Phu. In the 1970’s it was ’discovered’ by
Thai teenagers and young couples seeking a weekend
retreat from life in Bangkok. In spite of its protected
status as part of the Khao Laem Ya - Samet National
Marine Park the island has developed into a resort
destination much loved by both Thais and foreigners.
Episodic attempts by the authorities to evict the
developers have not yet dislodged them, and bungalow
accommodations are available all over the island.
More than a dozen coves and beaches provide visitors
a range of choices from campsites on secluded, deserted
beaches to bungalows with all the modern conveniences
in more settled and gregarious communities.
The
Beaches ..............
Haad
Sai Kaew beach
Haad
Sai Kaew
beach or Diamond beach is the longest and one of the
most popular beaches on Ko Samet. It is located in
the North-East and it is about 780 meters long. This
is the beach You should choose if you like to have
a little people and activities around you, but at
the same time live next to a almost paradise-like
beach. The sand is almost snow-white and the water
is invitingly green-blue.
Aow
Wongduan bay & beach
Aow
Wongduan
bay is a 500 meter long half moon shaped beach with
the most fantastic sunrise on this island. The sand
is as inviting as on Haad Sai Kaew beach and the atmosphere
here is really pleasant.
Aow
Phai bay & beach
Aow
Phudzaa bay & beach
Aow
Thapthim bay & beach
Aow
Nuan bay & beach
Aow
Cho bay & beach
Aow
Saeng Thian bay & beach
Aow
Lungdam bay & beach
Thaai
Koh Sunset View Point
Thaai
Koh (Tay Koh) Sunset View Point
is located of the west island. You can see the beautiful
view of Sunset.
Aow
Wai bay & beach
Noi
Na Beach
Aow
Phrao Bay
The
only beach on the West coast of Koh Samet is a real
beauty and a few elegant hotels are located here.
The beach is about 200 meters long and very pleasant.
The sunset from Aow Phrao bay is on a clear night
a memory that will probably last a lifetime.
OUT-OF
CITY ATTRACTIONS
Sai
Thong Beach This
peaceful secluded setting has, as the name implies,
a fine sandy beach, Along the beachfront there are
bungalows for rent as well as a restaurant serving
fresh seafood. To reach Hat Sai Thong drive about
12 kilometres along highway 3 in the direction of
Sattahip and turn off between kilometre posts 207-208
opposite the Maptaphut Market. Approximately 5.5 kilometres
along this road is the beach.
Koh
Saket
A
small island about 10 minutes journey from Sai Thong
Beach. The water around the island is clear and allow
a fascination view of the underwater coral formations.
There are bungalows for rent on the island.
Payoon
and Pala Beach
Located
in Ban Chang District about 33 and 36 kilometres respectively
from Rayong Town. Both .beaches are connected, peaceful
and eminently suitable for swimming. Here visitors
have choice of accommodation from luxury hotel to
economy bungalows.
Dok
Krai Reservoir
Located
in Pluak Daeng District, 35 kilometres from Rayong
Town. This is the centre of development projects under
the advice of H.M.King Bhumipol Adulyadej on agriculture,
fishery, irrigation, land and farm animals. The reservoir
covers 20,000 rais of land, is surrounded by the natural
beauty ideal for relaxing, camping and educational
tour.
Mae
Rumphueng Beach
The
beach, some 10 kilometres long is located between
Ban Tapong and Ban Kon Aow, 11 kilometres from town,
and sited within the Khao Laem Yah-Ko Samet Group
National Park. This is a particularly beautiful spot
with a headland forming a magnificent backdrop to
a crescent shaped bay with broad sandy beaches which
are ideal for swimming.
Ban
Kon Ao
This
is a typical fishing village, some 22 kilometres from
town, which is dominated by a temple with seats at
the top hill overlooking the snoreline. The area is
subject to wind and sea erosing. The palm trees appear
to be standing on sand pedestals, which appear to
be held together only by the roots of the trees.
The
Sobha Botanical Gardens
These
possess one of the greatest varieties of trees and
plants in Thailand. Located on the Phe road, Muang
District. Rayong , 17 kilometres from town, the Gardens
are only 3 kilometres from the ferry to Samet island.
In the Gardens, one sees also a Thai Sala and a group
of three classical Thai houses, each of which is more
than a hundred years old. The houses are completely
furnished and have utensils traditionally used by
the people. There are also a number of antique objects
and other objects d’art on display in the houses.
Khao
Laem Ya-Ko Samet Group National Park
In
1981 the area known as Khao Laem Yah and the island
of Ko samet was designated as a nature reserve. It
is an area of great natural beauty which is enhanced
by the tranquility of the surroundings. Khao Laem
Ya is located about 6.4 kms from the fishing village
of Ban Phe. Ko Samet, on which Sunthorn Phu, Thailand
’s greatest poet based his most famous work, the story
of Pra Apaimanee, lies about 40 minutes boat journey
offshore. The park also covers Mae Rumphueng Beach,
Ban Kon Ao and some islands near Ko Samet such as
Ko Kudee, Ko Kruai, Ko Khangkhao and Ko Platin.
Ban
Phe
Ban
Phe, 22 Kilometres from town, is a busy fishing port
and the centre of local marine produce. The town of
Ban Phe is characterised by narrow streets of shops
and houses, It is a stopping off points for tourists
en route to the island of Ko Samet. Boats leave regularly
for the island from the piers. Shop in the main street
stock a wide variety of marine produce and many souvenirs
and trinkets fashioned from shells of different shades
and sizes.
Koh
Samet or Ko Kaew Phisadan
It
is the most well-known attraction of Rayong offers
beautiful beaches with charming white sand, strange-shape
rocks, suitable relaxation, water sporting, exploring
the coral reefs beneath the sea. Ko Samet is located
some 6.5 kilometres from ban Phe. There are boat services
available all day and many kinds of accommodation
there.
Koh
Kudee
It
lies approximately 6 kilometres offshore. Besides
Ko Kudee there are two smaller islands, one is Ko
Khangkhao and another is Ko Rusee Cave. All three
islands lie a little to the east of Ko Samet. The
islands have beautiful natural landscapes and ringed
by fine beaches which are ideal for swimming and camping
on.
Suan
Son Park
It
is 1 kilometre from Ban Phe and also known as the
Casuarina (pine) gardens: These splendid tress line
both verges of the road for a distance of 1 kilomertre.
It is a popular picnic place with shady areas.
Wang
Kaew
This
is agreeably one of the most picturesque part of the
east coast and used to be the most famous tourist
spot. Wang Kaew is a beautifully landscaped headland
with a fine beach and accommodation available in cottages
and bungalows. It is 38 kilometres from town.
Laem
Mae Phim
At
km 26 on the coastal road between Ban Phe and Klaeng,
48 kilometres from town, is Laem Mae Phim. This is
a popular beach that attracts Thai tourists. There
are many bungalows for rent at the site and along
the roadside there are vendors selling a wide range
of produce. Such as fruits, coconuts, fried squid
and skewers oysters. Boats can be hired to visit the
nearby Ko Mun island group.
Mun
Islands
Lying
off -the coast near Kram is the Ko Mun island group
which consists of three islands, namely Ko Man Nai,
Ko Mun Kiang and Ko Mun Nok which mean inner, middle
and outer Mun islands. These islands are located about
5 kilometres off Laem Mae Phim and take about 50 minutes
to reach by boat, The cost is about 500 baht per round
trip. The islands are worth while exploring, each
one having fine sandy beaches which offer secluded
sports for sunbathing or swimming. Accommodations
are available on Ko Mun Klang and Ko Mun Nok.
The
Statue of Sunthorn Phu
Being
further down the beautiful road going towards Kaeng
district, 53 kilometres from town, the great poet
of the Ratanakosin Era has been designated by UNESCO
as an eminent classical poet The statue is located
in the village of Ban Kram, the birthplace of Sunthorn
Phu’s father. There is a well kept memorial park at
the house site. A statue of the poet in a seated position
is placed on a hilllock overlooking an ornamental
pond. Characters from his most famous work can be
seen below him. His beloved hero, Phra Aphaimanee,
is playing a flute at the foot of the hill. The graceful
mermaid rests on a rock in the pond as a giant ogress
rises out of the water.
Wat
Saranat Thammaram
This
temple is located at the market in Klaeng town and
was constructed in 1945. This very imposing structure
boasts one of the, most beautiful Ubosots in the East.
Replicas of many well-known Buddhist chedis are erected
around the compound.
Somdet
Krommaluang Chumphon Shrine
Near
the mouth of the river Prasair is the district of
Klaeng is the Somdet Krommaluang Chumphon shrine,
which honours the "Father of the Royal Thai Navy".
To reach the site turn off the Sukhumvit Road at km.
278 and travel a distance of 9 kms.
The
Khao Chamao - Khao Wong National Park
It
is about 17 kilometres off the main highway at km.
274, 76 kilometres from Rayong and abounds with various
types of trees and plants, as well as. species highly
valued as decorative plants. The Khao Chamao waterfall
has eight levels. It is not too difficult to reach
the top.
Khao
Wong Caves
To
reach Khao Wong take the turning at km 288 on the
Sukhumvit Road and travel a distance of 12 kms to
find the caves. At Khao Wong there are about 60 caves
around the base of the mountain. Many of the caves
are occupied by Buddhist monks, and one has been turned
into a shrine with a replica of the Buddha ’s footprint.
As Koh Samet misses most of the heavy monsoon
that plagues other islands, the weather is guaranteed
to be pleasant at almost any time of year. And though
the beaches have been overdeveloped, they still manage
to be beautiful, with sparkling white sand curving
between coconut palms and clear cerulean water. If
you can get past the fact that this should be a national
park, you’ll find Koh Samet to be a traveller’s paradise
of magnificent beaches, delicious seafood and dozens
of choices for nightlife at Koh Samet.
How
To Get To Rayong - Koh Samet
HOW
TO GET TO RAYONG
By
Bus Rayong is connected by regular bus services
with Bangkok and other towns and provinces such as
Pattaya, Chonburi, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen,
Nong Khai, Surin and Ubon Ratchathani.
Air
conditioned and regular buses leave Bangkok to
Rayong from Eastern Bus Terminal on Sukhumvit Road,
Ekamai, Tel : 3914900 (air) and Tel : 3912504 (non-air).
Air conditioned buses leaving Bangkok every 30-40
minutes from 05.00 hrs. until 22.00 hrs. One way fare
is 85 baht. Non-airconditioned buses leaving Bangkok
every 30 minutes from 04.30 hrs. until 20.00 hrs.
One way fare is 47 Baht. The trip takes about 3 hours.
Airconditioned
buses leaving Bangkok for Ban Phe every 1 hour
from 07.00 hrs. until 20,30 hrs. and non- airconditioned
buses every 1 hour from 05.15 hrs. until 18.30 hrs.
One way fare is 90 baht for airconclitioned bus and
50 baht for non-air conditioned bus.
By
Air Bangkok Airways operates regular scheduled
flights from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Samui
Island to Rayong-Utapao International Airport. For
information contact Bangkok Airways in Bangkok, Tel;
(02) 2538942- 6,2559915-20 and Rayong, Tel : (038)
603063
Local
Transportation Public
urban transportation within Rayong is in the form
of minibuses. Local buses leave the Rayong Bus Terminal
at Rayong Trade Centre for various destinations throughout
the day. depend on the distances. Fares are about
5-15 baht depend on the distances.
Boat
to Koh Samet Koh
Samet can be reached by boat frorn Ban Phe. Boats
leaving Ban Phe for Ko Samet through the day from
06.00 hrs. until 17.00 hrs. Fare is 30 baht for one
way trip. The trip takes about 40 minutes.
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