Rayong Province, Thailand
Embrace the island's natural playground with these pursuits.
Informal trails exist within the national park, generally short to moderate in difficulty, offering glimpses of forest scenery and viewpoints.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring water for any hikes.
Exercise caution when renting jet skis. Prices might inflat, and disputes over alleged damage upon return might occur. Inspect the jet ski thoroughly before use.
Opportunities for cultural immersion are present, though sometimes limited.
The most prominent "performance" is the nightly fire show on Hat Sai Kaew (Ploy Talay restaurant is famous for this).
Visitors can observe local ceremonies at small Buddhist temples, especially during Buddhist holidays. These offer a quiet glimpse into traditional practices.
Thai national holidays like Songkran (water festival) and Loy Krathong (festival of lights) are observed on the island.
Community-based tourism initiatives do not significantly mark tourism on Ko Samet due to its resort island nature.
No formal language schools are on Ko Samet. Learning basic Thai phrases from a Phrasebook gains much acknowledgement by locals.
Thai national holidays are observed. Ko Samet does not have unique island-specific cultural festivals. During these times, the island becomes livelier with Thai visitors.
Unwind with massages and resort amenities.
Limited specific yoga or meditation retreats exist on Ko Samet. Some resorts might supply yoga classes for their guests.
Widely available on beaches and in small massage shops. A traditional Thai massage presents a relaxing and therapeutic experience, often costing around THB 300-500 per hour.
None on Ko Samet. Hot springs exist on the mainland or in Northern Thailand.
Many resorts feature beachfront pools and lounging areas for guest relaxation.
Hat Sai Kaew and Ao Wong Duean have beach bars that create a relaxed club-like atmosphere.
Especially in the evenings, these spots feature music and comfortable seating for unwinding.
Ko Samet supplies a lively but contained nightlife scene.
No large-scale nightclubs exist on Ko Samet. The island's vibe tends to be more relaxed.
Some beachfront bars on Hat Sai Kaew (e.g., Ploy Talay) transition into more lively venues with dancing after the fire shows, especially on weekends.
No theater or formal performance spaces are on the island.
Hat Sai Kaew is the main hub for nightlife, with numerous bars stretching along the sand. Ao Phai has a few popular, more relaxed bars. No organized pub crawls are common.
Beach bars and restaurants on Hat Sai Kaew typically stay open until midnight or later, especially on weekends and during the high season. The fire shows usually conclude around 10 PM.
Shopping on Ko Samet focuses on souvenirs and beach essentials. No large traditional markets or bazaars. Small vendors and minimarts are prevalent.
For a full market experience, a trip to the mainland (Ban Phe or Rayong City) is necessary. Local snacks, though more common on the mainland, might be found here.
