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Things to Do in Ko Samet

Things to Do in Ko Samet

Ko Samet Rayong Province, Thailand Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Embrace the island's natural playground with these pursuits.

Hiking & Trekking

National Park Trails

Informal trails exist within the national park, generally short to moderate in difficulty, offering glimpses of forest views and viewpoints.

Important Reminders

Wear comfortable shoes plus pack water for any hikes.

Water Sports & Activities

  • Snorkeling: Excellent snorkeling is available directly off some southern beaches.
  • Scuba Diving: Several dive shops operate on Koh Samet island, offering certification courses and fun dives.
  • Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): Rentals are available on most main beaches.
  • Personal Watercraft riding & Parasailing: Available on Hat Sai Kaew and Ao Wong Duean.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Monkeys: Long-tailed macaques are seen around national park areas.
  • Do not feed them, as it causes dependency.
  • Marine Life: Snorkeling/diving shows fish, coral, sometimes reef sharks.
  • Birds: Various tropical bird species are featured in forested areas.

Cycling Routes

  • Cycling on the main paved road is feasible.
  • Mountain biking on unpaved tracks has a challenge.
  • Rough terrain, sand, and slopes mark these routes.
  • You can rent bicycles from small shops.

Adventure Sports

  • Limited high-adrenaline adventure sports beyond jet skiing and parasailing.
  • These water activities present thrilling experiences for those seeking a rush.
  • Inquire at major beaches for availability.
  • Ensure safety precautions are in place.

Jet Ski Caution

Be cautious when renting jet skis. Prices might inflat, and disputes over alleged damage upon return might occur. Inspect the jet ski in-depth before use.

Cultural Immersion

Opportunities for cultural immersion are present, though sometimes limited.

Workshops & Classes

  • Limited formal classes or classes (e.g., art, craft, music, dance) exist on The island of Samet itself.
  • The island's focus rests on beach relaxation and water activities.
  • More extensive cultural workshops can be found in larger Thai cities or cultural hubs like Chiang Mai or Bangkok.
  • Some resorts might supply private, informal cooking demonstrations for guests if requested.

Cultural Performances

Fire Shows

The most prominent "performance" is the nightly fire show on Hat Sai Kaew (Ploy Talay restaurant is famous for this).

Local Temples

People can observe local ceremonies at small A buddhist place of worships, especially during Buddhist holidays. These present a quiet glimpse into traditional practices.

Festivals

Thai national holidays like Songkran (water festival) and Loy Krathong (fete of lights) are observed on the island.

Community Tourism

Community-based tourism initiatives do not significantly mark tourism on The island of Samet as a result of its resort island nature.

Language Learning

No formal language schools are on Koh Samet. Learning simple Thai phrases from a Phrasebook gains much acknowledgement by locals.

Cultural Festivals

Thai national holidays are observed. Ko Samet does not have unique island-specific cultural festivals. During these periods, the island becomes livelier with Thai visitors.

Relaxation & Wellness

Unwind with massage therapy and resort amenities.

Spa & Wellness Centers

  • Most mid-range to luxury resorts on Ko Samet have on-site spas.
  • They supply traditional Thai massages, oil massages, foot massages, and other body treatments.
  • These present a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
  • Le Vimarn Cottages & Spa is acknowledged for its high-quality spa services.

Yoga & Traditional Healing

Yoga and Meditation

Limited specific wellness retreats exist on Koh Samet. Some resorts might supply yoga classes for their guests.

Traditional Thai Massage

Widely available on beaches and in small massage shops. A traditional Thai massage has a relaxing and therapeutic experience, often costing around THB 300-500 per hour.

Hot Springs

None on Ko Samet. Hot springs exist not on the islands or in Northern Thailand.

Beach & Pool Clubs

Resort Pools

Many vacation spots have beachfront pools and lounging areas for guest relaxation.

Beach Bars

Hat Sai Kaew and Ao Wong Duean have beach bars that create a relaxed club-like atmosphere.

Evening Vibe

Especially in the evenings, these spots feature music and comfortable seating for unwinding.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Ko Samet supplies a lively but contained nightlife scene.

Live Music Venues

  • Many waterfront dining and bars on Hat Sai Kaew and Ao Wong Duean feature live acoustic music, cover bands, or DJs in the evenings.
  • These spots present a relaxed ambiance for enjoying drinks and music beneath the stars.
  • Be ready for a variety of musical styles to suit different preferences.
  • Sound levels are generally enjoyable for conversation.

Nightclubs & Dancing

Nightclubs

No big-scale nightclubs exist on Ko Samet. The island's vibe tends to be more relaxed.

Dancing Spots

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.

Theater

No theater or formal performance spaces are on the island.

Bar Districts

Hat Sai Kaew is the main hub for after-dark activities, with numerous bars stretching along the sand. Ao Phai has a small number of popular, more relaxed bars. No organized pub crawls are common.

Late-Night Entertainment

Seaside bars and eateries 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 & Markets

Shopping on Koh Samet focuses on souvenirs and beach essentials. No large traditional markets or bazaars. Small vendors and minimarts are prevalent.

Souvenir Recommendations

Local Keepsakes
  • Beachwear: Sarongs, swimwear, and T-shirts on the island motifs are widely available.
  • Shell Jewelry: Necklaces, bracelets, and other adornments made from shells are popular.
  • Small Wooden Carvings: Simple things for decoration or keychains.
Practical Notes
  • Ethical Shopping: Support local vendors directly to help the community.
  • Shipping: No international shipping services operate directly on Koh Samet. Arrange from the mainland.
  • Customs: Check your home country''s import rules for import duties and forbidden items.

Shopping Information

For a full market experience, a trip back to the mainland (Ban Phe or Rayong City) is necessary. Local snacks, though more common on the mainland, might be found here.

Activity Planning Summary

Activities

  • Beach relaxation and sunbathing.
  • Snorkeling and underwater diving in clear waters.
  • Island hopping to nearby, quieter islands.
  • Enjoying fresh beachfront seafood dinners.

Recommended Experiences

  • Witnessing spectacular sunset views.
  • Attending the nightly fire shows on Hat Sai Kaew.
  • Indulging in a conventional Thai massage.
  • Exploring the island's hidden coves by scooter.
Things to Do in Ko Samet. Activities, Experiences, Adventures