Rayong Province Thailand Travel Guide
Embrace the island's natural playground with these pursuits.
Informal trails exist within the national park, generally short to moderate in difficulty, offering fleeting sights of forest landscape and viewpoints.
Wear comfortable shoes plus pack water for any hikes.
Be cautious when renting jet skis. Prices might inflat, and disputes over alleged damage upon return may happen. 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).
People can observe local ceremonies at small A buddhist place of worships, especially during Buddhist holidays. These present a quiet glimpse into traditional practices.
Thai national holidays like Songkran (water festival) and Loy Krathong (fete 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 The island of Samet. Learning simple Thai phrases from a Phrasebook gains much acknowledgement by locals.
Thai public holidays are observed. Ko Samet does not possess distinct 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 has a relaxing and therapeutic experience, often costing around THB 300-500 per hour.
None on Koh Samet. Hot springs exist not on the islands or in The northern part of Thailand.
Many vacation spots have 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 after-dark scene.
No large-scale nightclubs exist on The island of 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 after-dark activities, with numerous bars stretching along the sand. Ao Phai has a small number of popular, more relaxed bars. No planned bar hops are common.
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 about 10 PM.
Shopping on Ko Samet focuses on souvenirs and beach essentials. No large traditional markets or bazaars. Small vendors and minimarts are common.
For a full market experience, a trip back to the mainland (Ban Phe or Rayong City) is necessary. Local snacks, though more usual on the mainland, might be found here.
