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
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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