Sophistication close to Bangkok with an unforgettable, yet intimate atmosphere.
Why go?
Koh Samet is the ideal island escape with everything you would expect from the Gulf of Thailand islands (Koh Samui, Koh Tao or Koh Phangan) with the convenience of only being situated a 2.5 hours from Bangkok. Koh Samet is only a 30 minute boat-ride from Ban Phe making the journey an easy one for a short weekend trip. This is the very reason why Koh Samet is the popular spot for Bangkok expats and socialites wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle. What's brilliant about this is that the proximity to mainland and the diverse clientele keep prices at a reasonable level compared to many island destinations in Thailand. For those wanting to avoid extra connections from the Bangkok airport hub, Koh Samet is the ideal destination and taxis can be arranged from both Bangkok airports for approximately 2000 THB (£40, €50, $70). The beauty of the island is intimate and young vibe that it attracts from the Bangkok scene while maintaining the casual thai experience, Thai savvy travellers return for time and time again.
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| View towards Ao Phai |
Where to stay?
The best action is centred around Ao Phai or Silversand Beach which is a short ride from the pier or about a 20 minute walk. There are a number of nice hotels and beach restaurants, the most popular being Silversands Resort. Beside Silversands is their very own Silversands Bar which is the best bar spot on the island which everyone migrates to for a wikid nightlife atmosphere. For this reason, it is ideal to stay nearby as it is a great meeting point and hangout both during the day and night. The crowd is very diverse attracting travellers, expats and Bangkok socialites of all ages, although the crowd is on the whole of younger generations. The Silversand Bar also attracts a nightly migration from Tubtim Beach which is notorious for being a favourite hangout spot for the gay community. The island is a very accepting and tolerant place, although you wouldn't expect much else of Thailand.
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| Silversand Bar, Ao Phai |
Samed Villa Resort
Rates: from 1200 THB (low season), from 1900 THB (high season) including breakfast.
Samed Villa is a small, lusciously green resort set on the seafront but spread amongst well kept gardens at the end of Ao Phai or Silversand Beach, as many call it. The resort has a pool and Free Wifi. Samed Villa offers great value for money with a great beach location. The resort has a great spot on the beach and some rooms have nice sea views.
Samed Pavilion Resort
http://www.samedpavilionresort.comRates: from 3000 THB (low season), from 3500 THB (high season) including breakfast.
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| Samed Pavilion Resort |
The newest and most modern addition to the hotel selection on Silversand Beach, Samed Pavilion is set back from the beach in between Silversand Resort and Samed Villa and has a beautiful setting with a pool and loungers outside of the reception and restaurant area. The rooms are ultra-modern and are increasing the standard of 'flashpacker' type accommodation The only drawback is the resort is the lack of a beachfront, however the resort is still a great choice.
Tubtim Resort
http://www.tubtimresort.com/Rates: from 600 THB for fan-only huts, from 1700 THB for air-con huts including breakfast.
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| Tubtim Beach |
Tubtim Resort, located south of Silversand Beach on it's own Tubtim Beach which can provide a refuge during the busiest of seasons when Silversands and other beaches get very busy. This resort is known for it's popularity with the gay visitors to the island, however people from all walks of life equally enjoy the resort for it's brilliant beach and hillside location. The restaurant provides a nice twist to classic thai cuisine and the resort is still an easy walk northwards to Silversand and other beaches as well as the port.
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