Thailand, Koh Samet trip report

Tub Tim Beach - Koh Samet June 2008

Koh Samet with its white powdery beaches is pure bliss and just over 3hours drive from Bangkok. "Samet" as locals call it, offers convenience of quick getaway from big city for many Thais and has some of best food, white sandy beaches and romantic bungalows for rent at very low cost, where beach is just foot step away.

Lots of friends overseas always ask me for cheapest and best way to reach this island, where to stay and how to go about this by public transport without using a travel agent. I have below summarised cost for my trip beginning of June 08 traveling from Bangkok:

Take BTS Skytrain to Ekkamai station and you will find southern bus terminal and buy yourself a ticket at booth where it says: Ban Pe-Samet

One way ticket: 169 Baht (3hrs 15min)

Proceed to Terminal 23. Busses are leaving as early as 5am on top of hour, every hour till late in evening.

Upon arrival in Ban Phe cross street and buy a ferry ticket to Hat Sai Khao (White Beach), which is first and closest beach to pier.

One way Ferry ticket: 50 baht

Upon arrival depending on how much luggage you carry, you could either walk to White Sand Beach and continue from there to Tubtim beach or you can take a taxi to Ao Phai and continue from there to Tubtim beach.

1. Pudsa Resort Ocean Front Bungalow: 700 Baht/night (without TV, Aircon, Fridge)


2. English Breakfast: 120 Baht/person


3. Lunch: 60 - 150 Baht/person


4. Dinner 80 - 200 Baht/person
   

Pudsa Bungalow



Breakfast table



Visitor waiting for breakfast



View from Bungalow - Low tide in morning

Only minus is missing sun set which happens on opposite side of island. I also recommend to visit during week in order to avoid big crowds on weekends coming down from Bangkok.

Upon return cost for ferry is again 50 Baht and buses are leaving Baan Phe on top of every hour to Bangkok for 169Baht.

Koh Samet is a great getaway and offers some of best beaches in Asia.

If you need any further information please don't hesitate contact me and leave your comment.

Happy traveling!