Ao Prao Ao Prao Resort Ao Phai Saikaew Villa   Beautiful beach and tranquil tropical garden Standard Fan Baht 700 nett per night Saikaew Beach Resort Silver Sand Beach White Sand Bungalow Ao Tubtim Tub Tim Beach Tub Tim Resort Ao Nuan Ao Wong Duen Wong Duen Beach Malibu Garden Resort Vong Deuan Resort Ao Lung Wang List of all hotels and resorts on Koh Samed Mooban Talay Resort Samed Ville

         Samed Cliff Resort                                    Ao Prao Resort

General Information
The small island of Koh Samed is shapped much like a golf tee. The island is about 6 km long and 3 km wide in the north. You must travel my road and then water to reach Koh Samed, there are no airports anywhere in the area.

The trip from Bangkok to Ban Pho is just over three hours. The crossing to Koh Samed by scheduled ferries takes nearly an hour.

Koh Samed is the east coast's most popular travel destination for budget minded travelers. Here low cost accommodations are located on white sand beaches with beautiful blue waters. The island is most popular with Thai and International holiday makers.

There is a noted increase in the number of visitors during the weekends. During the week, workers return to Bangkok and only the true holiday makers remain behind enjoying Koh Samed.

The island is part of the Khao Laem Ya National Park and an modest entry fee is charged. Construction is limited on the island. No new developments are allowed, but resort owners can replace existing bungalows and structures. The growth of this area have been kept in check.

Brief History
The well known romantic Thai poet, Sunthorn Phu, retired on this beautiful island, just 150 km from Bangkok. Here Phu wrote is most famous epic work "Phra Aphaimani" which tells the tale of a prince banished. His father sent him to live with a sea-dwelling, broken-hearted giantess. The price escapes and makes it to Koh Samed with a mermaid's assistance.

The giantess pursues them and there is a battle. The prince kills the giantess and then marries the mermaid. This is a much loved Thai story.

Locations
The best beaches on this island lie along the long east coast. Here the waters are a beautiful shade of blue and the sand sparkles like diamonds. This a is small, quiet and undeveloped island and intends to stay that way.

Na Dan
This small fishing village is the link between the island and the main-land. This village is on the northern shore. The ferry pier is located here and is ready to serve travelers. There are some shops, restaurants, transportation and tourist services here. There is a post office and telephone office here but no bank for exchanging money at a favorable rate.

Ao Phrao
An Phrao or Paradise Bay, is the only area of development on this side of the island. This area is isolated on the northwestern part of the island. This location offers a perfect for those wanting a quiet and secluded holiday.

Had Sai Kaew
 This is at the north end of the island just a ten minute walk from An Phrao. This is called the "Glass Beach" because of the stark white nature of the sand. This is the most popluar place to stay since it can be reached easily on foot. The other resorts require hiring a boat or sometimes a song thaew.

Farther South
South of Hai Sai Kaew are other beaches: Ao Phai, Ao Tubtim, Ao Nuan, and others! Each is just a bit more secluded the farther south you head. These beaches and resorts are the most popular with the weekend Thai visitors. All of the beaches are beautiful and kept in a natural state.

Transportation
 The only was to get to Koh Samed is by the sea. Private boats can be hired from Ban Phe on the mainland and from Koh Samed. Most travelers arrive on Koh Samed by reqular ferry service.

Ferry
The ferries carry passengers only. Their schedules are posted at the dock and operate only during the daytime. The trip between the islands takes about an hour.

Please NOTE: Some of the operators will not leave until the ferry is full. This can be at times frustrating for travelers.

Fast Boat
There are places where long-tailed boats or speedboats can be hired. Check around for the best price. Weather and demand will make the prices fluctuate. Most resorts offer shuttle service to the mainland.

Local Transportation
There are basically no roads throughout the island and the roads that do exist are not paved. This is a pristine area and other parts of the island are reached by water or foot. Growing with the tourist demands there are a limited number of transportation choices now available.

Motorcycle Rental - There are few vendors now offering motorcycle rentals. These can help get you over the dirt roads easily.

Motorcycle Taxi - There are a few motorcycles which can be hired. You get to ride on the back.

Boat - The easiest way to reach many parts of the island is by boat. Boats may be hired by the hour, trip or day. Check locally for the schedules and prices.

Hiking - This is a small island! The best way to see the whole thing is to walk! There are a multitude of trails on the island.