I went there again recently since, for me, Koh Samet is one of the nicest island in Thailand, as far as beaches are concerned. And I’m sure not the only one in the family thinking that.
With the big advantage of being within a two hours drive from Bangkok.
Wong Duean beach on Samet island
Last time we went there, normal slow boats were very cheap and speed boats were very expensive, Baht 50 compared to more than Baht 1,000. These days, the difference is much less, Baht 140 compared to Baht 500 for a round trip.
With the difference that the slow boat brings you to the port and you have to hire a pick-up truck to bring you to the beach you’re going to, while the speed boat brings you straight to your hotel.
So we took the speed boat this time, that you can only board by going through the big boat, no jetty for them.
The jetty can actually be pretty full during public holidays and the weekend.
It was fun, we were the only one on the boat.
And they sure have the power to bring you to the island pretty fast.
Once you’re there, on Wong Duean beach in our case, do not expect a lot of entertainment, you’re there for relaxing and enjoying the beach and the sea.
Looking for crabs on the beach is pretty fun also.
if you’re patient enough, they will eventually come out
The beach is surrounded by rocks on each side but the water is sure crystal clear.
And rocks can be kind of fun also.
You feel like you’re on the top of the world.
And nice rocks actually, trying to get some.
The hotel we stayed in was right on the beach, so when you wake up, here is what you see
And here is what you see in the evening
One thing that has changed quite a bit in the last few years is the price of food and drinks, they went through a substantial inflation, same as in Bangkok actually. Everything has to be brought to the island every day. So not really as cheap as it once was, although still pretty reasonable by European standards.
Supplies come day and night.
A boat that is used but young Thai kids for playing.
If during the day, the beach is pretty quiet, in the evening, it’s a bit more busy, with people coming out and restaurants setting up tables on the beach.
With some pretty small restaurants for the ones on a budget.
When the sun goes down, you walk on a shrinking beach, the high tide making it smaller by the hour. This is also something that seems to get worse year after year, the shrinking of the beach, being in Pattaya, Bang Saen or Koh Samet.
And you’re having fish or seafood in the many restaurants, most people anyway but not all…
The fire shows start, every evening, quite impressive actually.
With some fireworks ending it.
The next day, you’re back on the beach, enjoying the sun.
With Mom
And you’re sure not the only one, it did not change much from last time we were there.
Beach girls on Koh Samet beach
A few vendors on the beach, but they do not really bother you.
And some dogs of course, there are dogs everywhere in Thailand. And they usually do not bother you either.
We had a fantastic weather for the 3 days we were there but, on Saturday, the day we were leaving, menacing clouds and rain came to Kok Kamet, the start of the rainy season.
And we left.
But we’ll sure be back.
All the photos were taken with the Canon 6D and the Canon lenses 24-105mm f4, 135mm f2 and 50mm f1.4
