Koh Samet is one of the closest islands to Bangkok — a compact, sandy escape in the Gulf of Thailand that has been a weekend favourite for city residents for decades. Getting there involves a bus or car to the small town of Ban Phe on the Rayong coast, a short boat ride to the island, and then paying the national park entry fee on arrival. The whole journey from Bangkok takes around 3.5–4.5 hours.
Getting to Ban Phe from Bangkok
The gateway to Koh Samet is Ban Phe, a small coastal town about 200 km south-east of Bangkok. The most straightforward route from Bangkok is the bus from Ekkamai Bus Terminal (Eastern Bus Terminal), which takes around 3 hours to reach Ban Phe or the nearby town of Rayong, from where you continue the short distance to Ban Phe by songthaew or taxi. Direct buses to Ban Phe depart from Ekkamai several times a day; tickets are inexpensive and no advance booking is needed in most cases.
Alternatively, if you are coming from Bangkok's Victory Monument area or from the north, direct minibuses to Ban Phe run from various points in the city — these are often faster door-to-door because they drop you closer to the pier. Travel agents in Bangkok's Khao San Road area sell these minibus-plus-ferry packages. Some travellers also drive or take a taxi, which takes 2–3 hours depending on traffic and is practical if you are a group.
The piers at Ban Phe
Ban Phe has two main piers a short distance apart along the seafront:
- Nuanthip Pier (also called the main pier or old pier): the departure point for the standard wooden passenger ferry to Na Dan pier on Koh Samet. This is the most-used pier and has the highest frequency of departures.
- Saphan Nuannapa Pier (also called the second pier): used by some speedboat services and by ferries connecting to other landing points on Koh Samet's west coast. If your accommodation is on the southern or western beaches, some operators can land you closer.
Both piers are within easy walking distance of where buses drop passengers in Ban Phe. Touts near the buses will direct you to boats; it is fine to go directly to the pier independently.
Wooden passenger ferry to Na Dan
The classic way to cross is the wooden passenger ferry from Nuanthip Pier to Na Dan pier on Koh Samet's north coast. The crossing takes around 40 minutes and runs throughout the day — roughly every 30–60 minutes in high season and on weekends, less frequently on quiet weekdays. Fares are low. Na Dan is the island's main settlement: small shops, a few restaurants, motorbike hire and the pier leading south to the beaches. Most of Hat Sai Kaew (White Sand Beach) and the island's other popular beaches are a 5–15 minute walk or motorbike ride from Na Dan.
Speedboat option
Speedboats operate from both piers and reach Koh Samet in around 20 minutes. They are faster but cost noticeably more than the wooden ferry, and they can be bumpier in choppy water. Speedboats can also land at beaches other than Na Dan — useful if you are heading directly to Ao Prao on the west coast or to the quieter southern bays. Some speedboats require a minimum number of passengers before they depart; on quiet days this can mean a wait. In high season, speedboats run throughout the day without issue.
National park entry fee
Koh Samet sits within Khao Laem Ya – Mu Koh Samet National Park, and all visitors are required to pay a national park entrance fee on arrival. The fee is charged at a booth near Na Dan pier — you cannot avoid it by arriving by speedboat to another beach, as rangers check. The current fee for foreign visitors is higher than for Thai nationals; children pay a reduced rate. The fee is charged per visit, not per day, so if you leave the island and return you will pay again.
Tip: Keep your national park receipt — rangers occasionally check along the beach paths, particularly on the main Hat Sai Kaew stretch. Lost receipts mean paying again.
Getting around on the island
Koh Samet is small enough that most of it is accessible on foot or by motorbike. Motorbike taxis and songthaews run the length of the island's main dirt road from Na Dan south towards Ao Wai. Rates are fixed per leg by informal convention; agree the fare before setting off. The popular Hat Sai Kaew is immediately south of Na Dan; Ao Phai, Ao Cho and Ao Nuan are progressively quieter as you go south. Ao Prao on the west coast is the most upmarket stretch and is best reached directly by speedboat from Ban Phe or by motorbike across the island.
Returning to the mainland
Return ferries and speedboats run from Na Dan pier throughout the day, with the last departure usually in the late afternoon or early evening — check the time when you arrive, as it varies by season. Missing the last boat means staying another night. From Ban Phe, buses back to Bangkok's Ekkamai terminal run until early evening. If you are heading elsewhere in Thailand's east — towards Trat or the Cambodian border, for example — minibuses and shared taxis from Rayong or Ban Phe can connect you onward.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Ban Phe from Bangkok?
Take a bus from Ekkamai (Eastern Bus Terminal) in Bangkok — the journey takes about 3 hours. Direct buses to Ban Phe run several times a day. Minibuses from Victory Monument and Khao San Road are also available and can be faster. Driving takes 2–3 hours depending on traffic.
How much is the national park fee for Koh Samet?
The fee for foreign visitors is set by the Department of National Parks and has changed periodically; check the current rate before you travel, as it is paid per visit. Thai nationals pay a lower rate. Children are discounted. The fee is charged at a booth near Na Dan pier and is unavoidable.
Can I stay overnight on Koh Samet?
Yes. Koh Samet has accommodation ranging from simple bungalows on the beach to mid-range resort hotels. It is a popular weekend getaway for Bangkok residents, so weekends and public holidays see prices rise and accommodation fill up. Booking ahead is advisable if you are visiting on a weekend or during a Thai public holiday.
Is there a car ferry to Koh Samet?
No standard car ferry serves Koh Samet. The island's roads are rough dirt tracks, and private vehicles are not widely practical there. Motorbikes can be transported on the wooden ferry for a surcharge, but most visitors hire one on the island rather than bringing their own.
Sources and further reading:
- Nuanthip Ferry (nuanthip.com) — passenger ferry schedules, Ban Phe to Na Dan.
- Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation — national park fees and entry rules.
- Bangkok Ekkamai Bus Terminal — eastern routes schedule.