The most beautiful island everyone is asking about on social media! Samed Island nanny-level guide

Recently visited Samed Island, it’s truly stunning, and my social media has been flooded with questions! Quickly put together a guide to share with everyone~

🚗 Transportation Routes

Samed Island is located off the coast of Rayong Province in the Gulf of Thailand. From Bangkok, there are several ways to get to Samed Island:

- Bus + Ferry: Take an air-conditioned bus from Bangkok Eastern Bus Terminal to Ban Phe Pier in Rayong Province, then transfer to a ferry. The bus ride takes about 3-3.5 hours, and the ferry 30-40 minutes. Bus fare is about 173 THB one way, ferry fare ranges from 70-300 THB one way.
- Private Car/Taxi/Minivan: Directly from your hotel or airport in Bangkok to Ban Phe Pier, then take the ferry. The drive takes about 2.5-3 hours, ferry time is the same as above. Private car or taxi costs about 2000-3000 THB one way, minivan about 3000-4000 THB.
- Flight + Land + Ferry: Fly to U-Tapao International Airport, then take a taxi to Ban Phe Pier, followed by a ferry to the island. Flight takes about 1 hour, taxi about 1 hour, ferry 30-40 minutes. Flight tickets cost about 2000-5000 THB, taxi about 1000-1500 THB.

🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions

- Diamond Beach (Hat Sai Kaew): The liveliest beach on the island, with a 1-kilometer stretch of fine white sand and clear water, perfect for swimming and water sports.
- Ao Hin Khok Beach: Adjacent to Diamond Beach, quieter with soft sand and emerald water, best spot to watch the sunset.
- Ao Prao Beach: Located on the west coast, home to upscale resorts, calm bay, ideal for sunset viewing.
- Coral Garden: An excellent snorkeling spot with hidden gems like the “Turtle Nursery.” The water is calmest before 10 AM, offering a chance to see abundant marine life.

🍽️ Food Recommendations

- D'Coconut: Signature coconut curry crab, about 50 MYR per person.
- Rock Bar: Cliffside sunset bar with buy-one-get-one-free cocktails.
- Fisherman's Wharf: Choose your own seafood for cooking, highly recommend the creamy baked lobster.

🛏️ Accommodation Recommendations

- The Ritz-Carlton: Around 5000 CNY/night, each room includes a private dive guide and underwater photography service, the underwater restaurant dinner is super romantic.
- Ombak Villa: About 600 CNY/night, 3-minute walk to Ao Thian Beach, includes free snorkeling gear.
- Coral Sea Homestay: About 400 CNY/night, the host can take you tide pooling and help cook seafood.

⚠️ Pitfall Avoidance Guide

- Visa: Be sure to print a paper copy of your e-visa; some travelers have been sent back due to dead phone batteries.
- Cash: ATMs on the island are few and often out of cash, it’s recommended to exchange about 5000 THB in advance.
- Water Activities: When booking, don’t just look at price; choose reputable and fully licensed operators to ensure safety.
- Transportation: From Ban Phe Pier to Samed Island, be aware of different piers like the municipal pier and Nuanthip Pier, as prices and services vary.
- Shopping & Food: Food from beachside vendors can spoil easily, buy cautiously; so-called “wild abalone” is often farmed and passed off as wild, don’t be fooled.

Take this guide and enjoy a wonderful island trip to Samed Island!😉