Sail the Shores of Koh Samet

Koh Samet is a national park, and Rayong's major tourist attraction, about 7 kms off the south eastern coast. The triangular-shaped island has fine sandy beaches and reasonably clear waters. Indulge in a number of beach activities. To the east Koh Kudi, Koh Khangkhao and Koh Rusi offer sailors a sense of getting away from it all. Because it is only a day sail from Gulf Charters/ Ocean Marina, Koh Samet is a good place to go to get away from the frenetic pace of Bangkok. Although pollution from development on the mainland has damaged some of the marine resources, there are still some good spots for snorkeling, especially off the southern tip and off Thalu Island.

Koh Samet is part of the larger 131 sq. km Khao Laem Ya - Koh Samet National Park encompassing Khao Laem Ya on the mainland as well as various islands throughout the region. Although the island is in a national park, the bungalows which line the popular beaches are built behind the tree line. There are some beautiful untouched areas on the island which holiday makers very rarely visit. Ddotted with sandy beaches and coves, the eastern coast is the most beautiful, but access to the whole island is easy, as it is only 6 km long and 3 km wide. If you enjoy watching beautiful sunsets, visit Aow Phrao beach.

Koh Samet has been known as a safe anchorage for sailors since at least the 13th century and in the 19th century its sheer beauty was the inspiration for the literary masterpiece of Thailand's most famous romantic poet, Sunthorn Phu. Phra Aphaimanee Phra Aphaimanee Koh Samet earned a permanent place in Thai literature when classical Thai poet Sunthorn Phu set part of his epic "Phra Aphaimanee" on its shores. The story follows the travails of a prince, Phra Aphaimanee, exiled to an undersea kingdom ruled by a love sick female giant, Pesuarsamut. A mermaid, Nang Ngura, aids the prince in his escape to Samet where he defeats a giant by playing a magic flute.

In the 1970's it was 'discovered' by backpackers seeking an untouched tropical island. The first Western visitors found pristine white beaches, waving palm trees. More than a dozen coves and beaches provide sailors a range of choices; from campsites on secluded, deserted beaches, to bungalows with all modern conveniences in gregarious communities. The rainy season is from May to July. Koh Samet gets significantly less rainfall than Rayong Province, even though it is only a few km offshore. Round the clock electricity is now available at most resorts on the island. There is a 20 baht entry fee to the National Park for Thais and 200 Baht for foreign visitors. Koh Samet and the smaller islands nearby are surrounded by coral formations in shallow water; ideal for snorkeling, although scuba divers may not find them very interesting.