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 KOH
SAMET NATIONAL PARK Page 2 (Rayong - Bamphe)
At about 3 hours from Bangkok by the road, and 30 minutes
by boat from
the seaside town of Bamphe, the island of Samet offers very
beautiful
beaches with one of the whitest sand of Thailand.
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The
Beaches: |
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A meeting point for Thai youngsters and many expatriates
who escape the capital the time of a weekend, there can
be found several areas with bungalows at good rates, excellent
local restaurants, a number of aquatic activities, masseurs
offering their service on the beaches, outdoor bars and
discos for the evenings…
The island is part of the National Park of Samet since 1981
and covers an area of 130 km2. The place is very little
watered by rains that make this destination prized all along
the year. The name of Samet comes from the Cajeput trees
that abound the island and served once to the construction
of the boats and also used as firewood.
The island of Samet is a little paradise at a few hours
of Bangkok, and is a very good alternative for those who
may not have the time for a longer or more costly journey
to the islands in the South of Thailand.
It is also possible to stay on the continent in a Resort
and to reach the island rapidly in speed-boat during the
day or by regular boat like the one below in 30 minutes. |
 How
to reach Bamphe from Bangkok?
How to reach Ko
Samet from Bamphe?
Lodging
on the continent
What transportation
to use in Ko Samet?
The incentives, the programme and the story. |
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Ao Wong Deuan is a bay that has become lately very developed and numerous
constructions appeared attracting an increasing number of
tourists. Fortunately, the Vongduen Resort situated
at the South of the bay knew how to preserve its authenticity
thanks to the owner, Khun Noi, that also takes care with kindness
of her guests. |
The bungalows, equipped
with fan or air-conditioning, are dispersed in a tropical
garden (900-3.500 Thb). Very good Thai restaurant, with
also some European dishes.
 Access: 45 mn by boat from Bamphe to Ao
Vongduen, or by vehicle from the pier of Samet (40 mn).
Vongduen Resort guarantees 3 round-trip transfers by boat
everyday at regular hours. Possibility to book a private
transfer by speedboat at any time.
Activities there: Possibility to rent snorkeling
equipment and sea canoes. Speed-boat rental. Excursion around
the island.
Back to the map of Koh
Samet |
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Ao Kiu Na Nok is the last beautiful
beach at the south of the island, and is the favorite of all
"Survivors" who want peace and something different.
About fifteen bungalows are situated along a very clean beach.
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The two owners (former physicians in Bangkok) came a few
years ago on the island and are of an extreme kindness.
A few houses with air-conditioning can welcome families
or small groups. The restaurant has Thai and European cuisine.
Infos! The West coast of the island can be reached through
a small path behind the hotel, from where the sunset can be
admired. The South of the island can also be reached to discover
the submarine floor with mask and tuba.
Access: 60 mn by boat from Bamphe to Ao Kiu,
or by vehicle from the pier of Samet with more than an hour
on a dirty road and unworkable when its raining. |
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 Incentives...
A complete
day can be arranged at the departure of the Rayong Resort
or from the fishing port of Banphe for about a hundred participants
or more. All transfers are provided in speed-boat, equipped
with 200 hp. motors plus lifejackets and equipment for snorkelling.
Visit of a fish farm (raising red and whitesnapper, cooper…)
where turtles and a shark can
be seen. Organisation of a treasure hunt in the island.
Seafood lunch on the beach
or in an outdoor restaurant fully rented. Discovery of the
submarine floors of Koh Platin,
Koh Kruai, Koh Kudi, Koh Khan Khao and Koh Thalu, islands
situated at the East of Koh Samet. Nautical activities and
massages, together with hair plaiting, manicurist, tattoo...
by a team of 10 to 15 based masseurs in Hat Sai Keow,
the longest beach of the island that offers one of the whitest
sand of Thailand.
Notes: The accommodation on the island is limited to small compound
of bungalows and it is difficult
to take lodgings there for important groups. However, there
is the possibility to rent one of the bays and its
bungalows completely for about thirty people. On the continent,
the Rayong Resort (169 rooms) permits
to enjoy Ko Samet without having to spend the night on the
island (transfer by boat in 15 minutes). |
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 What transportation to use in
Koh Samet?
Collective vehicles (pickup with seats) leave from the pier
of Nadan toward all accessible beaches. The cost is between
20 and 60 Thb per person for a full vehicle (about 8-10 persons),
otherwise it is necessary to pay the total price of the vehicle
for the journey.
The motorcycles are rented 100-150 Thb per hour, negotiable
at 500-700 Thb for the day. Check for the deposit required
and the insurance of the vehicle.
Mountain bikes are adequate for the discovery of the island,
and permit to go by the beaches and also the trails inaccessible
by motorcycles. 200-300 Thb per day.
The fishing boats modified to take passengers, and especially
the speed-boats that permit to do the tour of the island in
less than one hour, and that are also used to reach the islands
of Ko Platin, Ko Kruai, Ko Kudi, Ko Khan Khao situated at
30 min. of navigation at the East of Ko Samet (2500-3500 Thb
by boat). For the best underwater floors, it is necessary
to go further during 20 min. towards Ko Thalu that is well-known
for its corals (3000-4000 Thb by boat).
Sea canoes can be rented at Hat Sai Keow, Ao Wong Deuan and
Ao Phrao.
Walking along the beaches and the coast, as well as the jaunts
in the island's forest are certainly the best ways to appreciate
and discover an island that is relatively well preserved,
in spite of the increasing number of visitors every season.
How
to reach Bamphe from Bangkok?
Departure by bus every hour from the Ekamai bus station
(Sukhumvit road), for a trip of about 3 hours to Bamphe
in the region of Rayong. The bus stops at the Bamphe station,
which is just in front of the port.
With your vehicle, take road no 3, then road no 36 to Rayong.
Bamphe is located on the coastline at about twenty kilometres.
Guarded parking at the entry of the port.
Vehicle rental with driver: car, mini-van or bus, departure
from Bangkok, Pattaya, or Aranyaprathep (Cambodian border),
contact us.
How
to reach Koh Samet from Bamphe?
Departure of the boats at regular intervals from 8.00 to
18.00. They make the trip in 30 minutes from the pier of
Na Dan, situated at the North of Ko Samet.
Vongduen Resort and Ao Prao Resort have their offices in
Bamphe, as well as boats for the direct transfers to their
bay: contact us for the timetable.
Speedboat rental to all destinations in Samet island, or
for a tour of the island (900-1500 Thb per boat: booking
in advance is recommended, contact us). |
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| Lodging on the continent: |
Rayong Resort ****
169 rooms and suites, with private balcony and view on
the sea, 3 swimming pools including one for children,
entirely private beach, tennis courts, fitness centre,
sauna, snooker, vehicle rental, 7 restaurants and bars,
karaoke, seminar rooms able to welcome more than 500 participants...
Trip around the island by boat at sunset, theme dinner
in the gardens of the hotel or around the swimming pool… |
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Info! Some cottages situated very close
to the sea "Junior Beach" are available for about
twenty privileged people... |
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Attention!
