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Koh Samet Diving and Snorkeling Spots
The T-shaped island of Koh Samet occupies about 7 km of lush forested hills from south to north and around 4 km of evergreen cajeput trees (tea trees) at the summit.
The port village of Na Dan, and the one-metre longest beach of Hat Sai Kaeo (crystal sand beach), are the nearest landmarks from Rayong province.
Getting to Koh Samet Island from Pattaya
The majority of the best tourist beaches are found on the eastern side of Samed, with three tiny rock islets situated off the southern tip.
Koh Samet is a paradise island retreat which remains one of Thailand's Upper Gulf secrets.
Traveling from Pattaya to Koh Samet involves a two hour bus trip and a pleasant speed boat hop to the nearest beaches.
The island is the largest of a small cluster that rests south of the north eastern Gulf in the busy coastal province of Rayong.
In fact, the natural beauty of the Mu Ko Samet National Park (declared in 1981) draws foreign tourists every year. It continues to be a weekend getaway for many residents of Bangkok Metropolis (approximately 200 kilometres to the north).
The rainy season in Koh Samet starts in May and continues through to September. Curiously, the amount of rainfall is extremely low by Thai monsoon standards. In actual fact, it's one of the most arid archipelagos anywhere in the Kingdom of Thailand
The disadvantage of a short wet season is that the island still needs to ship potable water from the mainland.
Each daylight hour is filled with a long list of water-sport activities.
As a consequence, you can go snorkel swimming and scuba diving from Ko Thalu and Ko Kut.
There's also windsurfing available at Hin Khrong beach, with banana boat rides and jet-skis among the popular attractions for tourists.
Night time squid fishing trips set off out to sea as local Thai's perform spectacular beach fire shows around the 'chilling-out' bars and restaurants.
On Koh Samet the lifestyle is laid-back and slow paced. Most of the inhabitants are Buddhists and there are a handful of temples on the island.
There is a pleasant and subtle mixture of tropical remoteness and tourist activities. In fact, according to local legend, the precious island was once beset by pirates - even though hidden treasure has never been found.