Koh Samet Getaway - The Best Island Escape Near Bangkok

If you’re searching for the best island getaway near Bangkok, look no further than Koh Samet. Just a short trip from the city, this island in Rayong Province offers a perfect mix of convenience and beauty. With white sand beaches, calm turquoise water, and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s the ideal spot for a weekend break or a midweek recharge. Unlike more crowded destinations such as Koh Phi Phi or Phuket, Koh Samet keeps its charm simple, quiet, and refreshing—making it one of the best short island escapes in Thailand.

Koh Samet Getaway - The Best Island Escape Near Bangkok

Sometimes you just need to escape the chaos of Bangkok. For us, that meant packing a small bag, setting an early alarm, and heading off on a little adventure to Koh Samet—a small island in Rayong Province that promised clear water, golden sand, and a slower pace of life.

Why Koh Samet?

Koh Samet is closer to Bangkok than Koh Samui, just three hours by road plus a short ferry ride. It is less crowded than Koh Phi Phi, with beaches that are cleaner than those in Phuket. The island is a popular weekend getaway for both locals and expats, but if you visit midweek, you’ll find it quieter and far more peaceful.

The Journey

We booked our tickets through 12GO, hopped on a minibus at Ekkamai Bus Station at 6:30 a.m., and by 10:30 a.m. we were stepping off at Ban Phe Pier. The ferry crossing was calm and quick—just 30 minutes—and by lunchtime we were checked in, barefoot, and already walking along the beach. It felt almost surreal: only three hours from Bangkok traffic to a tropical island.

First Impressions

Koh Samet was quieter than we expected. We arrived midweek in September, technically the wet season, but the skies stayed mostly clear. Out of four days, three were sunny and only one brought a light shower that passed quickly.

Instead of crowds, we found stretches of soft golden sand, calm warm water, and shady trees lining the beach. This wasn’t a party island. There were bars and restaurants along Sai Kaew Beach, but the atmosphere was relaxed—the perfect backdrop for the getaway we had in mind.

Where We Stayed

We checked into Samet Sand Sea Resort, a cluster of bungalow cabins just steps from Sai Kaew Beach. The resort was simple and clean, with free beach chairs set out on the sand and a small kitchen open during the day. It wasn’t luxurious, but it was exactly what we wanted: quiet nights and the sea at our doorstep.

Days of Simple Pleasures

Our days quickly fell into a rhythm. Mornings started with coffee and a walk along the beach. One day we visited Lamoon Café near the pier for strong coffee and waffles. Another morning took us to Wink Beach Club, a resort-style beach club with a polished restaurant and chic rooms. The food was good, if a little pricey.

Lunches were casual, and dinners almost always ended at Banana Bar, where the curries were so delicious we went back night after night.

Between meals, our time was spent swimming, sunbathing, people-watching, and indulging in daily massages at Heaven’s Feel Massage, right across from the resort. At only 400 THB for an hour, it became an essential part of our routine.

Nights on the Beach

Evenings on Koh Samet were magical. After dinner at Banana Bar, we’d wander down to the beach and find a spot in the sand to wait for the fire shows. Every night at 7:30, the shoreline came alive with fire dancers. The most impressive performance we saw was at Tonsak Resort—fast, skillful, and captivating.

After the show, we’d stroll barefoot along the beach, stopping for a sweet banana roti from a vendor before heading back to our bungalow.

We had every intention of catching a sunset from the other side of the island, which is said to be spectacular, but we never made it. We’ve seen many beautiful sunsets in our lives, and now we have a reason to return.

Things We Noticed

Koh Samet is small and simple to navigate. From the pier to Sai Kaew Beach is just a ten-minute walk. For those who want to explore more, motorbikes and songthaews are available, though we were content staying close.

Despite signs at the ferry terminal warning otherwise, ATMs are available on the island. Alongside that, you’ll find plenty of conveniences: 7-Elevens, smoothie shops, Thai street food vendors, and enough restaurants and bars to keep you satisfied without ever feeling overwhelming.

The only real challenge? Mosquitoes at night so repellent is essential!

Looking Back

Koh Samet Getaway - The Best Island Escape Near Bangkok. We originally thought we’d explore the entire island, but once we settled into our little corner, we didn’t feel the need. Days blurred together in the best way: coffee, long beach walks, swims in the warm ocean, books under the shade of trees, delicious food, and fire shows after dark.

Koh Samet turned out to be exactly what we needed: easy to reach, peaceful, and beautiful. By the time we boarded the ferry back to the mainland, we felt recharged, ready for the bustle of Bangkok again, and already planning when we’d return.

Sometimes the best adventures aren’t the ones where you do everything—they’re the ones where you finally allow yourself to do nothing at all.

Koh Samet - side quest from Bangkok