Koh Samet: Top Beaches and Best Hotels Guide
Koh Samet, not far from Bangkok, is a mosaic of beaches and hotels. From peaceful shores to lively waves, discover the best places to swim and stay with our selection of hotels for a weekend getaway.
One of the difficulties when choosing to spend time on an island is deciding where to land. Which setting will be best? Which atmosphere and, above all, which beach to select? Here’s a list of the main beaches and hotels close to these idyllic spots. A little help to save you time and help you plan your time on this lovely island.
Beaches to the north of Koh Samet
Ao Noi Na - Peace and quiet at the Fishing Village
Not far from the fishing village, Ao Noi Na is a small beach shared by 4 hotels. It’s not the most beautiful beach on the island, but the area is calm. The beach is clean, and so is the water, but it’s by no means turquoise. The beach is therefore less touristy and more family-friendly.
Hotels in Ao Noi Na: Luxury and Serenity
Ao Klang - Affordable local atmosphere
Hotels and restaurants, ideal for watching the daily boat trips. You don’t come here for the beach, but more for the hotels offering affordable accommodation.
Hotel Ao Klang - Koh Samet
** Beware:** On Ao Noi Na and Ao Klang there are many sand flies. They may be small but they do a lot of damage and can spoil your holiday.
Ao Sai Kaew - Koh Samet’s Tourist Epicentre
The first of the island’s major tourist beaches. Not far from the town centre, it’s the start of a string of hotels and restaurants. The beach is a popular meeting place for many Bangkok locals. During the day, it’s very busy, and in the evening, it’s very lively. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, this is the place to avoid. If you’re looking for paradise, ditto. The beach is poorly cleaned.
Hotel Ao Sai Kaew - Koh Samet
Ao Hin Khok - Numerous bungalows and activities
In the extension of Ao Sai Kaew, several hotels are grouped together. Similarly, the unattractive bungalows add up with the sole aim of making the most of the space. Avoid if you want to find some charm, go if you want to be caught up in an Asian frenzy…
Ao Phai - Tropical charm and friendly resorts
More airy than its predecessor, but in the same spirit, Ao Phai is a very touristy beach. There are several hotels and resorts.
Hotel Ao Phai - Koh Samet
Ao Phutsa - Lively atmosphere and fish BBQ
Very popular, the beach is quite friendly. A more significant mix that makes it a very dynamic place. In the evening, the beach is transformed into a terrace where you can enjoy a few fish barbecues. It’s also a great place to have a drink and sway to the music.
Ao Thapthim - Serenity by Day and Night
Much nicer and quieter than the previous beaches. Several hotels and resorts offer good facilities. The water is not turquoise, but remains a good spot for swimming and taking full advantage of the very warm sea. During the day, the beach is crowded with tourists, but becomes a haven of peace as soon as the sun goes down. A place to recommend, even if in the evening the music from the bars on the neighbouring beaches can sometimes break the silence (depending on the wind!).
Ao Thapthim Hotel Selection - Koh Samet
Beaches in the centre of Koh Samet
Ao Nuam - Koh Samet’s Robinson’s Getaway
More Robinson-like than the others, and more rugged, this beach’s size makes it an ideal place for lazing around. There are only a handful of hotels here: booking is highly recommended. There are a few rather rustic, old-fashioned bungalows, but they are more than enough for those who are content with little. The infrastructure is limited, but these small shortcomings are offset by the charm of the place and its calm.
Selection Hotel Ao Nuam - Koh Samet
Ao Cho - A little jewel of serenity
Very nice beach. Small but very quiet. Ideal for relaxing!
Ao Wong Deuan - Elegance and Turquoise Waters
A beautiful beach, with lovely turquoise water. A far cry from the average facilities found in some parts of the island. Several hotels and restaurants are grouped together in a small but very well-maintained area. You can enjoy a drink late at night, or go to bed early without being disturbed by the noise of the beach bars.
Best Hotels Ao Wong Deuan - Koh Samet
The C Samet Beach Resort SHA Plus
Beautiful location, comfortable and beautiful, with beach nearby and restaurants serving fresh seafood. Great location in Ko Samed, with elegant clean bungalows, and amazing staff. Fantastic location to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the beach.
Reservation: Booking - Agoda
Ao Thian - Vibes Backpackers
More ‘backpacker’ than the other beaches, the beach is quite nice at high tide, otherwise nothing extraordinary. There are a number of hotels offering bungalows that are a few years old. Pretty cool atmosphere.
Beaches south of Koh Samet island
Ao Wai - Peaceful beach with soft sand
A very beautiful, very quiet beach, far from the hustle and bustle of the other beaches. People come here to enjoy the fine sand and calm sea. The only drawback is that there is only one hotel/restaurant, so you need to book, especially at weekends. The bungalows are perfect for families, and there’s also a swimming pool for those who want a relaxing break.
Ao Khu Na Nok - Exclusive paradise at Paradee
A private beach for a hotel. The Paradee is a little paradise for those who want to treat themselves. The place is totally reserved for guests… a great shame or not!
Best Hotels Ao Khu Na Nok - Koh Samet
Paradee
Without a doubt, an unforgettable stay at this hotel: magnificent beach. Ideal for a calm and relaxing getaway. Don’t miss the Sunset Bar. A wonderful, unspoilt place. Nestled along a beautiful beach, perfect for swimming and snorkelling with superb coral reefs. The villas are tastefully decorated and offer plenty of space.
Reservation: Booking - Agoda
Ao Kharang - Incredible views and plastic bags
We come here for the view, because when it comes to cleanliness, it’s not that! Only one hotel and restaurant overlooking the tip of the island. We’re swept away by the wind, and we’d like to see the beach swept as well, as it deserves a bit more attention.
Ao Kiu Na Nai - Romantic sunset
A bar, The Sunset, the prize of the Paradee hotel’s standing. A beautiful place to watch a romantic sunset. The only major drawback is that the beach is sometimes policed by staff who are a little too protective of their upmarket clientele.
Ao Phrao - White Sand and Turquoise Waters
A very large, beautiful white sand beach with turquoise sea. The hotels and resorts offer very good facilities. It’s a good compromise for those who want to enjoy a beautiful setting in a fairly cool atmosphere.
Comparative Table of Koh Samet Beaches
| Beach Name | Atmosphere | Tourism Level | Proximity to Hotels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ao Noi Na | Quiet and peaceful, ideal for relaxation. | Low, suitable for those seeking tranquility. | Limited but includes boutique hotels and resorts. |
| Ao Phrao | Upscale and romantic, great for sunsets. | Moderate, popular for honeymooners and couples. | Close to high-end resorts and premium stays. |
| Sai Kaew Beach | Lively, family-friendly, with vibrant nightlife. | High, busiest beach on the island. | Surrounded by a variety of hotels, from budget to luxury. |
| Ao Wong Duean | Balanced vibe with activity and relaxation. | Moderate, attracts diverse travelers. | Good selection of mid-range and family accommodations. |
| Ao Tubtim | Secluded and serene, a hidden gem. | Low, preferred by couples and solo travelers. | A few boutique resorts and bungalows nearby. |
| Ao Wai | Natural and unspoiled, perfect for solitude. | Low, ideal for escaping crowds. | Limited options, mostly small eco-resorts. |
| Ao Cho | Laid-back and less crowded, good for families. | Low to moderate, with a relaxed atmosphere. | Close to cozy hotels and bungalows. |
FAQ
What is the best beach on Koh Samet for families?
Ao Wong Duean is the best choice for families, offering a relaxed atmosphere and moderate tourism levels. It is also close to family-friendly accommodations.
Which beach is ideal for partying on Koh Samet?
Ao Phai is the top pick for nightlife enthusiasts. With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to bars and clubs, it’s perfect for those seeking a lively experience.
Are there quiet beaches on Koh Samet?
Yes, Ao Phrao and Ao Cho are ideal for those looking for a peaceful and romantic getaway. These beaches have a low tourism level and a serene ambiance.
How far are the hotels from the beaches?
Most beaches on Koh Samet have accommodations within walking distance. Sai Kaew and Ao Phai offer the closest proximity to hotels, while Ao Cho might require a short walk.
Which beach is the most popular?
Sai Kaew is the most popular beach on Koh Samet due to its lively atmosphere and variety of activities available, attracting a high number of tourists.
All you need to know about Koh Samet
Looking for information on Koh Samet and transport? Sights to see? Activities to do? No problem, check out our complete guide to Koh Samet:
