Within easy reach of the Thai capital, the tiny island of Koh Samet in the Gulf of Thailand provides a much appreciated getaway for many Bangkokians, as well as for international tourists looking for white sandy, sun soaked beach areas and a range of great recreational activities. 

Despite its small size, Koh Samet boasts some of Thailand’s most stunning beaches such as Ao Prao, Ao Vong Duan and Diamond Beach (Hat Sai Kaew).

The idyllic 200 metre long Ao Proa is the sole beach area on Koh Samet’s western shore boasting exceptional natural beauty and housing several elegant lodging establishments. 

You should not forget to capture the mesmerising sunset with your camera. Ao Prao can be reached by boats which regularly depart from the ferry pier in the fishing village of Ban Phe on the mainland. 

The half moon shaped Ao Vong Duan Beach is about 500 metres and offers Koh Samet’s most spectacular sunrises along with the island’s most extensive speed boat and jet-ski options. 

The white sand is as appealing as on Diamond Beach, while the ambience here is truly laid-back. 

Positioned on the north eastern part of Koh Samet, Hat Sai Kaew is the island’s busiest and longest (780m) beach. 

This area boasts a number of cozy restaurants serving mouth-watering barbecued seafood and various accommodation options as well. 

This paradisiacal beach’s sand is snow-white, while the sparkling green-blue ocean draws many visitors for a cool plunge in the water. 

Hin Kok and Ao Pai are extensions of this offer more of the same at the southern end of the strip. 

Other typically stunning beaches from north to south on Koh Samet’s eastern shoreline include:, Ao Wai, Ao Kui Na Nai and Ao Kui Na Nok. 

Each of these tropic compact-sized beaches is blessed with the unique white Koh Samet sand. Tourists can easily cover the distances between the picturesque beaches on foot. 

The farther south you move on Samet the less crowded you’ll come along. 

A path runs along the shoreline but it’s a bit of a hike as the terrain gets more dramatic from one small bay to another.

In reality each of these beaches is a private locale and visitors stick with one of them, though there are songteaw taxis that regularly traverse the rugged road between them. 

Koh Samet’s compact size makes it possible to explore the beaches while walking around the entire island. 

However, is might be a rewarding experience to drive around Samet for a few hours anywhere really, although it can be fun to hire motorbikes and ride around the island. 

The roads on the island are rather bumpy so you should be extra cautious.