Koh Samet is a white-sand island in Rayong province, south-east of Pattaya. It belongs to Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park, so visitors pay a park fee. Below: how a tour runs, how long it takes and when an overnight stay makes more sense. Facts checked on 17 October 2026.
What you will see
- Sai Kaew Beach. The island’s main beach and the first stop on most tours
- Ao Phai and neighbouring bays. Next to Sai Kaew, good for your free time
- The mermaid pier. A mermaid statue greets boats at the island’s main pier
Tour programme, step by step
A typical day tour by operators’ programmes:
- Hotel pickup in Pattaya at 07:00-07:30
- Around 09:30, pier in Ban Phe and speedboat to the island
- Island taxi to Sai Kaew Beach
- Lunch at 12:00
- Free time at Sai Kaew and Ao Phai
- Around 15:30, boat back and drive to Pattaya
- Drop-off at your hotel at 18:00-18:30
About 11 hours in total, of which 4-5 on the beach. Times vary between operators.
National park fee
| Where | Adult foreigner | Child foreigner |
|---|---|---|
| Koh Samet | 200 baht | 100 baht |
The islets of Ko Talu, Ko Kham, Ko Kruai and Ko Kudi charge adult foreigners more, 300 baht. Source: DNP fee table, revision of 02.06.2023, checked 17.10.2026. Many tours include the fee; ask before paying and keep your ticket all day.
Getting there on your own
From central Pattaya to the pier in Ban Phe is 80.8 km by road, about an hour by car without traffic (OSRM route). Ferries and speedboats run from Ban Phe to the island. We have not verified an official timetable, so check times with the operator at the pier and ask about the last boat back.
When to go
By Thai Meteorological Department normals for Phatthaya station (1991-2020), November to March brings 12-57 mm of rain a month, the best time. September and October bring 214-225 mm, the sea can be rough, and boats stay in port in storms.
What to bring
- Cash for the park fee if your tour does not include it
- Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
- Seasickness tablets: a speedboat in a swell is bumpy
- A change of clothes for the long ride back
Who it does not suit
- Families with small children on a day trip. 11 hours, a good part of it in a car and a boat. Stay overnight instead
- Anyone prone to bad seasickness. Take the ferry rather than a speedboat, or choose nearby Koh Larn
- Short on time. For half a day by the sea, Koh Larn is simpler
More options in our guide to day trips from Pattaya.
FAQ
How much is the Koh Samet entrance fee?
Koh Samet is part of a national park, so the DNP charges foreigners 200 baht per adult and 100 baht per child under its fee table as of October 2026. The nearby islets of Ko Talu, Ko Kham, Ko Kruai and Ko Kudi charge adults more, 300 baht. Many tours include the fee, so ask before you pay.
Can you do Koh Samet from Pattaya in a day?
Yes, but it is a long day. Operators' tours take about 11 hours: pickup at 07:00-07:30, beach time roughly from noon to 15:30, back at your hotel by 18:00-18:30. For more sea and less road, stay a night.
Koh Samet or Koh Larn?
Koh Larn is closer, has no park fee and half a day is enough. Koh Samet is further and costs 200 baht, but people go for its white sand and quieter feel, especially overnight. With children and only one free day, Koh Larn is easier.
Where do boats to Koh Samet leave from?
From piers in Ban Phe, Rayong province, 80.8 km by road from central Pattaya, about an hour by car. Tours drive you to the pier and put you on a speedboat.
When is the best time to go?
In the dry months. By TMD normals for nearby Pattaya, November to March gets 12-57 mm of rain a month, September and October 214-225 mm. Boats do not sail in storms, so check the forecast the day before.
Sources
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