Ko Samet

Ko Samet ( _th. เกาะเสม็ด) [Alternately transliterated as Koh Samet or Ko Samed or Koh Samed] , is an island located in the Gulf of Thailand off the coastline of the Thai province of Rayong, approximately 220 km southeast of Bangkok. Ko Samet is located in the Phe ( _th. เพ) District of the Amphoe Mueang Rayong ( _th. เมืองระยอง, the capital district, or Amphoe Mueang), of Rayong province.

The island derives its name from the cajeput tree found throughout the island, as the Thai language word for "cajeput" is "samet" (the cajeput tree is formally known in Thai ต้นเสม็ดขาว). In the past, this island has also been referred to by its colloquial name, Ko Kaew Phitsadan ( _th. เกาะแก้วพิศดาร), or the "Magic Crystal Island".

Slogan

As based upon the Rayong province, holds the same slogan –

"Best of tropical fruits, industrial estates, finest fish sauce, the charming Ko Samet and the most famous poet “Sunthon Phu”."

The Island

Popular with foreign tourists and as a weekend getaway for residents of nearby Bangkok, most of the island (excluding the Na Dan area) belongs to the Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet National Park. In 1981, the Royal Forest Department declared the archipelago of Samet, along with nine other small islands, the headland of Khao Laem Ya, and 11 kilometer Mae Rampeung Beach to be a National Park, and is thus Ko Samet is under the protection of the National Parks Division of the Thai Government.

amet

Travel to and from Ko Samet is typically via the small local port at Ban Phe ( _th. บ้านเพ) on the coast. Travelers from Bangkok frequently travel by bus, with departures to Ban Phe from Bangkok's Eastern Bus terminal, the Ekamai bus station, and travel time from Bangkok to Ban Phe of approximately 3-1/2 hours. Owing to the island's close proximity to the coast, just 7 km offshore, boats travel casually from Ban Phe to Ko Samet in approximately 30 minutes.

Geography and Climate

Located just 200km from the capital in the Gulf of Thailand, Ko Samet is approximately 13.1 km² in size, and shaped somewhat like a letter "t". Along the length of the "t" (north-south) the island measures approximately 7 km, and measures 4 km across the "t" (west-east). Forest remains blanket up to 80% of the total area.

Closest to the Rayong coast, lies the small island port village of Na Dan, commonly known as Ko Samet Village, with its popular nearby beach Hat Sai Gaew ( _th. หาดทรายแก้ว), the longest beach on Ko Samet. Most of Ko Samet's beaches lie along the eastern shore of the island. Other beaches on the island include: Ao Phai, Ao Wai, Ao Kui Na Nai, Ao Cho, Ao Kui Na Nok, Ao Vong Duern, Cape Khut, Ao Toei, and Ao Korang at the southern tip, and Ao Prao on the western shore of the island. Just off the souther tip of the island are three small rock-islands, Ko Jan (Moon Island; _th. เกาะจันทร์ ), Ko San Chalam (Shark Fin Island ), and Hin Khao (White Rock; _th. เกาะหินขาว ).

Ko Samet is one of the driest archipelagoes in Thailand. Ko Samet gets significantly less rainfall than Rayong Province, even though it is only a few kilometres offshore. The island's "rainy season" extends only from May to July, but even during this season it has less rain that other islands in Thailand. The island despite being arid, consists of lush forested hills, covered with evergreen and deciduous forest and cajeput trees grow abundantly. Owing to the lack of rain, Ko Samet still ships in potable water to the island.

Administration

Ko Samet is under the administration of Pe Sub-district, Muang District, Rayong Province.

Boundary

Koh Samet is 6.5km south of mainland Rayong province and is surrounded by the Gulf of Thailand.

History

It is believed that once upon a time, Ko Samet was the home of pirates and that until this very day there is still lost treasure buried somewhere on the island.

The classical Thai Poet, Sunthorn Phu (1786-1855), set part of his epic work, "Phra Aphai Mani" (sometimes transliterated as "Pra Apaimanee"), on the shores of the island. [cite book
last= Cummings
first=Joe
title= Thailand
page=249
year= 2005
publisher= Lonely Planet
location=
isbn= 1740596978 ] Statues of the title character, Prince Aphai Mani and the siren/mermaid which guided him to Ko Samet can be found on the Hat Sai Gaew beach.

Even though Bangkokians had known about the beauty of Ko Samet for decades before, the Thai government put this island off limits and restricted overnight stay there; that was until 1981. In that year, on 1 October, the Forestry Department of Thailand declared Koh Samet and its surrounding to be a national park.

Transportation

Roads

There are 2 main routes on Ko Samet.

*Northern route connects Hat Sai Kaew to Ao Klang and Ao Noi Na.
*Central route consists of 4 smaller roads. The first road links Sai Kaew beach to Ao Phai and Ao Phutsa. The second road connects the center of island to Ao Wong Dueon. The third road connects the first road to Ao Thap Thim and Ao Nuan. The forth road connects the first road to Ao Phrao.

Songthaew (public passenger pick-up vehicle)

The public passenger pick-up vehicles are the most popular mode of public transportation in all the town districts.

Boat

Koh Samet has 5 piers: Ao Klang, Ao Phrao, Ao Wong Duen, Ao Thian and Ao Wai. Ao Klang Pier is the port to mainland. The rest are piers for diving and excursions.

Tourism

As Ko Samet is so near Bangkok, the island is ideal for those in the capital wanting to chill-out with their families for a couple of days, without having to go through all that rigmarole of having to travel down south. Ko Samet has developed steadily over the past decade or so, but it hasn’t been the victim of over zealous construction which has hit the likes of Ko Samui or even Ko Chang. The island is typified for its splendid beaches and white silky sand, surrounded by tropical coral reefs and crystal clear sea. Tourists can also enjoy a plethora of delicious cuisine and fine nightlife.

Sights

Most beaches are on the eastern side of the island. The beaches hide in small bays and stretch some 200 metres. From the north, there are Hat Sai Kaeo, Hat Hin Khrong, Hat Khlong Phai, Ao Phutsa, Ao Thapthim, Ao Naun, Ao Cho, Ao Thian, Ao Wai, Ao Kio Na Yok and Ao Karang. The only beach on the western side is Ao Phrao. One of the famous beaches is Ao Wong Duean in the middle of the eastern side. This beach stretches in the shape of an almost complete circle. Both Ao Wong Duean and Hat Sai Kaeo have very fine white sand.

*Hat Sai Kaew (Diamond Beach) One of the most beautiful and most popular beaches on Koh Samet, Hat Sai Kaew is 1 kilometer long and 25 – 30 meters wide. The name speaks for itself, Hat Sai Kaew, which literally means Crystal Sand Beach, is a nice beach filled with activities. From dusk to dawn, it is the place for sunbathing, swimming, jet skiing, windsurfing, riding on a banana boat or even partying at night.

*Ao Noi Na Ao Noi Na, which is located near Hat Sai Kaew, has a different ambience to Hat Sai Kaew. It is quieter and therefore more suitable for those looking to relax on the white, sandy beach.

*Ao Pai Located close to Hat Sai Kaew, Ao Pai is therefore quite crowded. For visitors interested in sunbathing, this is the good place as swimming is not recommended as there is whirlpool on the sea. It is designated by a red flag.

*Ao Phutsa Ao Put Sa is a small bay on Koh Samet which draws repeat visitors intent on relaxing. Suitable for those who are tired of crowded beaches and nightlife activities, Ao Put Sa offers a quiet natural retreat.

*Ao Thapthim Ao Tub Tim, which is set in a peaceful atmosphere, is located near Ao Put Sa and is well known for its white sand and clear water. Ao Tub Tim has a small, cozy resort, which provides nice services in a well decorated compound.

*Ao Wong Deuan Ao Wong Deuan is the second largest beach on the island (the first being Hat Sai Kaew). Ao Wong Deuan attracts tourist groups during both the high and low seasons due to its beach and good accommodation. On top of this, seafood restaurants with nice views are also available.

*Ao Wai Ao Wai is located within a short walking distance of Candlelight Beach. Shaded by coconut trees, the beach is quite and scenic.

*Ao Kiu Nok This bay is decent for those planning to keep their distance from the busy, crowded beaches and nightlife. From Aow Kiew Nok, visitors can actually walk to Aow Kiew Nai is the ideal spot on the island to see the sun rise and sun set.

*Ao Karang This is the best place on the island to experience the traditional lifestyle of the residents of Koh Samet, is at Ao Karang, where there also are a number of seafood restaurants providing seafood dishes.

*Ao Phrao Ao Prow is one of the quietest beaches of Ko Samet. Located quite far away from the nightlife of Ko Samet; Ao Prow is preferred by travelers who quietly enjoy the sea, swimming and sand.

Activities

Snorkeling / Diving

The Ko Samet area is a popular for divers and snorkelers due its close proximity to Bangkok and abundance of clear water, colorful coral and diversity of marine life such as: turtles, tiger sharks and manta rays. Two of the most favoured locations for diving around Ko Samet are Ko Talu and Ko Kud. Tourists can take a tour around the island and go snorkeling off the rocky uninhabited western side, or around the reefs at the southern tip. Scuba diving excursions can be arranged at Vong Duang.

Volleyball / Frisbee

Tourists enjoy playing volleyball and Frisbee on the beach.

Fishing

Night fishing trips for squid are usually arranged.

Boat Trips

These are arranged to take tourists (either by slow boat or speedboat) around the island to snorkeling and diving spots.

Windsurfing

With its rocky coastline and offshore winds, north of Hat Sai Kaew is a good location for windsurfing.

MassageOn the beach there are countless masseurs offering their massage service. Of the beach on the main roads are massage shops.

Shopping

Ko Samet doesn't have much in the way of shopping beyond basic beach accessories (sarongs, T-shirts, etc). But, there are high quality crystal products and reed products. Good quality crystals are usually sold at the Lotus Crystal Factory.

Nightlife

There are bar-beers at virtually every beach, nearly all of them on Hat Sai Kaew have hostesses. Besides bars there isn’t much else but restaurants selling alcohol.

Local Culture

Story has it that Thailand’s most famous poet, the Sunthorn Phu, set his classic Phra Aphai Manee on Ko Samet. The story revolves around a giantess who captured the revered Phra Aprai Manee and held him there. Subsequently, he was able to escape and married a delightful mermaid and lived happily ever after. There is a statue of him at Hat Sai Kaew.

Life-style

Thai Buddhism is a large part of the people’s lives on Ko Samet and so there are some temples scattered around. Many of the folk on Ko Samet however, are not originally from the island, but moved there to make a decent living through tourism.

Events / Festivals

*Rayong Fruit Festival (งานเทศกาลผลไม้และของดีเมืองระยอง) In May of each year, Rayong's fruit reaches its peak season. The venue for celebration is always changed between Mueang and Klaeng districts. Tourists can enjoy floats decorated with fruits, fruit contests, beauty contests, as well as fruit and seafood fair.

*Sunthon Phu Day (งานวันสุนทรภู่) Organised on June 26 of each year at Sunthon Phu Monument, Klaeng district, to honour him. There are also exhibitions and plays from his poetry.

*Changing the robe for Phra Chedi Klang Nam (งานห่มผ้าพระเจดีย์กลางน้ำ) The annual traditional event is held during the full moon night of the 12th lunar month, or in November. The robe blanketing around the pagoda in the middle of the Rayong River, in Mueang district, will be changed. Meanwhile, the people celebrate the event along with the Loi Krathong Festival by boat racing and many kinds of local entertainment.

*Thot Pha Pa Klang Nam (Waterborne Robe Offering Ceremony) (งานทอดผ้าป่ากลางน้ำ) During the Loi Krathong Festival of each year, or on the full moon night of November, people living near the mouth of the Prasae River prepare a monk's robe at the pier. After completing the ceremony on the boat, a monk comes to get it. Normally, the robe offering ceremony is held at the temple. This special tradition has been inherited for over a century.

Learn

Thai Boxing (Muay Thai)

Muay Thai, being a famous traditional boxing is open to everyone who prefers to learn. The main Thai Boxing teaching center on Ko Samet is at ‘Naga’.

Fire Spinning

There are courses on learning the art of fire-spinning. The small school is located in Nadan Village.

Local Food

Popular local food in Ko Samet includes fried durian and fruits which also includes rambutan and mangosteen. The province is also well-known for its seafood products such as: shrimp paste, fish sauce, dried shrimp, squid, octopus and other dried seafood.

Medical Health Care

On Koh Samet, there is one hospital near Sai Kaew beach, but for anything serious it’s better to return to Bangkok. For nothing too severe there are plenty of clinics and pharmacies in the main areas.

Retirement

More and more foreigners are living on Ko Samet, many of them retirees. A favourite spot for them are on the beaches. There are some other retirees though, who reside in quieter locations away from the tourist scene.

Media/Contact

Nationwide television, cable TVs, local cable TV channels are available in Ko Samet . International newspapers and magazines are available at the tourist spots.

Landline telephones, satellite phones, all mobile phone systems, high-speed internet (ADSL), post offices and parcel services are available in province.

ee also

* List of national parks of Thailand

Notes and References

External links

*
* [http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style1/default.asp?npid=205&lg=2 Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet National Park]