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The best beach, the best island, the best ocean. That seems to be the eternal quest for most visitors to Thailand.
Just as one venue is deemed ‘tranquil’, ‘unspoiled’ and ‘paradise’ by the guidebooks, it seems a short time later people are talking about the good old days before the droves arrived and spoilt the destination’s once idyllic charm.
Scott and parents posing on the beach
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But what does one really need for a great beach vacation? After all, most people visiting such beaches and complaining of them being overcrowded and over-developed are themselves adding to the masses. But, no one is willing to forgo his or her beach vacation. Perhaps the reason there are so many people at some Thai beaches (certainly not compared to most world-class beach resorts around the world) is because they are so bloody fantastic.
One Thai beach destination that has been popular with locals and foreigners for many, many years due to its close proximity to Bangkok is Ko Samet. Just three hours by car from the country’s teaming metropolis, this small island in Rayong province is just five km from the mainland, the kingdom’s driest island and home to the softest sand you’ll find anywhere guaranteed.
Like most vacation spots within quick shooting distance of major cities, things are a little more expensive, but that’s par for the course. That said, it’s pretty tough to find better beach value anywhere in the world.
After being lucky enough to visit Ko Samet while leading adventures for many years, I returned with my family in February 2004. As scheduling of our 2003 adventures worked, I had not had my feet on Ko Samet’s incredible sand for quite a while due to taking more people to Ao Nang, Krabi, that year. Life’s tough when you trade one incredible area for another, but it was this visit that led me to once again really appreciate all that is Samet.
Nice accomodation right on the beach
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While an area like Ao Nang, Krabi, attracts crowds for its limestone cliffs that rise hundreds of feet straight out of the water and is completely unique in the world, most islands are relatively similar. That’s why it’s always been my feeling that once you find an island you like; stay there. Time spent jumping island to island has always left me wondering what exactly it is some people are looking for.
Even though Ko Samet has grown over the years from a laid-back paradise with simple bamboo huts, progress isn’t always such a bad thing. Modern conveniences have now made the island even more of a pleasure to stay on. Here are some things (in no particular order) that make it tops:
- The softest sand you’ve ever felt
- Lots of neat beaches to choose from (some busier, some really quiet)
- Only one beach has motorized water sports
- Sea kayaks for rent quiet, non-polluting ocean sports are always a good bet
- Nice clean, warm water to swim and lounge in
- A very dry climate that makes most days throughout the year great beach days
- A plethora of tress along the beach to enjoy some shade
- Polite vendors that respect and understand ‘no thank-you’
- Vendors selling things you will want sometime during your stay
- Accommodations right on the beach step out of your bungalow and you’re there
- Modern bungalows with hot showers, cable TV and all the right comforts
- Internet cafes (I know you’re supposed to get away from it all, but it’s nice to brag to your friends at home how great it is where you are)
- A nice mix of beach restaurants and bars to choose from
- Great fire juggling shows on the beach at night
- Funked-out bars with beach mats, pillows and candles, smack-dab on the beach
- A great trail system to take you all over the island
- Wonderful runs along the beaches during low tide
- A guy on motorbike who roams the island selling the ‘Bangkok Post’
I will stop there as I could go on for some time. The point is, in a day and age when everywhere isn’t like it used to be, is more developed and busier, Ko Samet is still top drawer. There are no high-rises on the island, accommodation is bungalow style, slightly set back from the beach in the trees and I’ve yet to ever see the beach overcrowded.
Days are best spent doing little. Find a chair, a spot under a tree, or a rock to strike a pose and take it all in. Or rather, take the lack of it all in. Stare at the ocean, read a book, cool off with a dip, have a meal, enjoy a cocktail and suddenly it’s time for bed. Days have never gone so fast doing nothing!
Having visited most of the country’s main islands and beaches, it’s easy to see why Ko Samet continues to be such a draw. Accommodation is always relatively full, but the island is always full of open space and I’ve never wanted to leave.
Next time try Ko Samet.
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