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Koh Samet guide
Where to stay on Koh Samet
Koh Samet is small, but where you stay shapes your trip. Here is a practical look at the main areas, with honest pros and cons.
Checked October 2026.
Sai Kaew Beach area: best for a first visit
The north-east corner around Sai Kaew Beach is the most convenient base on the island. Na Dan Pier is less than a kilometre away, so arrivals and departures are easy, and you have the widest choice of restaurants, shops, ATMs and beach activities. Sai Kaew is also the island’s biggest beach.
The trade-off: Sai Kaew Beach can be busy at weekends and on public holidays. Staying a little back from the beach, in a garden setting, gives you the convenience without the noise.
- Closest area to Na Dan Pier
- Biggest beach, with shallow water
- Plenty of restaurants, bars and services
- Busier at weekends and on holidays
Ao Hin Khok and Ao Phai: relaxed, still central
Just south of Sai Kaew, these smaller bays have a laid-back, social atmosphere and are still walking distance from the main services. Good for couples and friends who want a bit of evening life.
Ao Wong Duean and the east coast
Halfway down the east coast, Ao Wong Duean is a sheltered bay with its own boat connections. Further south, bays like Ao Cho, Ao Thian and Ao Kiu are quieter and more remote, best if you want to switch off and do not mind being further from the pier.
Ao Prao on the west coast
The west coast has very few beaches; Ao Prao is the main one, known for sunsets and a more secluded feel.
Why we love the Sai Kaew area (and why we chose it)
TipThong Hut is a small, six-room bungalow resort in the Sai Kaew Beach area, about 100–150 m from the beach and around 820 m from Na Dan Pier. Our wooden bungalows and garden-view rooms sit in a shaded tropical garden, with The Tharuer restaurant and Samed Coco Bar on site, so you can walk to the beach in minutes and come back to a quiet garden.
Quick checklist before you book
- How will you arrive? If you come by ferry to Na Dan, staying near Sai Kaew saves time.
- Do you want nightlife or quiet? Sai Kaew and Ao Phai are livelier; the south is calmer.
- Travelling at a weekend or on a Thai holiday? Book early, as the island fills up.
- Check the room details, house rules and cancellation policy on the booking platform before you pay.
Stay with us near Sai Kaew Beach
Garden bungalows and air-conditioned rooms, a short walk from the beach. Check live prices and availability: