Most beaches are on the eastern side of the island. The beaches hide in small bays and stretch some 200 m. 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 Phrahis.
Note, the spelling of beach names can vary.
Beaches from north to south on the east coast:
Hat Sai Kaew (Diamond Beach) One of the most beautiful and most popular beaches on Ko Samet, Hat Sai Kaew is 1 km long and 25-30 m wide. Most of this space is taken up with deck chairs from the restaurants. The name speaks for itself, Hat Sai Kaew, which literally means Crystal Sand Beach, is a nice beach filled with activities. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, jet skiing, windsurfing (700 baht/hr), catamaran sailing (1000 baht/hr) a banana boat or even partying at night. It can get a bit noisy due to all the motorised activity though.
Ao Hin Khok is separated from Hat Sai Kaew by a small rocky sea point where a mermaid statue is located. The beach is half the size of Hat Sai Kaew. There are some monk's accommodation along this stretch of sand that have signs asking people to be quiet. It makes for a peaceful spot just past the noise polluted Hat Sai Kaew Beach.
Ao Pai Located two beaches down from Hat Sai Kaew and just past Ao Pai. More or less of the same white, sandy stretches with a few nice restaurants at night and a big, concrete block of a bar where most party goers end up late at night.
Ao Put Sa is a small walk from Ao Pai Beach over a small headland. Suitable for those who are tired of crowded beaches and nightlife activities. Ao Put Sa has a small pontoon with some OK snorkelling around it. Best time to stick you head under and have a look is at low tide.
Ao Nuan is located a 10 minute walk through the bush from Ao Put Sa and is a perfect hideaway for holidaymakers in search of tranquility. All bungalows are handmade by the owner. Some have great character.
Ao Cho is a bit of a scruffy beach and if you have been following the "next beach" signs along the coast, you feel like you've seen better.
Ao Wong Deuan is the second largest beach on the island (the first being Hat Sai Kaew). Ao Wong Deuan has a ferry service with the mainland. It's best to talk to one the bungalows to book this than try and find it yourself.
Ao Thian (Candlelight Beach) Ao Thian’s topography is painted by rocky beach in which some nice spots for skin diving are available. This beach is very quiet and free from group tours.
Ao Wai is located within a short walking distance of Candlelight Beach but far from city center and no lights at night. Shaded by coconut trees, the beach is a quite, scenic and serene spot for sea lovers.
Ao Kiu Nok This bay is a secluded den for those planning to keep their distance from the busy, crowded beaches and vibrant nightlife. There is currently a huge resort being built with a swimming pool and the small bungalows are slowly being knocked down. The eatery isn't the best, but because it's the only one on the beach, it's pricey. From Ao Kiew Nok, visitors can walk to Ao Kiew Nai along the road, but getting a lift is better as it's hot, there's no breeze and not much to see.
Ao Karang is at the southern tip of Ko Samet. It's very quiet down here and could be the best place to experience the traditional lifestyle of the residents of Ko Samet.
Ao Wiang Wan is on the west of Na Dan Pier, a large bay where lots of sport activities such as fishing, etc., take place.
Ao Phrao ((See Oil Spill Update)) is one of the quietest beaches of Ko Samet. Located quite far away from the lively nightlife of Ko Samet. Ao Prow is an upmarket beach with no budget options. The blue sea, white sand and sunsets are all top notch. How to get there: Four operators: Nuanthip, Si Ban Phe, Phe Port, and Saphan Pla around Ban Phe offer shuttle boat services between their ports and the main port of the island. All operators charge a flat rate of 100 baht per person for a round trip or 50 baht for a single journey. Boats can leave anytime when more than 20 passengers are waiting. The service is available around the clock, seven days a week. It's best to just buy a one way ticket from the pier and head down to the end to wait.
For groups of at least 7 persons, Nuanthip Boat (+66 3865 1508) offers a shuttle boat service to other bays as well, such as Ao Wong Duean (120 baht each) and to the last bay Ao Pakarang (200 baht each). Si Ban Phe Boat (+66 3865 1902) also runs a scheduled boat service during weekends between Ban Phe and the main port of Samet. The hourly boat service from Ban Phe runs from 08:00 to 18:00. On the return trip from Samet, the boat leaves at 10:00, 14:00, 16:00, and 18:00. The company also offers a speed boat service at 1,000 baht a trip for 12 people to the main port, or higher rates for other routes. A parking service on the main land is available.
Ko Kruai, Ko Kham, and Ko Pla Tin (เกาะกรวย เกาะขา