Koh Samed is located just 200km from Bangkok, in the Gulf of Thailand in rayong province, and is classified as a national park of great natural
beauty.
There are 14 white sand beaches on the island, which are surrounded by colourful coral reefs providing such aquatic sports as swimming,
snorkeling and scuba diving. The most popular beach areas are: Saikaew Beach, Ao Phai and Ao Vong Duan.
The Best time to visit is from October - May. Koh Samed is one of the driest archipelagos in Thailand. Koh Samed gets significantly less rainfall than
Rayong province, even though its only a few kilometres offshore.
KOH SAMED NATIONAL PARK INFORMATION
Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet is a national park maintained and run by the "National Parks of Thailand", There are park rangers
visible on the island, their job is to collect the park entrance fee & look after the up-keep of the island and wildlife protection.
The park rangers offices & park information centres are located on the entrance to Saikaew Beach & Ao Vongduen Beach Area.
For further information on Flora / Fauna / Wildlife / Camping - Look at the National parks Website CLICK HERE
PARK ENTRANCE FEE
Koh Samed being a national park, all visitors must pay a "ONCE ONLY" park entrance fee on arrival of 200 Baht per adult
Thai National adults pay 40 Baht per person. Children under 3 years are free - children between 3 - 14 Thai pay 40 Baht - others pay 100 Baht
Adults over 60 years are free.
POPULATION OF KOH SAMED
As of January 2013, the population of Koh Samed was estimated at 2870 residents, consisting mainly of Thai & Cambodian
GETTING AROUND
Koh Samed is approximately 13.1 km2 in size and is shaped somewhat like the letter "T." From North to South the island is 7km in length and
East to west measures 4km's at it's widest point.
The Island has only three roads,One links Saikaew area with Ao Noi Na, the other links Saikaew with the east and southern route.
Cars are very few, Motorbikes are many and are the best way to explore the Island
**Please note - most travel insurance companies will NOT pay medical bills for accidents involving motorbikes**
Truck taxis ( songthaews ) ( photo )-a rather well worn pickup truck with two hard benches in the back and no roof, These are available all over the
island Taxi Prices -to other parts of Koh Samed. - "There is NO car hire on Koh Samed"
SHOPPING
Koh Samed doesn't have much in the way of shopping beyond basic beach accessories (sarongs, t-shirts). The Main street, which leads to nadan
harbour is located in Saikaew Beach, it has the majority of local Shops, Bars, Restaurants and Internet cafes. There are no markets on Koh Samed
BANKS / ATM'S / MONEY EXCHANGE
There are NO banks on Koh Samed, however there are THIRTEEN ATM machine's,( PHOTO ) Two located on the main street in Saikaew One next to the seven eleven
supermarket & One in front of Mossmanhouse Guesthouse, One next to the Buddy bar just off Saikaew Beach, One at Saikaew Villa Resort, One located at the Le Blanc Samed Resort Saikaew Beach, & One at Saikaew Beach Resort
The other Three are located in nadan harbour area. There are two in Ao Vongdeuan Next to the Mini Mart By the police Station & One Located in Ao Thian Next to the Mini Mart & One at Samet Ville Resort in Ao Wai
There are NOT many places to exchange money. **TAKE CASH WITH YOU** (Thai Baht's)
KOH SAMED POST OFFICE
The only Post Office is located at the Naga Bungalows complex in Ao Phai. The Address is "NAGA BUNGALOWS POST OFFICE" 36 Moo 4 Koh
Samet - Ban Phe - Rayong - 21160 Tel: 038-644-168 Tel: 038-644-035 Fax: 038-644-034 opens at 09.00 - 16.30 Contact Khun Pin ( PHOTO )
KOH SAMED POLICE STATION.
The main police station is located on Saikaew main street and is staffed 24 hours, There is also a Police Box located in the resort of Ao Vongduen
The contact Telephone number for the Main police station is 038-644-111 (Photo) ( photo )
Thailands Main tourist police telephone number is 1155 - Only dial this number from a landline telephone not a mobile telephone.
HEALTH CENTRE.
The Health centre / Doctor is located on Saikaew main street near to the Police Station, It opens at 08.30 - 12.00 & 13.00 - 16.30
The telephone number is 038-644-123.- 24 hour emergency number = 081-861-7922 (Photo) There is a 24 hour doctor service "On Call" please contact
your Hotel / Resort reception. There is a new international medical centre located in Nadan Harbour ( photo ) Tel: 038-644-414 - 24 hrs -Tel: 086-094-0566
All medical treatment must be paid for in cash and claimed from your insurance company on return.
Keep in mind that the medical emergency services on koh samed are inadequate!!
No Dentist on koh samed island, the nearest is located in Ban Phe, - Tel No: 038-651-626 (PHOTO) (PHOTO)
PHARMACY.
The islands only Pharmacy is located at Samed Plaza on Saikaew Main street next to the 7/11 supermarket
it opens at 10am - 21.00 daily.
CREDIT CARDS
Only large hotel resorts accept credit cards for payments - No R