The largest of a cluster of islands just 4 mi/6.5 km off the coast, Koh Samet is popular for its proximity to the capital (140 mi/225 km south of Bangkok), on the Gulf of Thailand.
Despite its convenient location, this area has been spared some of the overdevelopment of its southern neighbors, perhaps because this archipelago is part of a national park.
Koh Samet can be a good option for travelers who want to see an island without traveling too far from Bangkok. From the capital, take a bus or taxi to Ban Phe (two to four hours, depending on traffic). From the pier, regular ferries reach the island in 20 minutes.
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