Ko Sametเกาะเสม็ด

The questions people ask first about Ko Samet, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Currency is the Thai baht (THB, ฿).Thailand-wide
• SIM or eSIMAIS and TrueMove H sell tourist SIMs at airport arrivals; passport registration is required.Thailand-wide
• Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap.Thailand-wide
• TippingSit-down restaurant: Leave ฿20–100 (≈ US$1–4) or the coins; skip it if a 10% service charge is on the bill.Thailand-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets A/B/C/O. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Thailand-wide
• SafetyThe island is calm and low-crime; the real risks are motorbike crashes on the dirt road, sea urchins, and running out of cash.

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• Street or quick mealThai noodle soup or rice dish฿60–150 (≈ US$2–5)
• Beercan at a shop / large bottle at a bar฿40–60 (≈ US$2)฿90–150 (≈ US$3–5)
• Budget bedFan bungalow or hostel bed, a night, per person฿400 (≈ US$13)
• Mid-range bedAir-con bungalow or hotel double, a night, per room฿1,800 (≈ US$60)
• High-end bedAir-con bungalow or hotel double, a night, per room฿4,000 (≈ US$130)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget ฿900 (≈ US$30) · Mid ฿1,800 (≈ US$60) · High ฿3,500 (≈ US$110)

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

UTP U-Tapao (Pattaya) (Closest airport, about 60 km (37 mi) / 1 h by taxi to Ban Phe pier; domestic and some international flights) · BKK Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok) (Bus to Rayong/Ban Phe, or taxi about 2.5–3 h; the usual arrival for most travellers) · DMK Don Mueang (Bangkok) (Reach Ekamai or Victory Monument first, then bus or minivan to Ban Phe)UTP U-Tapao (Pattaya) (Closest airport, about 37 mi (60 km) / 1 h by taxi to Ban Phe pier; domestic and some international flights) · BKK Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok) (Bus to Rayong/Ban Phe, or taxi about 2.5–3 h; the usual arrival for most travellers) · DMK Don Mueang (Bangkok) (Reach Ekamai or Victory Monument first, then bus or minivan to Ban Phe)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

฿900–1,600 (≈ US$30–50) excl. bed

Mid

฿1,600–3,000 (≈ US$50–95) excl. bed

High

฿3,000 (≈ US$95)+ excl. bed

• National park entry fee is two-tier: foreign adults 200 baht (≈ US$7), Thai adults 40 baht (≈ US$2) (Nov 2024 rates; check current).
• One ATM on the island, opposite the Hat Sai Kaew Tourist Service Centre; bring cash from the mainland.
• ATMs at Ban Phe pier charge high withdrawal fees — take out money in Bangkok or Rayong instead.
• Ferries leave when full, so the printed timetable is a guide, not a promise.
• Buy a one-way ferry ticket (50 baht (≈ US$2)); a round trip costs the same and locks you to one pier.
• Sea urchins and sea lice on the north-coast beaches; watch where you swim.
• Weekends and Thai holidays fill the island and double some room rates.