Ao Pakarang (Coral Bay), Koh Samet
Ao Pakarang, whose name means Coral Bay, lies at the southern tip of Koh Samet beside the small cape of Laem Kud. It is calm and secluded, with a mix of sand and rock and a shallow reef along the shore.
| Taxi to the piers of Ban Phe | Standard Sedan, per car | |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok to Ban Phe | 2,199 THB | Book |
| Suvarnabhumi to Ban Phe | 1,999 THB | Book |
| Don Mueang to Ban Phe | 2,299 THB | Book |
| Pattaya to Ban Phe | 1,099 THB | Book |
| U-Tapao to Ban Phe | 1,099 THB | Book |
The price is the same for every pier. Seven cars, see the price list.
The reef
Snorkelling is the reason to come. The reef is shallow and easy to reach from the beach, and the water is clear from the end of the rainy season into early summer. Watch the tide, and mind the rocks and the waves. Do not stand on the coral.
The best months for the sea are November to May.
Quiet and far from the north
The bay is quieter than the large northern beaches. A small resort stands here, and a few others are near. Neighbouring bays, Ao Kiu, Ao Wai and Ao Thian, are each a short distance away.
Bring cash, water and what you need for the day, because shops are few.
Reaching it
Take the ferry from Ban Phe to the island pier and then a songthaew or a motorbike taxi to the bay. The standard ferry from Ban Phe needs 30 to 40 minutes. It costs 70 THB per person one way and 120 THB return and sails daily between 08:00 and 18:00. For the mainland part, a private taxi at a fixed price per car, shown above, brings you to the pier.
Without a ticket, Nuantip Pier is the place to buy one, and the form lets you select it. See also Ao Lung Dam and Ao Wai.
Questions and answers
Can I snorkel at Ao Pakarang?
Yes. The reef is close to the shore.
Is it far from the main pier?
It is at the southern tip of the island, so the songthaew ride is long.
Is there a resort?
A small one, and a few more nearby.
When is the sea best?
From November to May.
Book a taxi to Ban Phe pier
Free cancellation. Pay the driver in cash, or by Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, transfer by QR code or bank transfer to a Thai account if you prefer.