Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet National Park
Koh Samet lies inside the Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet National Park, which also covers the coast of the mainland nearby. Visitors to the island pay a park fee on arrival. Here is how it works and how it fits into the trip from Ban Phe.
The park around the island
The park protects the forest on the mainland ridge of Khao Laem Ya and the small islands off the coast, with Koh Samet the best known. On the island it explains why the beaches are clean, why the road is narrow and why there are no large hotels.
Rules at the beaches are the usual ones for a protected area: do not break coral, do not take shells and take your rubbish away.
The entrance fee
The fee is collected on the island at the booth near the arrival pier, not in Ban Phe, and it is separate from the boat ticket. The rate is set by the park for foreign and Thai visitors, with a lower one for children, and it can change, so check the amount at the booth. Keep the receipt, because staff may ask to see it.
Only buy the park ticket from the official booth.
Getting to the park
Take a taxi to Ban Phe and a ferry to the island. The ferry costs 70 THB per person one way or 120 THB return and takes 30 to 40 minutes. See the Bangkok page and the piers guide for the first part.
Once on the island, the beaches are reached on foot or by songthaew. A map of them all is on the Koh Samet page.
Questions and answers
Do I have to pay the park fee?
Visitors to the island pay an entrance fee at the park booth on arrival.
Is the fee part of the ferry ticket?
No. It is paid separately on the island.
Can I pay in Ban Phe?
The fee is collected on the island, at the booth near the pier.
Is the fee the same for children?
There is a lower rate for children. Check the amount at the booth.
Is the whole island in the park?
Most of it is.
| 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 car types, see the price list.
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.