
Koh Samae San
A serene island escape with pristine beaches and clear waters, managed by the Thai Navy for a peaceful, uncrowded experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear waters, pleasant weather

Koh Samae San
Best Time
Clear waters, pleasant weather

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene island escape with pristine beaches and clear waters, managed by the Thai Navy for a peaceful, uncrowded experience.
"It was really beautiful island. A very safe and clean sea maintained by the Thai Navy."

💰 Fee Awareness
Expect separate fees for Thai citizens and foreigners for transport and services. Check current rates before arrival.
🤿 Post-Dive Caution
Remember the 'no-fly' rule after scuba diving. Plan your travel arrangements accordingly.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pristine Beaches
Various coves around the island
Fine, white sands and clear, clean waters perfect for swimming and relaxation. Fewer crowds enhance the serene experience.

Snorkeling & Diving
Offshore reefs
Explore underwater life with numerous fish visible in the clear sea. A great spot for a casual snorkel or a dive.

Island Tranquility
Throughout the island
Enjoy a peaceful escape with limited tourists, maintained by the Thai Navy for a safe and clean environment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Visitor Limits & Fees
Dive Safely & Smartly
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Fee Awareness
Expect separate fees for Thai citizens and foreigners for transport and services. Check current rates before arrival.
🤿 Post-Dive Caution
Remember the 'no-fly' rule after scuba diving. Plan your travel arrangements accordingly.
🏖️ Beat the Crowds
Visit on weekdays for a more serene experience with fewer tourists.
🐠 Snorkel Ready
The clear waters offer good visibility for spotting fish, making it ideal for snorkeling.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Fee Awareness
Expect separate fees for Thai citizens and foreigners for transport and services. Check current rates before arrival.
🤿 Post-Dive Caution
Remember the 'no-fly' rule after scuba diving. Plan your travel arrangements accordingly.
🏖️ Beat the Crowds
Visit on weekdays for a more serene experience with fewer tourists.
🐠 Snorkel Ready
The clear waters offer good visibility for spotting fish, making it ideal for snorkeling.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Koh Samae San for its beautiful, clean beaches and clear waters, offering a peaceful escape with fewer tourists. The island's controlled environment by the Thai Navy is appreciated for maintaining its natural charm. However, some find the fees a bit high for the overall experience, and diving visibility can be inconsistent compared to other Thai locations.
"Only went Scuba Diving off the island
It was ok,not great
Visibility was average to poor
Much better dive sites Thailand
Disappointed overall
But always beats a day at the office 👌🏻😅"
Glenn Sheppard
"One day trip to a relaxing beach on a nice weather day, not crowded, with opportunities to enjoy swimming and activities at a cheap price."
Nunan Ha
"It's so beautiful here. Sands are so fine and white. There are not many tourists which is great. Navy staff are so friendly. Must visit this island while staying in Pattaya"
Em Cheung
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach Koh Samae San, you'll typically need to travel from Pattaya to the Sattahip pier. From there, boats operated by the Thai Navy will transport you to the island. The journey involves a ferry or speedboat ride.
Yes, Koh Samae San has a daily visitor limit to help preserve its natural environment. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends or holidays, to ensure entry.
Once on Koh Samae San, transportation is usually managed by the Navy. This often includes boat services to different beach areas and potentially some limited island transport.
Private boat access might be restricted or managed by the authorities due to the island's controlled status. It's best to rely on the official Navy-operated transport.
For a day trip, arrange transport from Pattaya to the Sattahip pier and then take the Navy boat. Ensure you have enough time to enjoy the island before the last boat departs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are entrance fees for Koh Samae San, which are typically higher for foreigners than for Thai nationals. These fees often cover transportation to the island and some services.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance or arriving early is recommended, especially during peak season, due to the daily visitor limit. This helps guarantee your entry.
The fee usually covers the boat transfer to the island and access to its facilities. It's wise to confirm what's included at the pier before purchasing.
Information on specific discounts for children or seniors is not widely publicized. It's best to inquire at the ticket counter upon arrival for any available concessions.
The island is typically open for day visitors, with boat services running during daylight hours. The last boat back to the mainland usually departs in the late afternoon.
🎫 🏝️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beaches. Some visitors also engage in scuba diving, though visibility can vary.
Yes, the waters are generally clear and clean, offering good opportunities to see various fish, making it a popular spot for snorkeling.
Basic facilities like toilets and food stalls are available on the island. Some water activities are also offered.
Scuba diving is possible, but some reviews suggest that visibility might not be as good as at other prime dive sites in Thailand.
It's generally less crowded than many other tourist spots, especially on weekdays, contributing to a more relaxing atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are food stalls and small eateries on the island where you can purchase meals and refreshments.
You can expect typical Thai island fare, including seafood, local dishes, and snacks. Options might be limited, so it's good to be prepared.
Bringing your own food and drinks is generally permissible, which can be a good option if you have specific dietary needs or want to save money.
Prices for food on the island are generally reasonable for a tourist destination, though they might be slightly higher than on the mainland.
Options might be limited. It's advisable to ask at the food stalls or consider bringing some of your own snacks if you have strict dietary requirements.
📸 📸 Photography
The pristine beaches with their fine white sand and clear turquoise waters offer stunning photo opportunities. The natural landscapes are also very picturesque.
With clear waters, underwater photography for snorkeling can yield good results. For diving, visibility can be a factor, so check conditions.
Mornings often provide softer light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the serene beauty of the beaches. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also be beautiful.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be respectful of other visitors and any specific rules posted by the Navy.
A waterproof camera or a good smartphone with a waterproof case is ideal for capturing beach and snorkeling shots. A standard camera is fine for landscapes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing plenty of sun protection, snacks, and water, as options might be limited. The journey to the island via Navy boat can also be an exciting part of the adventure for kids. It’s a great option for a peaceful day trip away from the busier attractions.
💰 Budget Travelers
Focus on enjoying the natural beauty – swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling – which are free activities once you're on the island. Weekday visits can also offer a more relaxed experience without the weekend surge pricing or crowds.
🧘♀️ Peace Seekers
Visiting on a weekday is highly recommended to maximize the peaceful experience. Pack a good book and disconnect from the hustle; the island's natural charm is its biggest draw for those seeking serenity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Koh Samae San
Travelers often mention that the fees for transport and services can be a bit steep, particularly for foreigners, but this contributes to the upkeep and controlled environment of the island. Understanding these costs upfront can help manage expectations. The journey itself offers a glimpse into the coastal scenery, setting the stage for the island's natural beauty.
Underwater Adventures: Snorkeling & Diving
For those interested in scuba diving, Koh Samae San offers opportunities, though some reviews suggest that the diving conditions, particularly visibility, might not be as exceptional as in other renowned Thai diving destinations like Koh Tao. If diving is your primary focus, it's worth researching current conditions or considering alternative locations. However, for a casual dive or a first-time experience, it can still be rewarding. Remember the important 'no-fly' rule after diving when planning your departure.
The Island Experience: Tranquility and Navy Control
The island is managed to ensure a safe and clean environment, with basic facilities like toilets and food stalls available. While the natural beauty is a major draw, the controlled access means that amenities are functional rather than luxurious. This focus on preservation allows visitors to appreciate the fine white sands and clear waters without the usual hustle and bustle, making it a great escape for those seeking a quiet retreat.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit