Koh Kham Samae San
A pristine eco-island near Bangkok with clear waters, coral reefs, and a serene white sand beach. Perfect for day trips.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Koh Kham Samae San
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A pristine eco-island near Bangkok with clear waters, coral reefs, and a serene white sand beach. Perfect for day trips.
"Crystal-clear waters, white sand, and vibrant marine life make this protected island a must-visit."
📞 Book by Phone
Online reservations aren't available. Call 033-124848 or 093-3971342 to secure your spot. :iphone:
🤿 Bring Your Gear
Rentals cost extra. Consider bringing your own snorkel and mat to save money. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Wooden Bridge
Main beach area
Stroll along this picturesque bridge extending into the turquoise sea for stunning photos.
Coral Reef Snorkeling
Shallow waters near shore
Discover vibrant marine life and clear waters, perfect for spotting clownfish and sea urchins.
Viewpoint Hike
Southeast beach trail
A short, steep hike with ropes leads to panoramic ocean views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Boat Trip in Advance
Understand the Pricing Structure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📞 Book by Phone
Online reservations aren't available. Call 033-124848 or 093-3971342 to secure your spot. :iphone:
🤿 Bring Your Gear
Rentals cost extra. Consider bringing your own snorkel and mat to save money. :moneybag:
Snorkeling near Koh Samaesan
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
The hike to the viewpoint is steep but manageable with ropes. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Insta-Worthy Spots
Capture stunning photos at the wooden bridge and viewpoint.
Snorkeling near Bangkok
Tips
from all over the internet
📞 Book by Phone
Online reservations aren't available. Call 033-124848 or 093-3971342 to secure your spot. :iphone:
🤿 Bring Your Gear
Rentals cost extra. Consider bringing your own snorkel and mat to save money. :moneybag:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
The hike to the viewpoint is steep but manageable with ropes. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Insta-Worthy Spots
Capture stunning photos at the wooden bridge and viewpoint.
♻️ Eco-Friendly Visit
No plastic waste allowed. Help keep this protected island clean. :recycle:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Koh Kham is praised for its clear waters, white sand beaches, and snorkeling opportunities, offering a tranquil escape. However, some visitors find the foreigner pricing steep and note that amenities like mats and gear come at an extra cost. Occasional issues with washed-up garbage on less-visited beaches have also been mentioned.
"It's pretty cool but I don't think it's worth 600 baht (foreigner pricing!) and 300 baht for Thai citizens. You would think the money would go to maintain the island to keep it clean but on the southeast beach (not many people go to that beach) there is a ton of garbage that has been washed up on the shore. A quick pick up once a week would all that would be required to make this a much more enjoyable experience.
The hike to the viewpoint is pretty cool. There are some steep parts but there are ropes to help you along. You can find the trail starting just south of that SE beach. It's a loop so if you don't want to take the long way counterclockwise just take the first left which is shorter.
If you are in the area and want to spend that $$ then try it out. On the beach (which isn't that great) there are some picnic tables you can sit on but otherwise everything costs money, mats, snorkel gear, chairs, tables, etc."
Nigel Naughton
"The beach near Bangkok has clean water. It is a military island. The prices of things on the island are not expensive. But I had a problem with a moles or sea lice. I got a bite from it."
Betty Chaya
"• A small island suitable for a one-day trip.
Overall, the experience was okay — the seawater is fairly clear, and there are many man-made photo spots scattered around the island.
• It’s a nice place to stop by if you’re in the area and looking to enjoy a picnic with a seaside view.
Tips for getting there:
• One of the instructions I found online mentioned that only a limited number of tourists are allowed to visit Koh Kham each day, and online reservations are not available. The only way to book is by phone at 033-124848 (landline) or 093-3971342, although the latter is quite hard to reach.
• When I finally managed to speak with the operator, I was told that for Sunday, no reservation was required—something I hadn’t clearly seen in the instructions earlier.
• On the day of my visit, I arrived at the ticket counter at 9:15 AM and received a queue card . I waited for around 30 minutes. The ticket price was relatively high—perhaps due to the monopoly or the fact that pricing is not closely regulated.
• Once the ticket was acquired, I waited a few more minutes for the shuttle van to Khao Ma Cho Pier (ท่าเรือเขาหมาจอ). The boat ride to Koh Kham took approximately 15-20 minutes."
Pongpit Pinsai
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Bangkok, take a bus or minivan to Sattahip (approx. 3 hours). From Sattahip Bus Station, take a songthaew (shared taxi) or a private taxi to Ban Samae San Pier. The boat ride to Koh Kham from the pier takes about 15-20 minutes.
Yes, you can take a songthaew (shared taxi) from Sattahip Bus Station to Ban Samae San Pier for around 50 THB.
You can drive to Ban Samae San Pier, where you will then take a boat to Koh Kham. Parking is available near the pier.
The total travel time, including the bus/van and boat, is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours one way.
No, Koh Kham is typically accessed via boat from Ban Samae San Pier.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The ticket price is 300 THB per person for Thai citizens and 600 THB for foreigners. This usually includes the boat transfer, environmental fee, snorkeling gear, and kayak rental.
Yes, it's highly recommended to book by phone in advance as visitor numbers are limited daily. Online booking is not available.
Boats depart from Ban Samae San Pier between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM, and visitors must leave the island by 3:30 PM.
No, Koh Kham is a protected island and does not allow overnight stays. It's a day-trip destination.
Information on specific discounts for children or seniors is not widely available, but the standard pricing applies.
🎫 🏝️ Onsite Experience
Activities include snorkeling in clear waters, relaxing on the white sand beach, kayaking, and hiking to a viewpoint.
Yes, the waters are clear with coral reefs and marine life, making it a good spot for snorkeling.
While there might be limited options on the island, it's recommended to enjoy meals at restaurants near Ban Samae San Pier before or after your visit.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and any personal items. Consider bringing your own snorkel gear and picnic items to save on rental costs.
Yes, it's a good destination for families with clear waters for swimming and snorkeling, and easy activities like kayaking.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic wooden bridge and the viewpoint offering panoramic ocean vistas are the most popular photo spots.
Yes, the clear blue waters, white sand, and scenic viewpoints provide excellent opportunities for beautiful photography.
There are no specific restrictions on photography, but visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the natural environment.
Morning light offers softer illumination, while late afternoon can provide beautiful golden hour shots.
Drone usage policies can vary, and it's best to check with the island management upon arrival to ensure compliance with any regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the trip smoother, consider packing snacks and drinks, as food options on the island are limited. Bringing your own beach mats and snorkel gear can also add to the comfort and save on rental fees. The hike to the viewpoint might be challenging for very young children, but the main beach area offers plenty of space for relaxation and play.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider investing in your own snorkel gear and a beach mat beforehand, as rental fees can add up. Opting for public transport like songthaews from Sattahip to the pier also helps reduce costs compared to private taxis. Visiting on a weekday might also offer a slightly less crowded experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For the best shots, aim for the morning light or the golden hour before sunset. The hike to the viewpoint also provides a fantastic opportunity for panoramic landscape photography. Remember to be mindful of the environment and avoid disturbing the marine life while capturing your perfect shot.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Koh Kham: A Traveler's Guide
For those who prefer to drive their own car, you can head directly to Ban Samae San Pier. Parking is available nearby. This option offers more flexibility, especially if you plan to explore other areas around Sattahip before or after your island visit.
It's crucial to note that online reservations are not available for Koh Kham. Visitors must book their boat trip by phone. The recommended numbers are 033-124848 (landline) or 093-3971342, though the latter can be difficult to reach. It's advisable to call well in advance, especially for weekend visits, to secure your spot due to daily visitor limits.
The Koh Kham Experience: Eco-Tourism and Activities
Upon arrival, you can enjoy a variety of activities. Snorkeling is a major draw, with clear waters revealing a healthy coral reef and diverse marine life, including clownfish and sea urchins. Kayaking is also available, offering a peaceful way to explore the island's coastline. For those seeking relaxation, the powdery white sand beach is perfect for sunbathing and enjoying the serene atmosphere.
For a bit of adventure, a short hike to the viewpoint is recommended. The trail is steep in parts but equipped with ropes for assistance, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding islands. The island also features man-made photo spots, with the iconic wooden bridge being a particular favorite for capturing memorable shots.
Dining and Amenities on Koh Kham
Popular dining spots near the pier include Samaesarn Seafood, known for its fresh catches like grilled squid and Tom Yum Goong. BlueSky Café & Bistro offers a relaxed beachside setting with smoothies and Thai milk tea, while Navy House Coffee & Eatery provides a unique military-themed ambiance with Thai iced coffee.
Regarding other facilities, rentals for items like mats, chairs, and snorkel gear are available on the island, but these come at an additional cost. To manage expenses, some visitors suggest bringing your own essentials if possible.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit