Ao Tubtim (Ao Phutsa) Koh Samet
A serene beach escape on Koh Samet, offering charming bungalows, exceptional dining, and tranquil waters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, but still peaceful
Ao Tubtim (Ao Phutsa) Koh Samet
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, but still peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene beach escape on Koh Samet, offering charming bungalows, exceptional dining, and tranquil waters.
"This little paradise is a beautiful spot with a clean beach, stunning views, and delicious food."
🎯 Book Beachfront Villas
For the ultimate experience, opt for the beachfront villas on stilts. Waking up by the sea is unforgettable!
🍽️ Savor Resort Dining
The resort's restaurant is a highlight! Delicious food, generous portions, and fair prices.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Beachfront Villas on Stilts
Ao Tubtim Beach
Wake up to the sound of waves in these charming villas, offering direct sea access and stunning views.
The Resort Restaurant
Ao Tubtim Beach
Indulge in delicious, generously portioned meals with excellent service and fair prices.
Ao Tubtim Beach Serenity
Ao Tubtim Beach
Enjoy a peaceful, stunning beach that's a perfect contrast to the livelier nearby party beach.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Island Charm & Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Beachfront Villas
For the ultimate experience, opt for the beachfront villas on stilts. Waking up by the sea is unforgettable!
🍽️ Savor Resort Dining
The resort's restaurant is a highlight! Delicious food, generous portions, and fair prices.
🚶♀️ Short Walk to Conveniences
While secluded, restaurants, bars, and shops are just a 5-min walk away.
🥥 Fresh Fruit on Beach
Grab fresh fruit and coconuts directly from vendors on the beach at good prices.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Beachfront Villas
For the ultimate experience, opt for the beachfront villas on stilts. Waking up by the sea is unforgettable!
🍽️ Savor Resort Dining
The resort's restaurant is a highlight! Delicious food, generous portions, and fair prices.
🚶♀️ Short Walk to Conveniences
While secluded, restaurants, bars, and shops are just a 5-min walk away.
🥥 Fresh Fruit on Beach
Grab fresh fruit and coconuts directly from vendors on the beach at good prices.
💆♀️ Beachside Massages
Enjoy a relaxing massage right on the beach for ultimate island vibes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ao Tubtim (Ao Phutsa) is widely praised as a beautiful, peaceful paradise with exceptional food and comfortable accommodations, retaining an authentic Thai charm. Guests love the serene beach, the quality of the resort's restaurant, and the unique beachfront villas. Some minor drawbacks include the coffee at breakfast and the increasing commercialization of the island, though Ao Tubtim itself remains a tranquil haven.
"We would like to thank the hosts and all the staff of this wonderful place. Our family came for 1 night but stayed for 4. A beautiful spot, clean beach, stunning views. The food in the restaurant is a special kind of pleasure: very delicious, wide variety, beautifully served, generous portions, excellent service, and fair prices. The beds in our bungalow were very comfortable, the air conditioning worked perfectly, and everything we needed was provided. The place is secluded, yet within a 5-minute walk along the promenade you’ll find all the necessary conveniences: restaurants, bars, supermarket, massage, motorbike and jet ski rentals. Fresh fruit and coconuts are sold right on the beach at good prices. You can also get a massage directly on the beach. A 7/11 is about a 15-minute walk away. We highly recommend this little paradise! 🌴"
Kristina “KristinaA_UA” Antoshyna
"Always get to come back here. The tourism on the island is changing which is not great but this place has kept its charm and its lovely staff. The food is great, the beds are comfy.. a bit of the old school vibe in the wooden bungalows is a reminder of how Thailand used to be.
Shame about the coffee at breakfast ;)
But the change in tourism is clear. There are even a handful of girly bars in the small town now which tells you everything about the change in crowd. Lots more families too.
Tubtim still keeps its charm and still seems to be the place where the weekend gays come to hang out."
Tony Brown
"For me, Tub Tim Resort is the best choice on Koh Samet, mainly because of its location. The beach here is stunning and peaceful – much nicer than the nearby “party beach” with the famous bar. That one is fun to visit, especially on weekends, but definitely too loud to stay at. Tub Tim is also close enough to the island’s main tourist beach, with plenty of shops and bars, but it still feels far more relaxed and charming.
I highly recommend the beachfront villas on stilts – staying right by the sea was amazing and definitely the best option in the resort. The restaurant is another highlight: we tried other places nearby, but the food at the hotel restaurant was by far the best, with fair prices and a great atmosphere.
In short – beautiful, calm, and atmospheric. The perfect place to enjoy Koh Samet."
Artur Przygodzinski
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach Ao Tubtim (Ao Phutsa) on Koh Samet, you'll first need to get to Ban Phe Pier on the mainland. From there, take a ferry or speedboat to Koh Samet. Once on the island, you can take a taxi or songthaew to Ao Tubtim. Many visitors find it a short and scenic ride from the main pier.
Yes, Ao Tubtim is easily accessible. It's a short walk along the promenade to the main tourist beach with shops and bars, and a slightly longer walk (about 15 minutes) to a 7/11. Taxis and songthaews are readily available for longer distances.
The most popular ways to get around Koh Samet are by songthaew (shared taxis) and by renting a motorbike. For shorter distances around Ao Tubtim, walking is also a great option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically a national park entrance fee for Koh Samet, which you'll pay upon arrival on the island. Access to Ao Tubtim beach itself is generally free, especially if you are staying at the resort or visiting for the day.
Ao Tubtim Resort is open year-round. While there are no specific 'opening hours' for the beach, the resort's facilities like the restaurant and reception will have their operational times. It's best to check directly with the resort for specific service hours.
Yes, booking accommodation at Ao Tubtim Resort in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons. You can usually book through their website or popular online travel agencies.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Ao Tubtim, you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing on the beach. Water sports like jet skiing are available nearby, and you can also get massages directly on the beach. The resort offers comfortable bungalows and a great restaurant.
Yes, Ao Tubtim is considered a good place for families. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to some other beaches, with clean waters and comfortable accommodations. Many families enjoy the peaceful environment.
Ao Tubtim is known for its peaceful and charming atmosphere, offering a more relaxed vibe than the nearby 'party beach.' It retains an 'old school' feel with its wooden bungalows and is popular with families and those seeking tranquility.
Yes, while Ao Tubtim itself is secluded, you're a 5-minute walk along the promenade to a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. A 7/11 is about a 15-minute walk away for more convenience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The restaurant at Ao Tubtim Resort offers a wide variety of delicious dishes, known for generous portions, beautiful presentation, excellent service, and fair prices. They are particularly praised for their breakfast.
Within a 5-minute walk along the promenade, you'll find numerous restaurants and bars offering diverse cuisines. Fresh fruit and coconuts are also sold directly on the beach.
While not explicitly stated for all bookings, reviews highlight the exceptional breakfast at Ao Tubtim Resort, with special mention of attentive staff catering to dietary needs. It's worth confirming with your booking.
📸 📸 Photography
The beachfront villas on stilts offer iconic shots, especially at sunrise or sunset. The tranquil beach itself, with its clear waters and palm trees, provides beautiful scenery. Don't miss capturing the charming wooden bungalows.
Ao Tubtim offers lovely opportunities for sunset photos, with the calm waters reflecting the changing colors of the sky. The beachfront villas also add a picturesque element to sunset shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While Ao Tubtim offers a peaceful environment, it's good to know that essential amenities like a 7/11 are a short walk away, and there are plenty of other restaurants and shops nearby for convenience. The resort's beachfront villas are a special treat for families wanting to wake up right by the sea.
💑 Couples Seeking Romance
The tranquil atmosphere of Ao Tubtim beach provides a peaceful backdrop for romantic strolls. You can also indulge in relaxing beach massages together. The proximity to other areas means you can easily find lively bars for a sundowner if you wish, but Ao Tubtim itself offers the perfect serene escape.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
While beachfront villas might be a splurge, the resort also offers comfortable bungalows that provide a charming stay without breaking the bank. The ability to walk to nearby restaurants and shops also helps manage expenses. Renting a motorbike can be an economical way to explore the island further.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Ao Tubtim Resort
The resort's restaurant is consistently lauded as exceptional. Reviewers rave about the delicious food, generous portions, beautiful presentation, and fair prices. The breakfast, in particular, receives special mentions, with staff like Kanya noted for their attentiveness to dietary needs. This commitment to quality dining adds significantly to the overall guest experience, making it a preferred choice for many.
Beyond the resort itself, Ao Tubtim's location is a key draw. It offers a peaceful and stunning beach that serves as a perfect, tranquil counterpoint to the livelier nearby party beach. Yet, it remains conveniently close to the island's main tourist hub, providing easy access to shops, bars, and amenities within a short walk. This balance of seclusion and accessibility makes Ao Tubtim a unique and highly recommended destination.
Navigating Koh Samet's Beaches
While Ao Tubtim offers a peaceful retreat, it's not entirely isolated. A short stroll along the promenade connects you to areas with more activity, including restaurants, bars, and shops. This proximity allows visitors to enjoy the tranquility of Ao Tubtim while still having easy access to the island's amenities and entertainment options. For those seeking specific conveniences like a supermarket, a 7/11 is about a 15-minute walk away, providing a good balance for different needs.
Travelers often recommend choosing accommodation based on the desired experience. Staying at Ao Tubtim Resort provides direct access to its calm waters and excellent dining. For those who prefer a more active scene, exploring other beaches like Sai Kaew or Phai Beach might be more suitable, though Ao Tubtim is frequently cited as the best choice for a blend of beauty, peace, and charm.
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