Is Koh Samet overcrowded?

Koh Samet is genuinely popular with Bangkok residents, particularly on weekends and Thai public holidays — Hat Sai Kaew beach at the north end can be very busy. The southern beaches (Ao Nuan, Ao Kiu) are significantly quieter and more peaceful. Weekday visits are calmer.

When is Rayong fruit season?

Durian, mangosteen, and rambutan ripen roughly May to July in Rayong. Roadside stalls along Highway 36 sell directly from the orchards at excellent prices — a fraction of Bangkok supermarket costs. Rayong durian has a particularly devoted following among Thai food enthusiasts.

Is Koh Samet inside a national park?

Yes — the entire island is part of Khao Laem Ya / Koh Samet National Park. There is a 300 baht entry fee payable at the pier. The park status has helped preserve the beaches and forest but development on the island predates the park designation.

Rayong Province Guide — Koh Samet Island, Fruit Season & Eastern Thailand

About Rayong Province

Rayong is the fruit province of eastern Thailand — home to the famous Rayong durian, mangosteen, and rambutan orchards that ripen each May and June. But the province also contains Koh Samet, a popular island national park with white sand beaches just 200 km from Bangkok, making it one of the capital's most accessible weekend beach escapes. Rayong's industrial zone (part of the Eastern Economic Corridor) surrounds the northern part of the province, while the southern coast has largely been preserved with national park status protecting the beaches.

Key facts

Population: 741,524 (2020)
Area: 3,552 km²
Density: 209 / km²
Districts: 8
Capital: Rayong
ISO code: TH-21
Airport: U-Tapao International Airport (UTP)

All 8 districts

Ban Chang · Ban Khai · Khao Chamao · Klaeng · Mueang Rayong · Nikhom Phatthana · Pluak Daeng · Wang Chan

Top Highlights

Koh Samet
white-sand island national park, Bangkok's most popular weekend beach
Fruit orchards
Rayong durian, mangosteen, and rambutan season from May to June
Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park
waterfalls and limestone caves inland
Ban Phe fishing village
ferry point to Koh Samet, fresh seafood markets

Getting There

Buses from Bangkok's Eastern Terminal (Ekkamai) to Ban Phe (Koh Samet ferry point) take 3–3.5 hours. By car, Rayong is about 2.5 hours from Bangkok on Highway 36. Ferries to Koh Samet from Ban Phe take 30–40 minutes. Note: Koh Samet is a national park and charges a 300 baht entry fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources

Facts on this page last checked 1 August 2026.

1.Q335221 — population, area, districts, coordinates — Wikidata (Wikidata), retrieved 1 August 2026
2.Background reading — Wikipedia (Wikipedia), retrieved 1 August 2026Linked for context; no text is reproduced from it.
3.Official provincial website — Provincial administration (Official source), retrieved 1 August 2026

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Factual claims on this page are sourced and dated. Where something could not be verified, we say so rather than guessing.

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About Rayong Province

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

Facts on this page last checked 1 August 2026.

1.Q335221 — population, area, districts, coordinates — Wikidata (Wikidata), retrieved 1 August 2026

2.Background reading — Wikipedia (Wikipedia), retrieved 1 August 2026Linked for context; no text is reproduced from it.

3.Official provincial website — Provincial administration (Official source), retrieved 1 August 2026