General Information
Sparkling white sand and cliffs from an azure sea the archipelago of Same Island is the setting that inspired classical Thai
poet, Sunthorn Phu, to write his most famous epic: Phra Aphai Manee, a story of
princes, sages, mermaids and giants That was 150 years ago, and today you can still enjoy the magical qualities of Samet and surrounding
areas. In 1981, the Royal Forest department declared the archipelago of Samet, the headland of Khao Laem Ya and 11 kilometer of Mae Ramphueng Beach to be a national
park. Samet island group comprises of several islands i.e. Ko Kudi, Ko Kruai, Ko Ma
Kham, Ko Ma Kham, Ko Plai Tin, Ko Thaiu and Ko Chan [Ko means island]. One has itsown uniqueness which visitors should not
miss.
Located 200 kilometers southeast of Bangkok in Rayong province, Khao Laem Ya Mu Ko Samet National Park covers 131 square kilometers of land and
sea, and is an easy destination for Bangkokians and world travelers alike. Most come to relax and enjoy the
beaches, but opportunities exist for more adventurous: hiking trails and exploring
reefs.
Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet is a coastal area and island national park. It is located at seaside of Eastern Thai
Gulf. Topography of the area is made of granite mountain around Plet and Laem Ya
mountain. Samet island is made of mountains and hills such as Kra Jom mountain. The area in the east of the island is highly sloped while in the east is less
sloped. Beaches lie continuously from bay to bay all around the island. The area in the middle of the island is
hilly. People settle in the plain near the coast and most villagers live in the north and the east of the
island. There are another three small islands at the southern tip of the island, Ko Chan
(moon island), Ko San Chalam (shark fin island) and Hin Khao (White rock). Other 8 islands near the shore in the park boundary are Ko Plai Tin
(foot tip island), Ko Klet Chalam (Shark scale island), Ko Makham (Tamarind
island), Ko Kruai (Cone island), Ko Kudi (Monks Chamber island), Ko Thai Khang Kkao
(Bat bottom island), Ko Talu (Hole island) and Ko Yung Kluea (Salt silo island).
Climate
Normally, Cool and dry weather starts from mid October to February. Average temperature all year is 28oC. Minimum temperature in average is 20.oC in
December. Maximum temperature in average is 33 oC in April. Average rainfall all year is 1,339
mm. Minimum average rainfall in December is 4 mm and maximum rainfall in September is 255
mm. Average relative humidity all year is 77%. During December to January average wind velocity is 5 knot and maximum wind velocity is 50
knot.
Flora and Fauna
Plant distribution in Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park varies depending on topography which can be classified as
follow.
Dry Evergreen Forest which is majority of vegetation type can be found almost everywhere both on island and the
mainland. Flora found here include Cansjera rheedei, Cleistanthus helferi, Memecylon cyaneum and Wrightia arborea
etc.
Beach Forest is home to some wild flora thrived on beach. Plant and tree species generally found here are
dwarf, branched and has short twig and thick leave such as Thespesia
populneoides, Streblus asper, Xylocarpus rumphii and Terminalia catappa etc.
Wildlife From the survey wildlife can be classified as;
Mammals : Mammal found here such as Treeshrew, Flying Fox, Crab-eating Macaque
etc.
Birds : At least 118 bird species are recorded from the survey in the national
park. Some species found here are Black-winged Stilt, Plover, Sandpiper etc.
Reptiles : The survey has confirmed at least 15 species such as Spiny-tailed House
Gecko, Flat-tailed Gecko, Tockay, Butterfly Lizard etc.
Amphibians : There are only 4 species of amphibians confirmed in the park such as
Toad, House Tree Frog, Painted Bullfrog etc.
Coral reefs are the underwater equivalent to tropical rainforests in terms of species
diversity, complexity and fragility. They support an intricate interdependent web of coastal
ecology. In addition to their intrinsic value, coral reefs and sea grass beds provide invaluable habitat for a multitude of organisms including some economically important
species. Exploring this exquisite undersea world is easy to do without having adverse effects on the local environment Wildlife includes monitor
lizards, long tailed macaques and variable squirrels. Ko Thalu harbors a colony of large fruit eating
bats, sometimes refered to as flying foxes. A variety of birds including several species of nesting
terns, herons and hornbills reside seasonally or year round in the park. Though sea turtles rarely nest on the
beaches, they have in the past and still are known to frequent park waters.
Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet National Park
The main attraction has traditionally been a series of sculpted coves on the east shore of Samet Island which offers a variety of privately run accommodation on splendidly scenic
beaches. Numerous restaurants serve Thai, Chinese and Continental cuisine. There are may beaches and bays on this island
eg. Sai Kaeo Beach, Phai Bay, Thapthim bay, Cho Bay, Wong Duean Bay, Thian Bay, Wai
Bay, Kio Nok Bay, and Pakarang Bay. On the west coast, there are only two bays namly Phrao Bay and Kio Noi
Bay.
Samet Island is the largest island in this group which has about 6 km long north to south and covering approximately 9
sq.km. lts name came from Samet tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia) that found on a swamp near Sai Kaeo
Beach. For a more rustic approach, there is a National Park campground on kudi
Island. In addition to tents, visitors need to provided food supplies and arrange transportation to and from the
island. There is a loop nature trail for walking around this island which shorter than 1
km. It take about half an hour to walk on this trail so that visitors can admire the nature and exercise for their fitness as
well. Thalu Island is a popular destination for a day trip is not available able for overnight
guests.
Mae Rum Peung Beach
Mae Rum Peung Beach is white sandy beach on the mainland. Mae Rum Peung beach is the longest beach on the eastern side of
Rayong. The beach is slightly inclined and is situated in Khao Laem Ya-Koh Samet national
park. 12 km of sandy beach has made it an ideal place for holiday making. The beach is about 6 kms from Ban
Pe, around 9 kms from the hi-way no. 2 and about 500 metres from the park
headquarter.
Laem Ya Monutain and Pret Mountain
Laem Ya Monutain and Pret Mountain are a small laterite hill covering the area of 1.09
sq.km. Forests cover the southern cape that project into the sea. Spectacular scenery of curvy and sandy beaches can be viewed afar from the mountain top by looking into the
west. Samet Island and another two small islands lie in the west right in front from the
lookout. Looking to the east, small bay with spacious sandy beach and some rocks in crystal clear water can be
seen.
Samet Island
Samet Island is a largest island of the national park. It covers the area of 6.72 sq.km and is located about 6 kilometers from Ban Phe. Samet Island is famous for its fine and whitish beach. Sun Thon Phu, a legendary Thai Poet, refer to this beach as amazing crystal beach comparing the beach that as fine as crystal. Samet Island has taken its name from the local tree species commonly found on the island called Samet both white and red species. There are many natural attractions on the island due to abundance of beautiful beaches and
bays.
Klang Bay
Klang Bay is in the north of the Samet Island and can be viewed from mainland at Ban Phe. The bay has 1 km of long white and sandy beach. It is an area for tourist boat parking. The famous Sai Kaeo Beach is located in north-eastern of the island about 300 metres from Samet village. It's a gorgeous beach in the park.
Wong Duean Bay is located in central area on the eastern side of the island. The shape of bay looks like crescent. It is a 500 meters long white and sandy beach, located 1.5 km from Sai Kaeo Beach. It takes no more than 20 minutes of walking time that would pass Phai Bay and Cho Bay to this peaceful Wong Duean
Bay.
Wai Bay, Kio Bay, Toei Bay, Thian Bay, Phai Bay and Phrao Bay
They are suitable sites for observing coral reef because the coral lies near the shore and every bay has beautiful beach especially Kio
Bay.
Kudi Island
Kudi Island is one of the island in Sun Thon Phus literature (Sun Thon Phu is a Thai legendary Poet). It is situated on the east of Samet Island about 6 kilometers from the mainland, 8.5 kilometers from the park headquarters. The island covers the area of 0.16 square kilometers Two surrounding islands are Thai Khang Khao Island and Tham Ruesi Island. Kudi Island is a location for Ranger Station 3 (Ko Kudi). The island is full of serenity with beautiful beaches. Nin Mangkon Cliff on the steep rock in the south is a good place to look over wide ranging scenery. Coral reef is found around the island made it suitable site for snorkeling and
camping.
Kruai Island, Makham Island and Plaitin Island
Kruai Island, Makham Island and Plaitin Island are island group located about 600 metres in the north of Kudi island. Kruai Island, Makham Island are connected by beach and cays in low tide. Plaitin Island is about 400 metres from Kruai Island, Makham Island. Sand Dunes and beautiful coral reef are found surrounding Makham Island and Plaitin
Island.
Chan Island
Chan Island is a smallest island in the national park and located in the most southern part. It offers a good lookout and popular sites for scuba
diving.
Talu Island
Talu Island is situated about 6km from Kudi Island. The outstanding feature is the unique form of the island that given its name. In the north, rocky cliff project out in the sea look like natural bridge. The sea current runs through the hole underneath the bridge. White and sandy beaches are found in the east and the south in which two areas are excellent for camping. Large coral reef is found in underwater world surrounding Ko Talu especially in front of the beach. This made it a great site for snorkeling and scuba diving. The island is also home to Terns and Flying-Fox that found living in large
number.
Hin Khao Island
Hin Khao Island is a small island. There is submerged rock in the north-eastern of Samet island. Rocks found on the island are all creamy white. This rock is a nesting site for Terns. Visitors can snorkel and scuba dive at the
site.
Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet National Park Contact Address
Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet National Park
79, Mu 1, Ban Kon Ao, Hat Mae Ramphueng-Phe rd, Phe Sub-district, Amphur Muang Rayong Rayong Thailand 21160 Tel. 0 3865 2136 Fax 0 3865 3034 E-mail reserve@dnp.go.th
How to go? By Car
From Bangkok to Rayong take the hi-way no.3, Sukhumvit road, taking about 220 kms. Alternatively, take hi-way no.36 which come from hi-way no.3 at km.136. This will shorten the distance about 35 kms. Once you are in Rayong city continue for another 12 kms, turn right at km 231. Follow the road for 2 kms to get to Ban Phe. The boat jetty to Ko Samet is located here.
On Samet island, there is only one road which used to be just a walkway. This road is 6 km long and started from the north of Thap Thim Bay passing Anodat pool to Sai Kaeo beach. The distance from Ban Samet to Sai Kaeo beach is about 800 metres.
By Ship
Getting to Samet island by boat starts at Ban Phe Jetty. There are three public jetties for boats that carry from 10 up to100 people. It takes about 30 minute to travel to the island. Boat service is available from 6.00 am to 5.00 pm. The boat fee costs 50 bath/trip/person. You can also hire the private boat and negotiate for the price. Three Jetties on the island are Island Head jetty, Wong Duean Bay jetty (eastern side) and Phrao Bay jetty (western side). Some operators located in smaller bay also do have speed boat service to transport tourists from Ban Phe to their own resorts
By Bus
From Bangkok to Ban Phe, there is public bus service, both window and air-condition type, available every hour from 5.00 am to 8.30 pm, starting from Eastern Bus Terminal (Aekamai) at Sukhumvit road.