No, it's not Ko Samui. It hasn't been mentioned anywhere on the Asia or Thailand postings. ---only a few hours from Bangkok by bus. Has anyone been there? can you recommend any hotels / bungalows ? I've seen lists in Lonely Planet and some suggestions from the Travelers Companion, but looking for someone who's been there or heard about it. Only one or two have websites. since I'm going high season, I can't leave it to chance as has been suggested for this island.

I went to Koh Samet many, many years ago. Its more popular with Thais than tourists. I think accomodations are still fairly cheap bungalows, no resorts that I know of. I'm surprised you can't find more info on it. Try doing a search on Koh Samet on this site.

Hi
stayed there quite recently. Very laid back. As above says, not really the resort kind of place. More simple bungalows. Island is a national park too.

Spelling can also vary - sometimes known as Ko Samed or Koh Samed.

Stayed here and it was clean and nice.
http://www.samedvilla.com/

Best thing about Koh Samet is how near it is from Bangkok - like Hua Hin only a few hours but more laid back then Hua Hin and IMO has some cleaner and emptier beaches. The Le Vimarn resort is luxury at a very affordable price. Pasting a bit from the Independent Oct Travel edition here for you :

"Set away from the bustle of Koh Samet's crystalline White Sand beach, the modish, comfortable bungalows at Sai Kaew Beach Resort (00 66 2 438 9771; www.aopraoresort.co) are a perfect place to watch the jaw-dropping sunsets. From 2,500 baht (£35) per night.

A two-hour spa package at the Le Vimarn resort on tiny Ao Prao beach, Koh Samet, should iron out any creases at 1,500 baht (£20).

Koh Samet has an awesome seafood restaurant on stilts called Ploy Samed (00 66 3 864 4188), set in the bay at Ao Klong beach. Ring the bell, they will send over a boat and you will soon be eating the freshest crab and shrimp. "

I stayed at the LeVimarn cottages 3 years ago and they were very nice. If you are looking for higher end accommodations I would suggest it. Check out the website: http://www.aopraoresort.com/

Then navigate to LeVimarn cottages. Koh Samed is a nice little island with surprisingly clear water for being so near to Bangkok and the Rayong manufacutring plants.

I was there in 1994 and I remember the sand being so soft that it felt like flour..I thought it was beautiful..We did not stay over night, we spent a full day. I still have my tacky t shirt and shorts that say Ko Samet on them...(they are really tacky!!)

Koh Samet gets very busy at weekends, it is far more popular with Thai people and local residents. It is 'starting' to get busier in a way that Koh Chang has, last time we went it was just for the day to see some friends staying, I think it's a nice island, very laid back, if were on Thai language sites you would find it's very popular. le Vimarn good, Saikaew is a mid price bungalow place,

Try this for a list of places,
www.beachsiam.com/koh_samet.html


For those looking for the upper range a new place has opened in the US$ 300+ range and that's the Paradeee resort.
http://www.r24.org/beachsiam.com/ray...adee/pictures/

Many Samet places also listed as Rayong ( mainland area ):


http://rayong.sawadee.com/

Also you should find far more on Yahoo especially Yahoo Asia as Yahoo 'does' list a lot of Thailaind based websites that don't get listed on 'other search engines' (!!)

You've all helped a lot. I was about to start a new search on Koh Chang out of frustration. The latest guide books are not in love with Ko Samet, especially lonely Planet. --rubbish around, very noisy, backpacker / party interests

bkkmei--I had finally settled on Samed Villa, wrote them and received response that they're renovating and building a new restaurant. Sai Kaew Villa ratings refer to it as overpriced

James A--I find your input great on every posting I click. Since you know both Koh Chang and Ko Samet which would you recommend--I'm an active senior, traveling alone after a group Thailand tour, want beautiful beach, hiking and snorkeling if possible, good inexpensive food , alive but not crowded (as Sai Kaew beach has been described in Samet). Of course, crowded is relative. AND not more than $20/$25. I'd take a bus to Samet, but fly RT to Chang.Any input welcomed. Oh yes, from a quick look at Chang, it seems that when you leave your hotel, you require some transportation other than feet, to get to restaurants. Did I read this right? I know it's all in walking distance in Samet, a very small island.'
Thanks for all your input everyone. I'll check back for advice. Going just prior to Dec. holidays, I have to make reservations now.

I left out of last comment---Samed Villa , because of renovations , wasn't taking reservation--I can't take the chance on walk-in.

I have been Koh Samet Rayong many time.. Almost every weekend so far..

It is not far from Bangkok. Only 3-4 hr to get there. The last boat to get to the island is around 6 pm everyday. otherwise u can get Speed Boat 24hr service..

I always stay at Vong Duean Beach. It is a middle beach of island.. You can walk to visit another beach in the north and south easy..It is a nice walk actully..

The beach is cool...many beach activities if u would like to.. Jet Ski, Banana Boat, Valley Ball even snorkel and scuba dive the small island over there also good..

The night life over there was cool as well. Bar on the beach that u can drink and chill out on the beach.. even u would like to dance.. beach is a big dance floor actually

My favorite bar is Bay Watch Bar. I think it is a coolest bar in this beach...Good music, great cocktails..

check thier website and sign in the guestbook. if u r lucky u will get a free cocktail (I got it.. hehehe) www.baywatchbar.tk

any info that i can help plz feel free to email me Cheers!