Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park, Rayong, Thailand

Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park is a stunning natural area located in Rayong, Thailand. The park encompasses a diverse landscape, including Khao Laem Ya, a dramatic headland with panoramic views, and Ko Samet, a picturesque island renowned for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Key Features:

  • Khao Laem Ya: This rocky promontory offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding coastline and the Gulf of Thailand. Visitors can explore the area's hiking trails, admire the unique rock formations, and witness the vibrant marine life below.
  • Ko Samet: This island paradise boasts white-sand beaches, lush tropical vegetation, and a vibrant coral reef ecosystem. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, diving, and other water activities in this idyllic setting.
  • Biodiversity: The park is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including monkeys, deer, birds, and marine life. Visitors can observe these creatures in their natural habitat and learn about the park's conservation efforts.
  • Cultural Significance: The area holds historical and cultural significance, with evidence of ancient settlements and traditional fishing communities. Visitors can explore the park's cultural heritage through guided tours and interactive exhibits.

Visitor Information:

  • Entrance Fees: Admission fees apply for both Khao Laem Ya and Ko Samet.
  • Accommodation: A range of accommodation options are available, from campsites and bungalows to luxury resorts.
  • Activities: Visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and birdwatching.
  • Accessibility: The park is accessible by car, bus, and ferry.

Overall, Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park offers a unique and unforgettable experience for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and cultural enthusiasts alike.


The trip originated from a gathering of former college roommates. Feeling exhausted from their demanding jobs and longing to reconnect with friends they hadn't seen since graduation, they decided to embark on this trip.
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We departed at 8:00 AM and arrived at our accommodation at 4:00 PM (after getting lost). After checking in at the hotel, we drove to Khao Laem Ya National Park.


The nature trail along the beach will be the path for the nature study. After the walk, return to the accommodation, take a shower, and prepare to eat seafood for dinner.


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[ Journey ]

We traveled by private car, splitting the fuel cost with three friends, resulting in a cost of 150 baht per person.

Accommodation

"Coco Blue Apartment" at Mae Ramphueng Beach offers rooms for 700 baht per night, accommodating two guests per room. This translates to an average of 350 baht per person. The apartment features a dormitory-style layout, similar to rooms typically rented out by individual owners.

[ Food cost ]

[Day of arrival] Breakfast and lunch will be arranged individually. Dinner will be seafood, costing 500 baht per person.
[Day of departure] Breakfast will be served on the beach, consisting of pla thong ko and coffee. In the afternoon, there will be a return trip, with a stop for lunch at a cost of 50 baht.

Expense Summary

  • Transportation: 150 THB
  • Accommodation: 350 THB
  • Seafood: 500 THB
  • Snacks: 300 THB
  • Park entrance fee: 40 THB
  • Total expenses: 1340 THB

Location Details:
Embark on an unforgettable experience in Rayong's most renowned marine national park, the third officially declared marine national park in Thailand. It encompasses Koh Samet, Koh Chan, Koh Kudi, Koh Kham, Koh Kruai, Koh Plai Tin, Koh Taloo, and Koh Taikhangkhao. The highlight of this park is undoubtedly Koh Samet, which boasts numerous hotels, resorts, and restaurants catering to tourists. The island has a single road, a combination of concrete and dirt, where tourists can utilize songthaews (shared taxis) that run from the pier at the entrance to various beaches, ending at Ao Prakarang.

Directions to Khao Laem Ya National Park: From Sukhumvit Road, drive towards Mae Ramphueng Beach. At the end of the road, turn right and follow the signs for the park entrance. The road leading up to the park is narrow and steep, but the distance is not too long. Be cautious of oncoming traffic.

Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park

Opening hours: Daily Opening time: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM (For sunset viewing, it is recommended to arrive before 6:00 PM) Entrance fees:

  • Thai citizens: Adults 40 baht, Children 20 baht
  • Foreigners: Adults 200 baht, Children 100 baht

Additional information:

  • The park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and camping.
  • There are several restaurants and shops located within the park.
  • Visitors are advised to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water.

Further reading:

  • 9 Reasons Why You Should Travel Alone
  • Pattaya: A Trip to Sit and Reflect by the Sea
  • Bua Lotus Pond at Khao Sam Roi Yot, Pranburi
  • 6 Cafes to Check In at Hua Hin
  • A Solo Backpacker's Embrace of Nature at Khao Kiri Wong
  • Box Gallery Cat Cafe, Nakhon Pathom, near Silpakorn University

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The origin of this trip was a gathering of college roommates, seeking respite from work and a chance to reconnect after graduation.

Our departure was at 8:00 a.m., and we arrived at 4:00 p.m. (the journey was extended due to getting lost). Upon checking in at the hotel, we proceeded to the National Park. The nature trails along the beach accompanied our walk. After sightseeing and taking photographs, we returned to the hotel, showered, and prepared for a seafood dinner.


TOTAL COSTS:

Methodology:

- Private car with petrol shared among four people (150 THB/person)
- Hotel: "Coco Blue Apartment" at Mae Rum Phueng Beach (700 THB/room; 2 rooms booked = 350 THB/person)
- Food costs: approximately 800 THB/person (including 500 THB for seafood and 300 THB for other meals)
- National Park Entrance Fee: 40 THB/person
- Total cost: 1,340 THB

ATTRACTION DETAILS:

Khao Laem Ya – Mu Ko Samet National Park: A Paradise on the Eastern Coast

This 670-rai national park serves as the headquarters for Khao Laem Ya – Mu Ko Samet National Park. From the sunset viewpoint, visitors can witness breathtaking views of Mae Ramphueng Beach and Ko Samet. The park boasts several attractions, including Mae Ramphueng Beach, Khao Laem Ya, and the Samet Archipelago.

Ko Samet, the most renowned island, offers numerous private bungalows for accommodation. Camping is also permitted, with tents available for rent at B300-400 per person per night. Pitching your own tent incurs an additional fee of B20 per person per night.

Opening hours: Daily from 6am-6pm

Admission fees:

  • Thai citizens: B40 for adults, B20 for children
  • Foreigners: B200 for adults, B100 for children


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