Calling all backpackers, adventurers, and budget travelers! Join us on an off-the-beaten-path island getaway that's both challenging and relaxing. Yes, you read that right! Get ready for an unforgettable adventure. Let's go!

The challenge for this escape is:

I want to swim in the crystal-clear blue sea.

I want to go diving and see the fish and coral reefs.

I want to lie down and listen to the wind and watch the beach.

I want to charge my life battery to full tank.

(It doesn't rhyme, lol)

Now, I'm choosing from the many islands in Thailand, but I've heard the reputation of "Samae San Island" that the sea is very beautiful and clear. There are many activities such as one-day trip, diving, snorkeling, kayaking and many more. Wow, it's interesting. Another thing is that it's in Chonburi, near Bangkok. It saves a lot of time and travel expenses. Oh, Samae San Island, I choose you!!!!

Before we go, let's study the information before going to Samae San Island. According to various sources, Pantip, various blogs, Samae San Island website, we can summarize as follows:

• Samae San Island is located in Sattahip District, Chonburi Province. It is an island in the Plant Genetic Conservation Project initiated by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. This makes the island a conservation-based tourist attraction with many activities for tourists to do.
• The ticket sales location for Samae San Island is the Thai Marine Science Museum, located at Ao Samae San. If you come from Sattahip fresh market, there will be a blue songthaew, I repeat, blue, with a sign on the side of the car that says Sattahip-Ao Samae San. It will take you to the ticket sales location. It's great.
• The staff will start distributing queue numbers at 6:00 AM onwards to be the queue for buying boat tickets.
• Once you have a queue number, the staff will start selling boat tickets at 8:00 AM, calling according to the queue number.
• There are 3 rounds of boats to Samae San Island: 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM (each boat can accommodate about 100-200 people).
• The pier to Samae San Island is Khao Ma Jor Pier, which is the same pier as the boat to Koh Kham (but the ticket sales are in different places).

Okay, we know the basic information. Let's go!!!

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Let's Take a Day Trip to Ko Samet - Stay at Sattahip Hostel

Starting with a van ride to Sattahip, we took the Sattahip Phetcharungreung van. We boarded at the Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, Platform 3, Ticket Booth 24. The fare was 155 baht. The first van leaves at 4:00 AM, but we were 10 minutes late, so we had to wait for the next one at 5:00 AM.

* **Tip:** If you are traveling during the holidays, it is recommended to arrive at the first round at 4:00 AM to get a queue ticket for the 6:00 AM round, as other people arrive as early as dawn.

* **Tip:** Tell the driver that you are going to Ko Samet Sar. They will drop you off at Km 6, which is near the Ao Samet Sar, where the Thai Marine Science Museum is located. You need to buy tickets there and then take a blue songthaew to the island.

Shortly after, the staff announced the start of ticket sales. Adult tickets cost 300 baht each. We got tickets for the 10:00 AM boat and had to wait at the Khao Ma Jor pier at 9:45 AM.

Checking the clock, there was still plenty of time, so we decided to refuel at a rice shop. No need to worry about getting hungry, as there are convenience stores and rice shops open to serve tourists. After we were full, we walked to the pier...

....The atmosphere on the way to Khao Ma Jo Pier was incredibly lively....

It's time to board the ship!

====Ride the waves====

After a 10-minute journey, we finally arrived at Koh Saemsan. The boat will dock at Haad Thian beach.

Upon arrival, military personnel will provide a detailed briefing on the island's regulations and restrictions. Visitors are welcome to leave their belongings with the soldiers or utilize the available lockers, free of charge.

Koh Saemsan will be open for tourists to visit and participate in activities on two beaches:

Tien Beach and Luk Lom Beach (the highlight of this place).

There will be a shuttle service between the two beaches throughout the day.

In the meantime, let's take some pictures of Tien Beach.

This angle is the signature of Haad Thian, it's so beautiful.

Next, we will participate in various activities to find round balls.

The distance from Haad Thian to Haad Look Lom is about 1 kilometer, and it takes only 5 minutes to walk there.

And here we are at Haad Look Lom! I have to say that it's even more beautiful in person.

The sand is soft and white, and the water is incredibly clear and blue.

I can't believe that it only takes 2 hours and 30 minutes from Bangkok to get to such a beautiful beach. It's definitely exceeded my expectations.

Get your cameras ready, because you're going to want to use them all! The photographer is ready, the model is ready, let's go!

Upon reaching this area, you will find a designated relaxation zone for tourists. Here, you can rent canvas chairs and mats. This is also the central point where tourists must register and reserve time slots for various activities. The staff will announce your name when your turn arrives, so you don't need to worry about missing out on any activities. Regardless of how many activities you sign up for, you are guaranteed to experience them all.

Additionally, there are food vendors on the beach, so you don't have to lug your food from the mainland.

Activities on the Island

The following activities are available on the island:

• Snorkeling: Explore the coral reefs for 20 baht (including snorkeling equipment).
• Glass-bottom boat tour: View the coral reefs from a glass-bottom boat for 20 baht.
• Kayaking: Rent a kayak for 100 baht per hour (or 50 baht for 30 minutes) and paddle around the island.
• Other activities: Beach volleyball and other activities are also available.

We opted for the glass-bottom boat first. Let's board the boat.

The day we went, our luck wasn't so good. The soldiers told us there were underwater currents, so the water was murky and we couldn't see the coral reefs very clearly.

Next, we went diving. This activity lasted 30 minutes, and the soldiers took us by boat to the middle of the sea, which is the most beautiful spot and perfect for diving.

Unfortunately, we didn't bring an underwater camera, so we don't have any pictures to show our friends. What a shame! We saw so many clownfish. Anyway, it's better to see it with your own eyes. It's amazing!

Then, we went to a viewpoint, which required a short hike of about 1 kilometer. It wasn't too steep, but my legs were cramping the whole time. Ouch!

But when we reached the top, let me tell you, it was worth it! Wow!

Time flies, and our fun-filled day at the beach has come to an end. As the saying goes, happiness always seems to pass by quickly, just like our TOT holiday.

We opted for the last ferry back, departing at 4:00 PM, requiring us to return to the boat at Haad Thian Beach.

While waiting, we amused ourselves by collecting seashells.

Found a sea maple (imagination)

....Capture the moment as the boat circles around the pavilion of peace....

We also encountered wild boars who seemed to be escorting us. 555

The boat circled around and around, waiting for us. Finally, it came to pick us up.

....Goodbye Koh Samet, we're glad we chose you....

Next, we will head to the trendy Sattahiptale Boutique Guesthouse & Hostel.

If you are coming from Koh Samet, there will be two blue songthaews waiting in front of the ticket museum. Would you like a VIP ride? The fare is 30 baht.

The accommodation is located in the heart of Sattahip city, close to the Sattahip fresh market, 7-Eleven, BiG C, and surrounded by numerous food options.

The front of the accommodation looks like this: (insert image) The signature feature is the yellow car.

We had to go up to the second floor to check in with the owner of the accommodation, and then we went to our room.

The room we booked was the "ต้นกล" room, which is a room for two people.

The room is equipped with a bed, a table, a TV, a refrigerator, and a private bathroom. However, due to the clutter and mess, we decided to show you a picture of the room when it is clean and tidy.

It looks something like this...

It has a slightly hipster vibe. If you like a hipster, chill atmosphere, similar to staying on a boat, this place will give you that feeling.

By the way, there's a bar upstairs with a great atmosphere. Enjoy a cold beer and relax with friends. Oh, it's so blissful! But we only came here as a couple, and we're tired from playing in the water on the island. Let's go to sleep. zZ

But we've saved some pictures from this morning to share with you.....

The stairs are so steep, I feel bad for anyone who gets cramps. TOT

But once I got to the bar, the cramps went away immediately!!!

....Turning back to the bar zone, it's something like this....

For those interested in accommodation, you can find more details at

Facebook Sattahiptale Boutique Guesthouse & Hostel.

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That's it for our hip One Day Trip@Koh Saemsan with a mini-review of the hip accommodation, Sattahiptale.

Let's summarize the expenses for this trip.

1. Minivan fare from Bangkok to Sattahip: 155 baht

2. The fare for a shared taxi to Chumphon Port is 30 baht.

3. Cooked-to-order food on the shore costs 45 baht.

4. The ticket price for Koh Samet Island is 300 baht.

5. Glass-bottom boat ride: 20 baht

6. Coral reef diving fee: 50 baht

7. Food on the island (instant noodles) 20 baht

8. Mat rental fee: 20 baht

The fare for a songthaew to Sattahip Fresh Market is 30 baht.

The miscellaneous dinner expenses amounted to 300 baht.

11. Accommodation fee: 750 baht (1500/2)

12. The cost of a return trip to Bangkok is 145 baht.

Total: 1,865 Baht.

The original text is in Thai and describes the beauty of Koh Samet, an island near Bangkok. The author encourages readers to explore hidden gems closer to home instead of always seeking faraway destinations. They also express their excitement for future adventures.

Here's the translated text:

This in-depth review, though lengthy, aims to provide valuable information for those interested in exploring the hidden beauty of Koh Samet, a stunning island close to Bangkok. Often, we overlook the wonders near us while searching for distant experiences. Perhaps, the next adventure you seek lies closer than you think.

Stay tuned for more exciting escapades!

A Nayon Escape