| If you seek tranquillity, there's a fishing village tucked away on Koh Samet in Ban
Phe, Rayong District. Many who have been there say it's the closest you can get to Heaven on Earth. |
| One would run out of superlatives in describing Koh Samet, a quaint resort
of incredible serenity. The golden, untrodden sand lining the virtual virgin beaches are a sight to behold, and the swaying
palm trees conceal the tiny clusters of wood and bamboo bungalows dotting the edge of the beach. |
Ko Samet
Occasionally a few people bob in the white-tipped waves, which spill onto the unmarked beaches. |
| The resort is ideal for those wishing to sunbathe, swim, snorkel, eat and drink, especially so if
you have just arrived from bustling Bangkok. |
Here you can also-on your own or with your loved one-turn your back on the past with a quiet stroll
on the beach and do whatever comes naturally as if time doesn't move at all. |
| There are no discos or raucous bars on Koh Samet to disturb the natural peace. The resort is simply
meant for those seeking solitude and relaxation. That's the way it is, and that's precisely how it will-or should -remain,
at least for the time being. |
Eating on Koh Samet means a feast at very reasonably-priced restaurants, located almost on the beach.
During high tide, the waves lap around your feet while your attention is torn away from the evening meal, and your eyes
are focused on a star - studded sky. |
 Among
the main beaches in the area are Haad Sai Koa, Tawan, Ao Prao and Wong Duen.
converted fishing boat |
The jumping off point for Koh Samet is Ban Phe where the coaches terminate their journey. There,
countless people wait to offer travellers a ride at Bt. 30 per person on fishing boats, which have been converted for
passenger use. Then it's along the wooden jetty and a hop onto the boat with plenty of helping hands to ease passengers
and their luggage safely on board. The journey takes about 30 min. to the village on the island and 45 min. to the rest
of the beaches. Because there are no landing piers, you step into the warm, shallow water when you arrive, which is quite
a pleasure, too.
|
| The island has been designated a national park. This means that no investors can encroach even with
a lot of hard cash and high - rise hotels. This being the case, this little island resort will hopefully remain the "
Heaven on Earth" where those seeking solace and privacy will have the pleasure of strolling on sand resembling talcum
powder, and enjoy the vista and wonders of nature. |
