The Cocoon Hostel’s Complete Koh Samet Island Map Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive island guide! We’ve mapped out all our favorite spots on our Koh Samet map to help you experience the island like a local. Whether you’re here to work remotely from a beachside cafe, meet fellow travelers over sunset drinks, or discover the island’s hidden gems, this guide has you covered.

How to Use The Interactive Koh Samet Map

We’ve created an interactive Google My Maps guide that you can access on your phone or computer. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Accessing the Map

• On Desktop: Click the map below to open it in a new tab
• On Mobile: Click the square icon in the top right corner to make the map full screen, then tap the map title at the bottom to bring up the layer toggle menu

Using the Map Features

1. Layer Toggle: Click the menu icon (☰) on the left side to show/hide different categories (Restaurants, Bars, Activities, etc.)
2. Get Directions: Click on any pin, then tap “Directions” to navigate from your current location
3. Save for Offline Use: In the Google Maps app, you can download the Koh Samet area for offline access
4. Star Your Favorites: Click the star icon on any location to save it to your personal “Saved” list in Google Maps

Pro Tips

• Filter by Category: Use the layer menu to focus on what you’re looking for (e.g., only show “Coffee Shops” when looking for breakfast)
• Share with Friends: Click the share button to send specific locations to your travel companions
• Check Opening Hours: Many locations have hours listed – tap the pin for details
• Read Our Notes: Each pin includes insider tips from Nick and May to help you get the best experience

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🍴 Budget-Friendly Restaurants

For more budget-friendly dining, explore our local food guide.

1. Ple Restaurant

• Category: Thai / Made-to-Order
• Note: Aharn tham sang restaurant. Try the pad grapow with fried egg (80 baht). Short walk from hostel.

2. Unnamed Isaan Restaurant (opposite Ple)

• Category: Thai / Isaan
• Note: Authentic Isaan cuisine. Try laap moo or laap gai (60-80 baht). Closes around 8pm.

3. Sea Queen

• Category: Thai / Seafood / Restaurant with Views
• Note: Hotel restaurant with pool and sea views. Try ancient fried rice – khao pad boran (80 baht).

4. เตี๋ยวเจ้แหม่ม (Tiew Jae Maem) – Noodle Shop

• Category: Thai / Noodles
• Note: Local noodle spot. Try pork noodle soup with tom yum (100 baht). Open at night.

5. Tip Samed Restaurant

• Category: Thai / Vegetarian Options
• Note: Huge menu with excellent vegetarian selection. Around 100 baht per dish.

6. Banana Bar

• Category: Thai / Curry Specialist
• Note: Family-run curry spot. Try pork massaman curry (130-150 baht). Opens around 4pm.

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just love plant-based food, our guide to vegetarian dining on Koh Samet has you covered—including Tip Samed and Banana Bar!

7. Koh Samet Food Court

• Category: Food Court / Multiple Vendors
• Note: Open-air food court with cocktail bar. Multiple stalls, 60-100 baht per dish.

8. Food Stalls Near the Temple

• Category: Street Food / Local
• Note: 4-5 stalls with local dishes. May’s favorite spot. Very cheap (50-70 baht). No English menus.

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🥐 Coffee & Breakfast Shops

To find out more about coffee and breakfast spots on Koh Samet you can read our full guide here.

1. La Moon Cafe (Lamoon Cafe)

• Category: Cafe / Coffee / Breakfast
• Note: Just 50m from Na Dan Pier – perfect first stop after boat. Minimal white and wood decor, air-con indoor seating + outdoor. Great latte and desserts. Full menu of drinks, cakes, and light meals. Budget-friendly. Open daily 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM.

2. Ziggy Cafe

• Category: Cafe / Coffee / Breakfast
• Note: Excellent breakfast spot. Known for Full English Breakfast, salmon and avocado on toast, and yogurt-based breakfast options. Great coffee. Popular with hostel guests.

3. Jump at Sea

• Category: Cafe / Coffee / Breakfast / Western Food
• Note: On path to Sai Kaew Beach. Brown wood tones with green trees, garden-like atmosphere. Best coffee on island according to many reviews. 1940s-50s Sinatra-era music. Latte art, excellent cakes, smoothies, fresh breakfast. Indoor air-con + outdoor seating. Remove shoes when entering. Higher prices but quality justifies it. Must-try croissants and peppermint chocolate.

4. Brown Cabin Chocolate Cafe (at Baan Ploy Sea Resort)

• Category: Cafe / Chocolate / Coffee / Desserts
• Note: Hidden cafe at Baan Ploy Sea on Noi Na Beach. Set among lush tropical woods and rose garden. Chocolate lover’s paradise – variety of chocolate drinks. Also serves barista coffees, herbal cold brew teas, freshly baked desserts. One of most instagrammable spots on island.

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🍽️ Treat Yourself Dinner Spots

1. Winkks Beach Club (at Sai Kaew Beach Resort)

• Category: Beach Club / Fine Dining / Entertainment
• Note: Luxurious beachfront dining with Balinese-style decor in white and blue tones. Thai and international comfort cuisine including fresh seafood, truffle pizza, drunken noodles, soft shell crab. Daily fire shows at 7:30pm, live music Fri & Sat nights. Beautiful beachside atmosphere with indoor air-con and outdoor seating. Western-level prices but worth it for the setting. Open 11am-11pm. Perfect for special occasions.

2. Reef Bar & Restaurant (at Samed Tamarind Beach Resort)

• Category: Beachfront Restaurant / Italian & Thai / Cocktail Bar
• Note: Right on the beach with stunning ocean views. Excellent Italian and Thai food. Wood-fired pizzas, Australian beef fillet, fresh seafood. Handcrafted cocktails with Thai ingredients. Breakfast buffet. Romantic beachside setting. Not overpriced for the quality. Connected to Tamarind Beach Resort.

3. Kitt & Food

• Category: Thai Restaurant / Seafood / Beachside
• Note: Very traditional Thai restaurant right on the beach. Excellent fresh seafood. Great beachside location. Authentic local flavors.

4. Sangthian Beach Resort Restaurant (Sang Tien Resort)

• Category: Seafood Restaurant / Live Entertainment
• Note: Private beach location with spectacular fire show and live acoustic band EVERY night. Seafood restaurant with cocktail bar. Superb view overlooking Ao Thian Beach. Perfect for relaxing dinner with entertainment. One of the best fire shows on the island. Great for a special night out with guaranteed entertainment.

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🍺 Bars & Nightlife

If you’re curious about the best spots to unwind or party, dive into our local’s guide to Koh Samet’s nightlife. Need more recommendations? Just ask us at The Cocoon Hostel reception!

1. Lima Bar

• Category: Beach Bar / Live Music
• Note: On Sai Kaew Beach. Pool table, bar games, live music. Try the pizza. Ask for bartender Po. Great for day and night.

2. Hay Haa Bar (listed as Bay Baa Bar on Google Maps)

• Category: Beach Bar / Fire Shows
• Note: Best spot for nightly fire shows. DJ after fire show. Owner Rin is a friend of The Cocoon.

3. Gecko Bar

• Category: Bar / Club / Fire Shows
• Note: Neon paint and trippy decor. Dance floor, pool table, games with prizes. Fire shows on select nights. Sells laughing gas. Lively atmosphere.

4. Nicky Bar

• Category: Bar / Modern
• Note: Newer spot owned by Nicky (fire dancer from Gecko). Built around unique rock formation. Pool table, cocktails, relaxed vibe. Good alternative to Gecko.

5. Silver Sand (at SilverSand Hotel, Ao Phai Beach)

• Category: Beach Bar / Dance / Nightclub Vibe
• Note: Unofficial gay bar. Beachside dance floor – closest to nightclub on island. Busiest on weekends. Energy picks up around midnight. Near Gecko and Nicky Bar.

6. Café Bar Old-Amsterdam

• Category: Traditional Pub / Sports Bar
• Note: In town. Great for watching football. Traditional pub atmosphere. Good starting point for bar hopping the nearby strip.

7. PS Bottle Bar

• Category: Thai Bar / Sports Bar
• Note: Old-style Thai bar ambiance. Around corner from Gecko/Nicky/Silversands. Good for pre-drinks. Wine, beer, spirits, cocktails. Live sports. Map links to old name.

8. Rasta Bar (at Ao Chor)

• Category: Beach Bar / Reggae / Chill Vibes
• Note: Ao Chor. Owner Simon has created his own paradise with crystal-clear water, white sand, and reggae vibes. Try the Rasta Cocktail. Excellent coffee, Thai food, pizzas, curries, and English comfort food. Take songthaew from Sai Kaew Beach entrance to Ao Chor beach stop (50 baht), then walk left on beach past pier. Rustic bungalows available.

9. Flower Power Bar (at Ao Chor, next to Rasta Bar)

• Category: Beach Bar / Italian Restaurant / Funky Vibes
• Note: Right next to Rasta Bar. Owned by Italian Flo. Authentic Italian food including pasta. Funky music selection. Same access as Rasta Bar – songthaew to Ao Chor (50 baht), walk left on beach. Perfect if you’re craving Italian without sacrificing island atmosphere. Can visit both bars in one trip.

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🌅 Sunset Viewing Spots

From secluded beaches to cliffside viewpoints, our Koh Samet sunset guide will show you where to go.

1. Luke Yon Bay (Ao Luk Yon)

• Category: Beach / Sunset Spot
• Note: Colorful reflected skies. Just 2 minutes walk from The Cocoon Hostel. No direct sunset view but beautiful pastel colors.

2. Ao Prao Beach

• Category: Beach / Sunset Spot
• Note: Direct west-facing beach with luxury resort vibes. Popular sunset location. Try Le Vimarn Cottages or Ao Prao Resort for drinks.

3. Sunset Viewpoint (near Ao Prao)

• Category: Viewpoint / Sunset Spot
• Note: Short uphill walk/scooter ride from Ao Prao. Panoramic ocean views. Great for photos and romantic moments.

4. The Rocks at Ao Hin Khok and Ao Phai (Mermaid Beach)

• Category: Beach / Rocks / Sunset Spot
• Note: Rocky outcrops between beaches. Close to The Cocoon Hostel. Popular backpacker gathering spot.

5. Sunset View Point (past Sang Tien Beach entrance)

• Category: Viewpoint / Cliffside / Sunset Spot
• Note: Secret spot with dramatic cliffside views. Unobstructed west-facing view. Short scooter ride from hostel. Bring drinks and snacks.

6. Laem Toei (Southern Cape)

• Category: Cape / Viewpoint / Sunset Spot
• Note: Dramatic southern tip of island. Wild, rugged setting with crashing waves. Longer ride from town. Bring water and good shoes.

7. Cheers Bar

Category: Bar / Sunset Spot / Relaxation

Note: A perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the magic of sunset on Koh Samet. Relax on comfy bean bags with a cocktail in hand as the sky transforms into a canvas of colors—while you won’t see the sun dip below the horizon (it’s east-facing), the transition from day to night here is pure serenity. Just steps away from the main nightlife, it’s the ideal place to start your evening with a laid-back vibe.

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🏖️ Activities & Things to Do

Boat Tours & Island Hopping

1. 6 island Boat Tour – Departure Point (Luke Yon Bay)

The 6 island Boat Tour is a must-do for island hopping and snorkeling. For a detailed breakdown of what to expect, check out our guide to the Nong Boom Boat Tour. It departs from Luke Yon Bay, just a minute’s walk from The Cocoon!

• Category: Boat Tour / Snorkeling / Island Hopping
• Note: 5-island tour (500 baht, 2pm-5pm) or 6-island tour (700 baht, 12pm-5pm, includes lunch). Departs from Luke Yon Bay (1 min walk from Cocoon). Includes snorkeling gear, snacks, drinks, underwater photos. Book at The Cocoon Hostel. Bring national park ticket + 100 baht coral fee.

2. Thalu Island (ทะลุเกาะ)

• Category: Island / Hiking / Viewpoint / Photo Spot
• Note: First stop on 6-island tour. Hike to scenic viewpoint, famous stone arch for photos, crystal-clear swimming. Lunch served here on 6-island tour.

Hiking & Nature

4. Koh Samet Nature Trail (Start Point near Sai Kaew Beach)

• Category: Hiking / Nature Trail / Viewpoint
• Note: 1.2 mi (2 km) moderate trail, 308 ft elevation gain, 60 min. Point-to-point from roundabout at end of main street to water reservoir. Steep climb with ropes, viewpoints overlooking island. Best Jan-May. Wear good shoes, bring water. Watch for spiders and overgrown areas. Not suitable for young children.

We’ve written an in-depth guide to the Nature Trail — read it here!

Snorkeling Spots

5. Laem Toei Beach (Beach at Land’s End)

• Category: Beach / Snorkeling / Swimming / Remote
• Note: Hidden beach at southern tip accessed via trail from Laem Toei viewpoint. Follow sunrise path signs, beach trail branches to the right. Remote “abandoned beach” feeling with beautiful setting. Good snorkeling and swimming. Ko Chan island visible offshore. Not family-friendly due to difficult access. For adventurers seeking total seclusion.

6. Ao Tub Tim (Tubtim Beach) – Snorkeling

• Category: Snorkeling / Beach / Swimming
• Note: Small, quiet beach next to Ao Phai. White sand, beautiful 250m bay. Ideal for swimming and snorkeling – some say best snorkeling from shore on the island. Popular with gay visitors. Beach volleyball in late afternoons. 5-min walk from Ao Phai. Quieter alternative with Tubtim Resort restaurant right on beach.

7. Ao Prao Beach – Snorkeling

• Category: Snorkeling / Beach
• Note: Southernmost part has best snorkeling with coral and tropical fish. Beach chair rental 50 baht. Great for families. West-facing beach.

9. Ao Wai Beach – Snorkeling

• Category: Snorkeling / Beach
• Note: Excellent beginner-friendly snorkeling spot. Crystal-clear waters. One of the best beaches for shore snorkeling.

10. Ao Cho (Ao Chor) – Snorkeling

• Category: Snorkeling / Beach
• Note: Secluded beach cove with clear water. Near Rasta Bar and Flower Power Bar. Good snorkeling. Take songthaew from Sai Kaew (50 baht).

11. Ao Phai Beach – Snorkeling

• Category: Snorkeling / Beach
• Note: Southern rocky part offers interesting snorkeling. Beach chairs from resorts available. Lively beach with bars and restaurants.

Transportation & Tours

12. Motorbike Rental (near The Cocoon Hostel)

• Category: Transportation / Activity
• Note: 400 baht/day including full tank. Explore the island independently. Main roads sealed, some southern areas unpaved. Check brakes/lights/tires before renting. Helmet required.

13. Bicycle Rental

• Category: Transportation / Activity
• Note: Mountain bikes 150-200 baht/day from roadside stalls or resorts. Great for exploring neighboring beaches at a leisurely pace.

14. Around the Island Taxi Tour

Songthaews (shared taxis) are the cheapest way to get around Koh Samet. For a full guide to navigating the island by taxi, including fares, routes, and tips, check out our essential Koh Samet taxi guide.

• Category: Sightseeing / Tour
• Note: Charter a songthaew for 1,000-2,000 baht for multiple beach stops, viewpoints, hidden gems. Flexible itinerary. Book at any taxi station. Great for groups.

Water Sports

15. Kayak Rental (Sai Kaew Beach, Flow Beach Cafe)

• Category: Water Sports / Activity
• Note: Rent kayaks from beach vendors. Explore hidden coves and beaches at your own pace. Relaxing way to discover the coastline.

16. Jet Ski & Parasailing (Sai Kaew & Ao Phai Beach)

• Category: Water Sports / Activity
• Note: Motorized water sports available from beach vendors. Take photos of equipment before renting to avoid scam claims of scratches.

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Read our full guide to fitness on Koh Samet here.

1. Flo Beach Cafe Gym

• Category: Fitness / Gym
• Note: Small outdoor gym located directly on the beach with free weights, kettlebells, gymnastics rings, parallettes, and a punch bag. Best suited to functional training and calisthenics rather than machine-based workouts. Day passes available, with smoothies and healthy food served on site — easy to work out and relax in one spot.

🔥 Fire Shows

Read our guide to the fire shows on Koh Samet here.

Fire shows are a big part of Koh Samet’s evening scene. These spots host regular nightly performances, usually starting between 7:30–8:30 pm. Arrive around 30 minutes early for the best seats.

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1. Ploy Talay

Category: Beach Bar Area / Fire Show

Note: One of the most convenient fire shows on Koh Samet, held right on the sand. Easy to watch with just a drink rather than a full meal. Nearby bars make this a relaxed, social spot before and after the show.

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2. Winkks Beach Club

Category: Beach Club / Fire Show / Live Music

Note: The most upmarket fire show experience on the island. Polished performances paired with excellent live music, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. Best enjoyed as a full evening with dinner and drinks.

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3. Sangthian Resort

Category: Resort Restaurant / Fire Show / Live Music

Note: A favourite for atmosphere and crowd interaction. Live music starts earlier in the evening, followed by a lively fire show. Often has a photographer taking free guest photos during the performance.

💡 Insider Tips from Nick & May

• Getting Around: Songthaews (shared taxis) run regularly along the main road. Flag one down and tell the driver your destination.
• National Park Fee: You’ll need to pay 200 baht (foreigners) at the park entrance. Keep your ticket – you may need to show it at beaches or on boat tours.
• Best Times to Visit: November to April is high season with the best weather. May to October is quieter but can have occasional rain.
• Save Money on Food: The temple food stalls and Ple Restaurant are where locals actually eat – you’ll get authentic food at local prices.
• WiFi for Digital Nomads: Most cafes have good WiFi. The Cocoon Hostel also has fast, reliable WiFi throughout.
• Safety: Koh Samet is very safe, but take photos of rented motorbikes/jet skis before use to avoid fake damage claims (although this is rare on Samet).
• Respect the Island: Please dispose of trash properly and don’t touch or stand on coral when snorkeling.

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📍 Need More Help?

This map is regularly updated as we discover new spots and as the island’s offerings change with the seasons. If you have questions about any location or need current recommendations, just ask us at The Cocoon Hostel reception. We’re always happy to share our latest finds and insider knowledge!

Don’t forget to follow us:

• Facebook: The Cocoon Hostel
• Instagram: @cocoonsamethostel

Contact Us:

• Phone: +66 63 945 7475
• Email: cocoonsamet@gmail.com
• Address: 12/21, Phe, Rayong, 21160

Safe travels and enjoy exploring Koh Samet! 🏝️

– Nick, May, and Talay 🐕

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