Hi The missus and myself are thinking of a long weekend to Samet. I was there 12 years ago and I vaguely remember it!

1. Buses to Ban Phe; no problem. Do they still leave from Ekkamai Bus Stn?

2. How much are the ferries and how frequent do they go?

3. Do you still have to pay B400 to get through the national park (or can you show a tax card or copy of W/P) and avoid this scam?

4. What's the best beach in terms of daytime activities and restaurants?

5. Any decent beachside villas for around B1,000 per night?

Thanks

JD

Hello!

1.Direct buses from Ekkamai to the Pier at Ban Phe are available very frequently, and cheap, about 150baht max.

2. 50 baht, there is several companies from about 3 different piers, running at least every hour

3. Im pretty sure it was 200baht for farang last time I was there, you only have to pay 1 time for the entire stay, its not that bad. not sure if ur work permit will get you the thai rate which is about 40 baht or something

4. The main beach at the national park entrance (when accessed from the road from the town) is the busiest for activities and eating, i forgot its name!

5. Not sure, I stay at Samet Inn which is about 1000 but its not beachside, but a short stroll to the beach.

I recommend hiring an ATV! Great fun!

Vongdean beach is becoming famous now and lots of resturants and activities (but known to be gay beach for Thais) but it's cheaper and worth checking out I think. Samed has always been very popular even with all this economic and political turmoil so the hotel price has gone up a lot especially for the new hotels on Sai Kaew beach. I went there last week and it was pretty packed with tourists both thai and farang and for a villa that looks pretty crappy and should have cost 700 baht at most now costs 1,500

I stayed at Sai Keaw beach resort and I think they are still offering good deals from 1,500-5,000 a night depends on room types. I really like the resort , it has 2 swimming pools and on the quieter end of the beach but you can probably find many cheaper ok places.

The Fee is only for Sai Kaew beach which I find bit strange, when I went to Ao proa beach I didn't have to pay entry.