Koh Kham Samae San
A pristine eco-island near Bangkok with clear waters, coral reefs, and a serene white sand beach. Perfect for day trips.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Koh Kham Samae San
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A pristine eco-island near Bangkok with clear waters, coral reefs, and a serene white sand beach. Perfect for day trips.
"Crystal-clear waters, white sand, and vibrant marine life make this protected island a must-visit."
📞 Book by Phone
Online reservations aren't available. Call 033-124848 or 093-3971342 to secure your spot. :iphone:
🤿 Bring Your Gear
Rentals cost extra. Consider bringing your own snorkel and mat to save money. :moneybag:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 2,167 reviews
Type
National Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Wooden Bridge
Main beach area
Stroll along this picturesque bridge extending into the turquoise sea for stunning photos.
Coral Reef Snorkeling
Shallow waters near shore
Discover vibrant marine life and clear waters, perfect for spotting clownfish and sea urchins.
Viewpoint Hike
Southeast beach trail
A short, steep hike with ropes leads to panoramic ocean views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Boat Trip in Advance
Understand the Pricing Structure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📞 Book by Phone
Online reservations aren't available. Call 033-124848 or 093-3971342 to secure your spot. :iphone:
🤿 Bring Your Gear
Rentals cost extra. Consider bringing your own snorkel and mat to save money. :moneybag:
Snorkeling near Koh Samaesan
We’re a family of 4, and will be staying in Pattaya in May. We read a lot about snorkeling near Samaesan and wanted to go check it out and spend a day. It’s like 9k THB for a private tour including a hotel pick up and drop. Are there boats which operate directly from near…
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
The hike to the viewpoint is steep but manageable with ropes. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Insta-Worthy Spots
Capture stunning photos at the wooden bridge and viewpoint.
Snorkeling near Bangkok
My son wants to go snorkeling. since we have only 1-2 days available, flying somewhere is not a choice. I'd drive my own car. Ko Samed wasnt really satisfying last time in terms of snorkeling. Would Koh Larn be a good choice? Any other possible spots within a 5-6h drive?
Tips
from all over the internet
📞 Book by Phone
Online reservations aren't available. Call 033-124848 or 093-3971342 to secure your spot. :iphone:
🤿 Bring Your Gear
Rentals cost extra. Consider bringing your own snorkel and mat to save money. :moneybag:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
The hike to the viewpoint is steep but manageable with ropes. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Insta-Worthy Spots
Capture stunning photos at the wooden bridge and viewpoint.
♻️ Eco-Friendly Visit
No plastic waste allowed. Help keep this protected island clean. ♻️
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Koh Kham is praised for its clear waters, white sand beaches, and snorkeling opportunities, offering a tranquil escape. However, some visitors find the foreigner pricing steep and note that amenities like mats and gear come at an extra cost. Occasional issues with washed-up garbage on less-visited beaches have also been mentioned.
"It's pretty cool but I don't think it's worth 600 baht (foreigner pricing!) and 300 baht for Thai citizens. You would think the money would go to maintain the island to keep it clean but on the southeast beach (not many people go to that beach) there is a ton of garbage that has been washed up on the shore. A quick pick up once a week would all that would be required to make this a much more enjoyable experience.
The hike to the viewpoint is pretty cool. There are some steep parts but there are ropes to help you along. You can find the trail starting just south of that SE beach. It's a loop so if you don't want to take the long way counterclockwise just take the first left which is shorter.
If you are in the area and want to spend that $$ then try it out. On the beach (which isn't that great) there are some picnic tables you can sit on but otherwise everything costs money, mats, snorkel gear, chairs, tables, etc."
Nigel Naughton
"The beach near Bangkok has clean water. It is a military island. The prices of things on the island are not expensive. But I had a problem with a moles or sea lice. I got a bite from it."
Betty Chaya
"• A small island suitable for a one-day trip.
Overall, the experience was okay — the seawater is fairly clear, and there are many man-made photo spots scattered around the island.
• It’s a nice place to stop by if you’re in the area and looking to enjoy a picnic with a seaside view.
Tips for getting there:
• One of the instructions I found online mentioned that only a limited number of tourists are allowed to visit Koh Kham each day, and online reservations are not available. The only way to book is by phone at 033-124848 (landline) or 093-3971342, although the latter is quite hard to reach.
• When I finally managed to speak with the operator, I was told that for Sunday, no reservation was required—something I hadn’t clearly seen in the instructions earlier.
• On the day of my visit, I arrived at the ticket counter at 9:15 AM and received a queue card . I waited for around 30 minutes. The ticket price was relatively high—perhaps due to the monopoly or the fact that pricing is not closely regulated.
• Once the ticket was acquired, I waited a few more minutes for the shuttle van to Khao Ma Cho Pier (ท่าเรือเขาหมาจอ). The boat ride to Koh Kham took approximately 15-20 minutes."
Pongpit Pinsai
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Bangkok, take a bus or minivan to Sattahip (approx. 3 hours). From Sattahip Bus Station, take a songthaew (shared taxi) or a private taxi to Ban Samae San Pier. The boat ride to Koh Kham from the pier takes about 15-20 minutes.
Yes, you can take a songthaew (shared taxi) from Sattahip Bus Station to Ban Samae San Pier for around 50 THB.
You can drive to Ban Samae San Pier, where you will then take a boat to Koh Kham. Parking is available near the pier.
The total travel time, including the bus/van and boat, is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours one way.
No, Koh Kham is typically accessed via boat from Ban Samae San Pier.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The ticket price is 300 THB per person for Thai citizens and 600 THB for foreigners. This usually includes the boat transfer, environmental fee, snorkeling gear, and kayak rental.
Yes, it's highly recommended to book by phone in advance as visitor numbers are limited daily. Online booking is not available.
Boats depart from Ban Samae San Pier between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM, and visitors must leave the island by 3:30 PM.
No, Koh Kham is a protected island and does not allow overnight stays. It's a day-trip destination.
Information on specific discounts for children or seniors is not widely available, but the standard pricing applies.
🎫 🏝️ Onsite Experience
Activities include snorkeling in clear waters, relaxing on the white sand beach, kayaking, and hiking to a viewpoint.
Yes, the waters are clear with coral reefs and marine life, making it a good spot for snorkeling.
While there might be limited options on the island, it's recommended to enjoy meals at restaurants near Ban Samae San Pier before or after your visit.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and any personal items. Consider bringing your own snorkel gear and picnic items to save on rental costs.
Yes, it's a good destination for families with clear waters for swimming and snorkeling, and easy activities like kayaking.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic wooden bridge and the viewpoint offering panoramic ocean vistas are the most popular photo spots.
Yes, the clear blue waters, white sand, and scenic viewpoints provide excellent opportunities for beautiful photography.
There are no specific restrictions on photography, but visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the natural environment.
Morning light offers softer illumination, while late afternoon can provide beautiful golden hour shots.
Drone usage policies can vary, and it's best to check with the island management upon arrival to ensure compliance with any regulations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit