Ko Samet

Ko Samet is about six kilometres long off the Rayong coast, and its selling point is proximity: roughly three hours from Bangkok including the boat, which makes it the default weekend island for the capital. The sand on the eastern beaches is unusually fine white quartz and squeaks when walked on. The island is inside Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park, so an entry fee is collected at the pier, though development inside the park boundary has been contentious for decades. In July 2013 a PTT Global Chemical pipeline leak released crude oil that came ashore at Ao Phrao on the western side; the cleanup was extensive and the beach recovered, but the episode is part of the island's record. Weekends are crowded and prices rise; Hat Sai Kaew at the north is the busiest with loud beach bars, while the southern bays are progressively quieter.

What you actually see

• The squeaking sand - fine white quartz on the eastern beaches.
• The bay progression - busy Hat Sai Kaew north to quiet coves south.
• The national park status - fees at the pier, and long-running development disputes.
• Ao Phrao - the western bay hit by the 2013 oil spill and since recovered.

When to go

November to April. Weekends bring Bangkok crowds and higher prices - midweek is a different island. May to October is wetter but boats still run.

Honest expectations

Crowded at weekends and on holidays, with prices to match. National park entry is charged on arrival at foreigner rates. Beach bars at the northern end are loud until late. Development inside a national park remains contested.

Nearby

Ban Phe and Rayong are on the mainland; Ko Man islands are further out.