Ao Phrao — snorkel spot and sunset views

Ao Phrao on Koh Samet: clear water, a calm, upscale vibe, and beautiful sunsets. Snorkel near the rocks, relax on a sunbed, or enjoy a drink at a nice beach bar — perfect for couples and anyone looking to unwind.

Location & getting there

Ao Phrao is on the west coast of Koh Samet. From Nadan Pier it’s about 15–20 minutes by scooter. For the last part to the beach you must walk down a paved, hilly road of about five minutes. Scooters, cars, and taxis are not allowed near the beach, but the entrance is free. This helps keep the area calm and peaceful.

Tropical rocky shoreline and clear water at Koh Samet’s Ao Phrao Beach, Thailand.

Beach & swimming

Ao Phrao is one of the most beautiful beaches on Koh Samet. The water is crystal clear, and rocks line the edges. Swimming is fine, but watch where you enter. The rocky edges are good for snorkeling. On the beach, you can rent sunbeds from the resorts.

In the first part of the beach there are no sunbeds, so you can put your towel down wherever you like. It is a small but beautiful section of the beach. There are also public and free showers and toilets. They are not the cleanest (bring your own toilet paper), but something is better than nothing. In the middle of the bay there are a few floating piers that are fun to walk out on or jump from.

Calm Ao Phrao beach, Koh Samet: shoreline with palm trees and green hillside

Our experience

Ao Phrao felt quieter and a bit more upscale. We didn’t stay in a resort at this beach, but we had an amazing sunset in one of the bars and spent half a day there sunbathing and enjoying the wonderfully clear water and the calm, beautiful surroundings.

If you can afford it and like quiet beaches and don’t look for too much evening entertainment, this beach is recommended. Of course, you can also use this beach as a base to explore Koh Samet’s other beaches, but you definitely need a scooter or the taxis that wait at the beach entrance.

Who it’s for & where to stay

Ao Phrao is perfect for couples and travelers who want quiet, upscale resorts and pretty sunsets. It’s usually pricier. The resorts are lovely, right on the beach, and set among trees and jungle. Ao Phrao is the best place on Koh Samet for snorkeling and watching sunsets. Beautiful resorts on this beach include Ao Prao Resort and Le Vimarn Cottages & Spa.

Ao Prao Resort

Ao Prao Resort is located on Ao Prao Beach. The resort offers clean rooms, friendly staff, and beautiful views. There is a swimming pool and a spa. It has a good restaurant. A lovely place for a relaxing beach holiday.

Booking

Agoda

Evelia Kohsamed

Quiet resort at Ao Pudsa, Koh Samet: clean, comfortable rooms, great value, and a top location just 190 m from the beach. Small outdoor pool with loungers and umbrellas. Scooter rental available.

Booking

Agoda

Kerala Coco Resort

Resort on a beautiful beachfront with spacious rooms and stunning views. Friendly, helpful staff ensure a welcoming, worry-free stay.

Booking

Agoda

Nong Nuey Rooms

Perfect location on Sai Kaew Beach: clean, simple rooms, friendly & helpful staff, cozy beach bar and right on the soft sand. Great for couples and beach lovers; interiors sometimes a bit dated but good value for money. Scooter rentals and watersports available.

Booking

Agoda

Sai Kaew Beach Resort

Sai Kaew Beach Resort is ideal for beach lovers who want restaurants and bars nearby. Rooms are clean and spacious with fresh linens, ample storage, and comfortable beds. The well-maintained pool is perfect for a dip after the beach or relaxing with a drink.

Booking

Agoda

Samed Sand Sea Resort

Samed Sand Sea Resort — right on Sai Kaew Beach. Clean, comfortable rooms with a balcony and air conditioning; friendly, helpful staff. Good value for money; free Wi‑Fi. Close to shops, restaurants, and bars.

Booking

Agoda

Samed Tubtim Resort

Beautiful wooden bungalows on stilts in a peaceful, green setting, with balconies overlooking the beautiful Tubtim Beach and the sea. Friendly service and a good breakfast buffet. The front bungalows are the nicest.

Booking

Agoda

Samed Villa Resort

Directly on Ao Phai Beach, with clean, spacious rooms (some with sea views), comfortable beds and an extensive breakfast buffet. Friendly and helpful staff, spotless rooms, delicious food and a green, peaceful setting.

Booking

Agoda

Sky Cottage

Basic but clean hotel, friendly staff and a good breakfast. Rooms with a balcony or terrace, close to quiet beaches such as Tubtim Beach, Ao Phai and Ao Nuan (Pashat/Tubtim nearby). Perfect for those seeking peace and for families — simple comfort and good value for money.

Booking

Agoda

Food, drinks & hotspots

On this beach you’ll find several restaurants and bars, all part of the resorts. Prices are slightly above average for beach bars and restaurants on Koh Samet, but in return you get a relaxed atmosphere and a beautiful sunset view. Most of the dining spots here have excellent reviews; you may pay more, but you get good value for your money. The best-known places on the beach are Breeze Restaurant and Buzz Coco Club.

Eat & Drink Koh Samet

Getting to the island Koh Samet

Book your transfers and ferries to Koh Samet quickly, cheaply and hassle-free. We usually book through 12Go: clear information, reliable operators and easy payments. See the link for prices and options for Koh Samet, and for all your other transport in Thailand.