Leaving the bustle of Bangkok
behind, our journey toward
Koh Samet began with the soft
glow of an early morning
sunrise over the city. As the
streets slowly awakened, we
set out for Rayong, a coastal
province known for its calm
beaches, fresh seafood, and
easy gateway to one of
Thailand's most beloved
islands.
The pier, bustling yet relaxed,
welcomed travelers with small
cafes, souvenir shops, and the
scent of the sea. We
purchased our ferry tickets,
grabbed a quick drink, and
waited for a boat at the dock.
We got on the ferry and
crossing took only about
30 minutes to reach Koh Samet.
As soon as we arrived at the
pier, we were greeted by the
striking statue of the Sea
Butterfly Giantess, one of the
most memorable characters
from Phra Aphai Mani, the
renowned epic poem written
by Sunthorn Phu, Thailand's
national poet. Standing before
us, she represents the
powerful female giant who,
despite her magical strength,
falls deeply and wholeheartedly
in love with Prince Aphai Mani.
According to the tale, her love
drives her to take the prince to
a hidden cave, where they
eventually have a son named
Sinsamut. Yet their story ends
in sorrow when Prince Aphai Mani
escapes with the help of a
mermaid, who guides him
across the sea to "Ko Kaew
Pitsadan" a mythical island
that many believe corresponds
to today's Koh Samet.
Upon arriving on Koh Samet,
our first stop was the small
booth near the pier where
visitors pay the entrance fee.
As part of the Khao Laem Ya-
Mu Ko Samet National Park,
the island is carefully
protected, and the contribution
helps preserve its natural
beauty for future travelers.
With the formalities complete,
we hopped onto one of the
island's signature songthaews,
which are bright , open-air pickup
trucks that serve as local
transportation.
The ride was breezy
and laid-back, carrying us
along narrow roads shaded by
tropical trees until we reached
the lively Sai Kaew Beach area,
where our accommodation
awaited just steps away from
the soft white sand.
After settling into our
accommodation, it was time to
venture out and explore the
surroundings. Our first
destination was the delightful
Sai Kaew Beach, a vibrant
stretch of coastline known for
its soft white sand and inviting
blue waters. The beach offers
several scenic viewpoints
perfect for capturing
memorable photos, each
corner revealing a different
charm of the island.
As we strolled along the shore,
the gentle sea breeze and the
rhythmic sound of the waves
created a wonderfully relaxing
atmosphere. A variety of
beachfront restaurants lined
the area, serving everything
from fresh seafood to
refreshing tropical drinks.
Whether you prefer a casual
meal with your feet in the sand
or a cozy spot overlooking the
ocean, Sai Kaew Beach has
something for every traveler.
With its lively ambiance,
picturesque scenery, and
convenient amenities, Sai
Kaew Beach is an ideal starting
point for exploring the beauty
and culture of the island. It was
the perfect place to begin our
journey.
After strolling along the beach
until sunset, we stopped by the
night market to enjoy some
fresh seafood.
After spending a peaceful
night on Koh Samet, we began
our journey back to Bangkok
feeling refreshed and
energized. The gentle sea
breeze and calm island
atmosphere had already made
the trip worthwhile, but we
decided to add one more
memorable experience before
returning to the city.
On our way back, we made a
pleasant stop in Bangsaen,
Chonburi, to visit the local
aquarium. The visit turned out
to be a wonderful highlight of
the day. The aquarium featured
a charming variety of marine
life, from vibrant tropical fish
to graceful marine creatures
native to Thai waters.
And this is a photo I took
when I was a child, from a
time when my mother
brought me here.
The admission fees were quite
reasonable, 120 baht for
children and 220 baht for
adults.
With its well-designed
exhibits and diverse marine life,
the aquarium provided a
pleasant environment, allowing
us to appreciate Thailand's
underwater beauty.
Each exhibit was thoughtfully
arranged, allowing visitors to
appreciate the beauty of the
underwater world in a calm and
educational setting.
This short trip reminded us
that even brief getaways can
be filled with memorable
moments, whether it's a
tranquil night on an island or a
simple, enriching visit to a
small aquarium along the way.
See you again next trip.馃槝
