This stingray-shaped island in the eastern Gulf is only 170 km southeast of Bangkok, making it convenient for a few days of beach time at the end of a trip.

Beaches dot most of the east coast and while Sai Kaew Beach in the north can get noisy with jet skis and parties, a host of quieter coves attract families to the more secluded southern reaches of Ko Samet. Kids get a kick out of the statues of a mermaid, a flute-playing prince and a giant ogress, all of which are characters from Phra Aphai Mani, a story by 19th-century Thai writer, Sunthorn Phu, that was partly inspired by the scenery of Ko Samet.