Koh Samet Reopens to Tourists

The Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet park has reopened to visitors for accommodations, while other park attractions remain closed to avoid COVID-19 transmission.

The park has 131 square kilometers, which includes islets and islands. The park’s most visited island is Koh Samet. It is accessible by a ferry trip for 40 minutes or a speedboat for 20 minutes.

The island is accessible all year, with the peak season beginning in November until April. Koh Samet’s primary draw is its beaches and crystal clear water, particularly now that the island has been closed to tourists.

Koh Samet has a population of 900 families, the majority of them rely on tourism as their primary source of income. Before the pandemic, the local tourist administration estimated that over 1,500,000 tourists see Koh Samet each year, generating over 200B baht to the province.

To ensure safety, everyone has got their first dose of the vaccine against COVID-19, including foreign employees. No virus cases have been reported for quite some time.

Koh Samet is prepared to receive tourists under its new regular operating procedures. At all times, visitors are obliged to keep a social distance and wear masks. There is no need to show virus test results or proof of vaccination.

Hat Sai Kaeo is in the island’s northeastern region while Ao Wong Duean in the eastern part are famous tourist destinations owing to their extensive beaches. Stay on Ao Phrao and Ao Kio for anyone seeking seclusion. On the island, pick-up trucks are the primary method of transportation.

Source: Bangkok Post