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Traveling from Pattaya to Koh Samet
Our Route and Ferry Ride
MAY 2024
On the day we traveled from Pattaya to Koh Samet, we started the morning with breakfast at Space Pattaya, followed by some more water fun and playtime.
We checked out right at noon and headed out.
To get from Pattaya to Koh Samet, we rented a car and drove to Ban Phe. We parked at a paid parking lot near the Ban Phe ferry terminal for 3 days and 4 nights, then took the ferry to Koh Samet.
Parking at Ban Phe (Rayong) Ferry Terminal
We made our way from Pattaya to the Rayong Ferry Terminal, and while Google said it would take about 1 hour, we ended up taking about 1.5 hours to get there.
I found two parking options near the Ban Phe Ferry Terminal through Google.
First Parking Lot: Ao Prao Pier
According to the Ban Phe ferry website, locals mainly park here to catch the ferry to Koh Samet. So, we first arrived at Ao Prao Pier, but it turned out this parking lot was for people heading to the luxury hotels on Koh Samet. The ferry here was only for guests who had booked at certain hotels.
An older man at the entrance waved us over and directed us to follow another guy who was on a motorbike. We followed him on foot with our rental car, and it was literally just across the street, so no big detour.
Second Parking Lot: Praiphan Samed Carpark
When we reached the second parking lot, we realized it was the one I had planned as a backup option. The man on the motorbike helped guide us to a parking spot within the lot. After we parked, he brought his motorbike cart to us, loaded our luggage and the three of us, and took us right back to the entrance of the parking lot (it was only a few steps away).
At the parking lot entrance, we paid 900 Baht for 3 days and 4 nights (300 Baht per day) and received a receipt.
Map for Praiphan Samed Carpark Click here
Thailand Transportation: Motorbike and RickshawAfter such a long trip, Liam wasn’t in the best mood…
At first, he was a bit unsure about the rickshaw, especially since it was something new to him. He even said he didn’t want to ride it. But once he finally gave it a try, he ended up having so much fun! (Turns out, he’s pretty much always up for anything that involves a ride! ><)
Round-Trip Ferry from Ban Phe to Koh Samet
Parking Lot and Ferry Ticket Experience
At the parking lot where we paid for the parking, the lady there also sold ferry tickets. Naturally, she charged us a bit extra for the tickets. (This is why it’s always important to check prices online beforehand—so you know what to expect, even if you do end up getting overcharged!)
I had a few questions, so I started asking about the details (like departure times, which pier to board from, and where the ferry would drop us off on Koh Samet). After some questions, the price suddenly dropped, and the lady seemed to offer us a better deal.
Then she asked how old Liam was, and I told her he was 4. She didn’t say anything at first, so I asked, “Does that mean he’s free?” and she said, “Yes.”
I wasn’t expecting it, but it was a nice surprise to save some money! 😊
In Thailand, I knew that from 4 years old, kids start to pay for national park entrance fees and transportation, but when we arrived on Koh Samet and paid the national park entry fee, Liam wasn’t charged.
Koh Samet Ferry Prices
We took a round-trip speedboat from the parking lot. The price for the speedboat was 200 Baht one way for adults, so the round-trip was 400 Baht per adult. Liam, being 4 years old, was free.
Booking the Return Ferry from Ban Phe
For the return trip, you can call the ferry company about 2 hours before departure to make your reservation. The contact number is on the ticket, and if you lose your return ticket, you’ll need to buy a new one.
Make sure to keep your tickets safe!
We were a bit concerned about communication, so we asked the hotel reception to help with the call, and they kindly assisted us.
Ban Phe Ferry Terminal
Finally, after purchasing our ferry tickets, we hopped back onto the rickshaw motorbike that had taken us earlier, and the driver kindly took us all the way to the speedboat ferry terminal.
It was such a convenient service! With Liam and our luggage, having a one-stop service like this to take us directly to the ferry boarding area was absolutely perfect. I couldn’t have asked for a more comfortable experience.
As the lady had mentioned, we were the last ones to board the speedboat, and as soon as we got on, the boat set off.
In just 10-15 minutes, we arrived straight at Koh Samet!
Liam wasn’t too happy at first because all we were doing was moving from place to place instead of playing, haha. But as soon as the speedboat started moving, he was all smiles and excitement!
Once we arrived at Koh Samet, he kept asking to ride the speedboat again for the whole 3 days and 4 nights. It was a bit exhausting…
We were so busy rushing to board when we arrived at the pier that I didn’t even get a proper photo.
Getting from Na Dan Pier to Our Hotel in Koh Samet
When you arrive at Na Dan Pier in Koh Samet, you’ll find several songthaews (shared pickup trucks) waiting. These songthaews are like buses for getting around the island.
As you approach them, someone will come over and ask which hotel you’re headed to. Once we got on, we were the last passengers, and the songthaew left right away!
Liam and I got the seats next to the driver with the air conditioning blasting, while Eddie sat in the back with other passengers.
We were headed to our hotel, Samed Pavilion Resort, located in the Ao Pai area.
The songthaew operates like a bus, so there’s really no need to ask about the fare upfront. If you do, you’ll probably end up paying extra.
When we arrived, I slowly pulled out some money, and they told me the fare. For two adults and one child, we paid a total of 100 Baht.
During travel, I try not to get worked up over small extra charges like this. I had a rough idea of the price, but arguing over a difference of less than a dollar just isn’t worth the energy. I happily handed over the 100 Baht and got off.
We checked into the hotel, spent some time on the beach in front, and then showered and had dinner. Before we knew it, the day was over.
After checking into the hotel, it was just past 3 PM. We quickly changed into our swimsuits and headed straight to the beach in front of the hotel to have some fun.
Finally, it was playtime, and Liam was so happy! ^^
He even struck such a cute pose!
Beach in Front of the Hotel (Ao Pai)The hotel had sand toys available for the kids, and they let us use them for free.
As we passed by the reception, the friendly staff kindly told us that we could borrow the sand toys to play with (for free).
Family Photo After Arriving at Koh Samet
End of the Day
There are actually many piers in Ban Phe for getting to Koh Samet. Most people usually take the ferry from Nuanthip Pier (which is where the regular boats depart).
However, for speedboats, there are a variety of piers. In the past, most people took large ferries, but this time I noticed that even Thai locals now prefer speedboats, making them the common way to get to Koh Samet. There are also many speedboat companies, and several departure and arrival points.
When you’re at Na Dan Pier in Koh Samet, the return ferry to Ban Phe departs from the same spot where you arrived. Na Dan Pier is one, but it seems there are at least 10 spots where you can catch a speedboat.
When you arrive at Ban Phe and are ready to head back to Na Dan Pier, just remember where you got off, go back to that area, and wait in line for your return ferry.
For us (including other foreigners), we didn’t know where to go at first, so we had to ask around, and it was a bit tiring in the heat. There’s no one to guide you, so you just need to stand in front of the pier number and wait.
Also, multiple speedboat companies use the same pier, so you’ll need to follow the Thai locals and board the correct boat based on where they’re going. If you wait for someone to direct you, you’ll be waiting forever—no one’s really paying attention.
