At a Glance
Samae Beach. One of the longest and best-equipped beaches on Koh Lan, where visitors come for the pristine water and a full day of relaxation.
Place Description
If you’re seeking a spacious retreat at Samae Beach on Koh Lan, this is the place to be. There’s plenty of room here, so even in peak season, it doesn’t feel crowded. The sand is fine and light, and the water is noticeably clearer than Pattaya’s beaches. Families with children and solo travelers, mostly from Europe, frequent this spot. The vibe is quite laid-back, though some cafes might play music a bit loudly.
The beach is situated on the west side of the island, near a viewpoint with wind turbines. Unlike the busier Tawaen Beach, where most ferries dock, Samae offers a more peaceful escape. Despite the calm, all necessary amenities are available: rows of sunbeds, cafes serving Thai and European cuisine, and even a pay-to-use shower, which is standard for this attraction.
Basic Information
- Address: Koh Lan Island, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi 20150. Accessible by ferry from Bali Hai Pier, then a local songthaew.
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7, but cafes and sunbed rentals operate roughly from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Best Time to Visit: Mornings (before 11:00 AM) to grab a comfy sunbed and enjoy the tranquility.
- Budget: Sunbed rental ≈ 100 ฿, bucket shower ≈ 50 ฿, pizza at a beach cafe ≈ 200-300 ฿. Food and drink prices are higher than in Pattaya.
Why Go
- Crystal-clear water and white sands: A striking contrast to Pattaya’s urban beaches. The water is truly turquoise and clear.
- Comfortable during low tide: Unlike many other beaches, there’s enough depth for swimming even at low tide.
- Always some waves: Small waves make swimming more fun, which many visitors enjoy.
- Great infrastructure: Easy to find food, drinks, and rent a sunbed for the day.
Insider Tips
- Water shoes are a must: There are plenty of small stones and coral debris as you enter the water. Without aqua shoes, you might easily cut your feet.
- The shower is basic: Be prepared for a 50 baht fee for a bucket of fresh water. You’ll need to walk across hot sand—don’t forget your flip-flops.
- Choose your spot wisely: Some cafes play music quite loudly. If you seek peace, stroll along the shore and listen before you pay for a sunbed.
- Prices are steep: Food and drinks, and indeed everything on the island, are more expensive than on the mainland. Consider bringing water and snacks from Pattaya.
Logistics
- Songthaew (Tuk-tuk): First, get to Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya. From there, take a ferry (≈ 30 ฿) to Koh Lan (Na Ban or Tawaen Pier). On the island, switch to a local blue songthaew to Samae Beach (≈ 40-50 ฿).
- Taxi (Bolt/Grab): To Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya. On the island, there are no app-based taxis, only local motorbike taxis and songthaews.
- Own Transport: You can arrive with a rented scooter (around 200-300 ฿ per day), available right at the pier. Parking at the beach is chaotic, but finding a spot for a bike is feasible.
The Unique Factor
Right above the beach is a viewpoint with massive wind turbines—a popular spot for photo sessions with the sunset and coastal panorama. From here, the entire Samae Beach Koh Lan is visible as if on the palm of your hand.
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