The silky white sands and aquamarine waters of Ko Samet look like something out of a calendar, and its proximity to Bangkok makes it a great choice for a quick weekend getaway. Despite its relatively small size, the island offers more than 15 beaches; those on the northern side regularly host large barbeques, fire-spinning performances, and other events, while the southern beaches are much more tranquil. There are guesthouses, hotels, and resorts to suit almost every budget, but some visitors prefer to rent a tent and camp on one of the beaches that permit overnight stays.

Ready to go?
Step 1: Visit the website and book directly and/or call ahead to confirm their hours.
Step 2: If you are spending the night, search for Hotel Deals nearby. Read the reviews, then call the hotel directly to book and ask for a romantic, kid-friendly or pet-friendly amenity if you need it.
Step 3: If you are flying, compare Flights. Book directly with the airline, add your frequent flier number and reserve your seat.
Step 4: Estimate your driving time using Google Maps (click the blue 'Directions' arrow in the search box).

Need some more help?
Read our Reservations & Travel Planning Tips guide.