Hat Sai Kaew
The island's softest sand.
Adam — CC BY 2.0 · kishjar? from Moscow, Russia — CC BY 2.0 · kishjar? from Moscow, Russia — CC BY 2.0 · Eltorodeoro — CC BY-SA 4.0 · kishjar? from Moscow, Russia — CC BY 2.0
The closest white-sand island to Bangkok, off the Rayong coast east of Pattaya and part of Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park. It is small and long: the east coast is a chain of soft sandy coves with clear, calm water, and the rocky west coast has the area's finest sunsets. Its best-known beach is Hat Sai Kaew, crystal sand, in the north-east by the pier, with the island's softest sand and liveliest scene; south of it lies the calm, curving bay of Ao Wong Duan, then smaller, quieter coves the further south you go. On the west coast Ao Prao has calm resorts. Visitors get around by open-backed taxis or scooters on dirt roads through the forest. The national park fee is paid on arrival, about two hundred baht per foreign adult in known listings. Ferries and speedboats leave Ban Phe pier and take half an hour to an hour. In the evening Sai Kaew fills with restaurants on the sand and fire shows, so families will find the southern coves calmer. Seafood is plentiful, so ask about halal. The best time is November to April, and the island stays relatively dry even in the rainy season. A day trip from Pattaya is possible, but a night on the island is far more relaxed.
The island's softest sand.
Calm and clear to the south.
From Ao Prao.
Off Ban Phe, Rayong province, about 90 minutes by car from Pattaya
Possible, with about ninety minutes by road then the ferry, but staying a night is more relaxed and catches the sunset.