Pattaya to Ko Samet

Pattaya to Ko Samet

Description

World famous as a hectic holiday resort, Pattaya is an essential stopover on any cruising holiday in the Eastern Gulf of Thailand. This 10-km stretch of coast is a favourite retreat for Bangkok residents as well as international tourists.
But for a taste of frenetic resort-city life to contrast with the solitude of Thailand's spectacular islands, Pattaya is ready to welcome all-comers.
Just five miles from Pattaya Bay is Ko Sak, in days gone by an exclusive island resort for Thailand's rich and famous, as well as a favourite with international jet-setters.
Take the footpath leading south from the beach restaurant and discover who was there before you. Some of the island's famous visitors including many Hollywood names from the 1950s left their hand and footprints set into the cement paving slabs.
Apart from the opportunity to recharge excitement levels, Pattaya is the natural starting point for a cruise east towards the islands near Cambodia. Not many yachts ply this coast, but a voyage from Pattaya to the Ko Chang and Ko Kut archipelagos is a rewarding experience, with several splendid unspoiled islands en route.
A number of these small offshore islands are within easy reach of Pattaya and Ocean Marina. Ko Larn, Ko Phai and Ko Kram – together with the smaller islets around them - are favourites, with their white sandy beaches, clear waters and great snorkeling.
Cruising further along the coast, 45 miles from Ocean Marina, is one of Bangkok's favourite away-from-it-all weekend destinations, Ko Samet, part of the Khao Laem Ya - Ko Samet National Park.
Ko Samet has plenty of restaurants and bungalows, but they are all built behind the tree line, preserving the beauty of beaches and coves that first attracted the backpacker set in the 1970s. The east coast is the most beautiful, with several untouched parts that holidaymakers rarely visit. Tucked into the northeast corner is the tiny islet, Hin Khan Na. An idyllic day-stop, there's an attractive, peaceful beach ideal for swimming. Ashore are a few restaurants and even a bakery.

When to Go

Pattaya enjoys a tropical wet and dry climate, which is divided into the following seasons: Warm and Dry (November to February), Hot and Humid (March to May), and Hot and Rainy (June to October). The most comfortable time of year to enjoy the region is from November to April.

Routes

6 Days Itinerary / Pattaya to Koh Chang

Day 1: Sailing south passing Ko Kram. After the last island turn west to the picturesque fishing village of Samesan.
Sailing further west and reach Ko Samet.
Day 2: Start at early dawn you’ll reach the northern bay of Ko Chang. This is a journey across the open sea not seeing any land.
Day 3: Sail south along the west coast of Ko Chang, into the Ko Chang archipelago. Arrive at Ko Wai.
Day 4: Sail further south to Ko Mak. Close to the island Mak is the small island Kam. This is one of the most beautiful locations in the whole archipelago.
Out of the blue green water and the white sand, heads of black lava stones are rising above the shallow water. A white sandy dune reaches out to the sea.
Day 5: Sail east to Ko Rang. This island is not inhabited. At the northern end are small islands and stones rising above the water. This is a famous dive and snorkel spot in the archipelago.
Day 6: Sail back to the island of Klum. There is a white, sand beach and a magnificent underwater world. On the west side is a long beach of big pebbles in all colors and shapes. This is also one of the few spots, where it is still possible to find seashells. Sail further to the west coast of Ko Chang.