Premium hotels

Thailand Beach Extension - Koh Samet

Thailand - Trip code DKS Discovery
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135Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Extend your stay in Thailand with three nights relaxing on the white-sand beaches of Koh Samet island, within easy reach of Bangkok.

Why we love this trip
  • Sai Kaew beach Resort - Premium beachfront hotel that offers a relaxing retreat amidst natural beauty
  • Koh Samet - Explore this lush island with crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches
  • Thailand Extension - Can be combined with any trip starting or ending in Bangkok
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 3

  • Trip staff

    Driver(s)

  • Transport

    Boat

    Car

  • i

    Accommodation

    3 nights premium hotel

  • i

    Trip pace:

    Relaxed

Itinerary

Day 1 - Morning drive from Bangkok to Koh Samet. Afternoon Free

Your transfer will pick you up at 9 AM from the hotel or 10 AM from the airport and drive you to the coastal town of Rayong, a journey that typically takes about three hours, depending on traffic. From Rayong, we'll take a short 30-minute ferry ride to Koh Samet and then a short drive to your hotel for the next three nights.

Koh Samet is a small, serene island known for its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and relaxed vibe. It's the perfect spot for a quick getaway, offering everything from peaceful beachfront lounging to vibrant nightlife. Our hotel in Koh Samet, Sai Kaew Beach Resort is a beautiful beachfront getaway, offering a mix of modern comfort and tropical charm. With its direct access to the lively Sai Kaew beach, the resort features stylish rooms, multiple swimming pools, a beachside restaurant, and a spa, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and adventure in a vibrant island setting.

Upon checking in, the rest of the day is free.

If you arrive later than the designated pick up time, there is the possibility to arrange a private boat transfer for an extra fee - please enquire with our sales team.

Please note that this is a stand-alone extension and can be booked on any date of your choosing, subject to availability. Whilst this itinerary has been designed to complement a number of our group tours, we wish to point out that this extension is not a group experience, so you are unlikely to be travelling with other Explore customers. As this trip is unescorted there will be no Tour Leader accompanying you.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Day 2 - Free day at the beach

Today has been left free to relax and to make the most of the hotel's facilities and discovery of the island.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Free day at the beach. Optional snorkelling boat tour.

Today is another free day.

There is the option to hire bikes to explore Koh Samet's interior, and there are popular snorkeling spots dotted around the island, full of coral and abundant tropical fish.

Alternatively, you can embark on a full-day snorkeling adventure around Ko Samet, exploring six stunning islands, including Koh Kham and Koh Krauy. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters to discover vibrant marine life and colourful coral reefs and relax on unspoiled beaches with powdery white sand.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Take the ferry return ferry and drive to Bangkok where the trip ends

You will be picked up from your hotel this morning and driven to either Bangkok airport or your next hotel, with the journey taking approximately three and a half hours. Due to the ferry schedule, the earliest you can expect to arrive in Bangkok is around 1 PM, so we recommend not booking any flights before 4 PM. If you need to leave earlier, there is the possibility to organise a private boat transfer (subject to availability) for an extra fee - please enquire with our sales team.

The trip ends at the airport/hotel.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Thailand

Climate

Generally hot with high humidity. There is some rainfall from April to September with most days being hot (around 33 Degrees) and a light breeze on the islands. If it does rain, it will be more of a heavy tropical downpour that lasts a few hours. Additional information and climate charts can be accessed at http://www.explore.co.uk/weather.

Time difference to GMT

+7

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Buddhism

Language

Thai

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Your hotel is able to organise separate excursions or transport in any free time that you may have. Any excursions booked directly through the hotel or supplier do not form part of your contract with Explore and should be paid for locally. All costs will be provided at the time of booking.


Clothing

Only lightweight clothing is needed.

Footwear

Comfortable shoes and sandals.

Luggage

20kg

Equipment

Thailand

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Dinner price
£4.00 - 8.00
Beer price
£1.5
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Thai Baht
Recommended Currency For Exchange
We recommend that you bring your money in GBP or US$.
Where To Exchange
Most major towns and on the islands - your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability
ATMs are available in Bangkok but are limited on the islands.
Credit Card Acceptance
Major stores and restaurants.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Boat, Car

Accommodation notes

Sai Kaew Beach Resort is set between the picturesque Pineapple and Sai Kaew beaches on Koh Samet. The resort boasts three outdoor pools, two beachfront dining options, and a variety of water sports activities.

The resort's modern rooms provide either sea or garden views. Each air-conditioned room includes satellite TV, and, in select rooms, a fridge with a minibar. The en-suite bathrooms feature shower amenities.

Guests can relax with a traditional Thai massage by the beach or stay active at the fitness center.



Thailand

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Thailand

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and infectious hepatitis. Although not compulsory, travellers may also wish to immunise themselves against Japanese encephalitis. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on Dengue, Malaria and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Discovery information
Award Winning Explore Leaders
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Price Guarantee Promise
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Airport Transfers
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Print Trip Notes

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