
Nadan Pier Koh Samet

Rating: 3.6/5 (5 votes)




Rayong attractions
Attractions in Thailand
Open Days: Daily
Opening Hours: 07:00 – 18:00 (ferry departs every hour; speedboats operate outside regular hours)
Nadan Pier, Koh Samet sits on the island’s northern side and is the primary gateway for all visitors arriving from Ban Phe, Rayong. It stays lively throughout the day as the main embarkation/disembarkation point for Khao Laem Ya – Mu Ko Samet National Park. Visitors are required to pay the park entrance fee at this checkpoint before entering the island (Thai citizens: 40 THB / Foreigners: 200 THB; half price for children).
The pier area offers comprehensive services, including convenience stores, eateries, cafés, motorbike rentals, and local songthaew/taxi services to Sai Kaew Beach, Ao Wong Duean, and Ao Phrao. Many travelers also stop to pay respect at the nearby Chao Pho Pu Dam Shrine for good fortune before starting their trip.
Getting There From Bangkok, drive to Ban Phe Pier via several routes, such as Highway 3 (Sukhumvit) through Chonburi – Pattaya – Sattahip toward Rayong (approx. 220 km), or take Highway 7 (Motorway) connecting to Highway 36 to Rayong (approx. 175 km). From Ban Phe, ferries depart hourly from 07:00 – 18:00 and take about 30 minutes. Speedboats take around 10 minutes to Nadan Pier.
Nadan Pier is the starting point for exploring Koh Samet. From here, you can transfer to any popular beach: the vibrant Sai Kaew at night, the tranquil Ao Wong Duean, or the upscale Ao Phrao. Songthaews and motorbike rentals are available throughout the day.
Name | Nadan Pier, Koh Samet (ท่าเรือหน้าด่าน เกาะเสม็ด) |
Location | Phe Subdistrict, Mueang Rayong District, Rayong Province; near Chao Pho Pu Dam Shrine; within Khao Laem Ya – Mu Ko Samet National Park |
Key Characteristics | The island’s main pier with hourly ferries from Ban Phe; speedboats available; island taxis/songthaews, motorbike rentals, eateries, and convenience stores on site |
Period | Used as a passenger pier since the late 1970s (B.E. 2520s), when Koh Samet opened to tourism under the National Park authority |
Key Evidence | Chao Pho Pu Dam Shrine (sacred landmark) and the National Park boundary signage |
Name Origin | “Nadan” literally means the frontline checkpoint where entry to the National Park is verified before accessing the island |
Travel | From Bangkok, take Highway 7 or 3 toward Rayong, reach Ban Phe Pier, then cross by ferry or speedboat to the island (approx. 10 – 30 minutes) |
Facilities | Songthaew/taxi services, motorbike rentals, restaurants, cafés, convenience stores, ATMs, and speedboat services |
Popular Nearby Restaurants | • Na San Pochana – Fresh seafood, beachside vibe, Tel. 083-887-1588 (≈ 2 km) • Apache (Ao Lung Dam) – Seafood with sea view, Tel. 038-653-307 (≈ 3 km) • The Kitt & Food – Seafood with romantic beach view, Tel. 038-644-087 (≈ 3 km) • Samed Seaside Restaurant – On Ao Noi Na, Tel. 091-805-8878 (≈ 4 km) |
Popular Stays on the Island | • Samed Grand View Resort – Sai Kaew Beach, Tel. 038-644-220 (≈ 5 km) • Lima Coco Resort – Ao Phrao, Tel. 038-644-260, 092-435-4422 (≈ 6 km) • Samed Hideaway Resort – Ao Noi Na, Tel. 038-648-500 (≈ 4 km) • Sai Kaew Beach Resort – Sai Kaew Beach, Tel. 038-644-195 (≈ 5 km) • Baan Ploy Sea – Phe Subdistrict, Tel. 038-644-355 (≈ 4 km) |
Park Entrance Fee | Thai: Adults 40 THB / Children 20 THB; Foreigners: Adults 200 THB / Children 100 THB (pay at Koh Samet checkpoint) |
Current Status | Open daily 07:00 – 18:00; serves both domestic and international visitors |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to buy ferry tickets in advance?
A: You can buy tickets at Ban Phe Pier or online via operators. During holidays, advance booking is recommended.
Q: Are private speedboats available?
A: Yes. Several operators offer private charters, with prices depending on group size and distance—useful outside regular ferry hours.
Q: Can I rent a car on the island?
A: No car rentals on the island. Motorbikes and songthaews are the usual ways to get around.
Q: Are there ATMs on Koh Samet?
A: Yes, ATMs from major banks are located near the pier area and around Sai Kaew Beach.
Q: When is the best time to visit?
A: November to May generally brings calmer seas and pleasant weather, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.




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