Thailand forum

I agree with Captain Bob that Samet is a good choice because of the best beaches near Bangkok and because it is relatively cheap and easy to get there. I haven't been to Samet in a few years, but in my many trips to Samet before then, there were always a stray rooms in the little port town of Nadan which rented out at a substantial discount to the rooms along the beach. You might be able to find something in that 300 baht price range you seek.

No matter which season, it is definitely best to arrive on Ko Samet midweek, as the place fills up on weekends and room prices rise accordingly.

If it isn't too late already, and if you are up for a different kind of beach and hammock experience, once you are in Nong Khai you could head upriver along the Mekong about 100 km to Sangkhom and spend a few days or more at Bouy Guesthouse. It is a small little collection of huts on a bluff overlooking the river. The huts all have hammocks and river views and doubles rent for the under 300 baht range you seek. The river has a wide section of sandy beach and is okay for swimming too, and the small town is charming, affordable, and about as laid back as it gets.

I'd call or write ahead if possible to check availability. You can reach the nice folks who run Bouy at 42 441065 or by email at toy_bgh@hotmail.com. (Thats an underscore between toy and bgh.) To get there, take the Nong Khai to Loei bus that runs along route 211. There are direct (overnight) buses back to Bangkok from Sangkhom as well should you choose to go that route. Hope that helps. Regards.