Bungalows in Ao Phai.

Taken on: 26th April, 2012. Copyright: All Rights Reserved - See Chris.E's page of Flickr

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Popular Ao Phai is a stretch of white sand with some of Ko Samet's best swimming. There's little in the way of shade though, so budget for a deckchair and umbrella if you don’t want to be burned to a crisp. While this isn't one of Samet's longest, it is nevertheless a very pleasant and certainly very well-located beach, set between Ao Tubtim to the south and Ao Hin Khok to the north.

As with many beaches on Samet, the guesthouse and resort scene here is moving upmarket as bungalow operators look to cash in and expand. Many of the backpacker retreats are gone and in their place stand midrange resorts. The few budgetish places left tend to be back off the beach a bit.

Ao Phai remains busy during the day as it's an easy walk from the adjoining beaches, so even if you don't like the prices you can still enjoy the views by just wandering here on a daytrip.

Entertainment wise, a few restaurants are just off the beach and evenings are generally quiet, ... Read our complete Ao Phai travel guide

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