Region: Eastern Thailand> Province: Rayong> Location: Ko Samet » Haad Sai Kaew

Haad Sai Kaew

Haad Sai Kaew is Ko Samet's busiest beach, and has the widest range of options for dining and drinking. This is where you'll find the busiest bars and barbecues in the evening -- though not necessarily those of the highest quality.

At night about a dozen restaurants invade the sand with their inviting mats and pillows. This is a lovely spot for a meal under the stars followed by an evening stroll along the 1one km stretch of white sand. Try an after-dinner roti from one of the carts on the beach.

Later into the evening, the strip thumps to the beat of loud music, wild entertainment, and hordes of partying vacationers. A number of the hotels offer special shows.

Ploy Talay is one of the most popular options on the beach. It has always drawn huge crowds for its fire dancing shows at 9:30 and 10:30, and many people stay to sample their hookahs and beach barbecue. The loud 90s club music and drunken tourists detract from what should be a more pleasant experience.