Ao Hin Khok is a stunning stretch of beach that has been left largely undisturbed thanks to resorts being built back from the sand. The beach is home to Chawalee -- a Bangkokian who left the big smoke to lead a hermit's life on Ko Samet. Chawalee's humble abode is just south of the centre of the beach and she'd prefer you didn't layabout right out the front of her place. She speaks excellent English it you want to have a yarn.

Hin Khok Bay is one of the best beaches on Ko Samet for both swimming and sunbaking alike, with silvery-white, extra fine sand that squeaks up between the toes. The only downside is there isn't a whole lot of shade on the beach, just some patches out the front of Jep's Restaurant.

Ao Hin Khok is one of the main backpacker and traveller centres on Ko Samet and in season it can have a very festive feel to it, with both a lot of travellers and a fairly large ex-Bangkok contingent descending upon it over the weekends and across public holidays.