Ao Thian

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The name may mean Candlelight Beach but this place is so developed now you won't need much help to see your way around here. Ao Thian has developed considerably over the last decade.

As with most of the far southern beaches on Ko Samet, Ao Thian is quite pleasant and the choice of accommodation is good. The beach, albeit a little rocky, is great for swimming and snorkelling.

Being a short walk from the far busier Ao Wong Duen means you're never far away from a wider choice of restaurants but on Ao Thian the restaurants are well located on a boardwalk area just above the beach, creating a perfect setting for enjoying time with friends.

Popular with Thais and particularly busy on weekends, you're more likely to rub elbows with someone from Bangkok or Khorat than Berlin or Copenhagen here.

Ao Lung Dam is a small bay that mostly handles overflow from Ao Thian and a dedicated fan-set rather than lots of casual guests in its own right.

Nevertheless, the bars here are somewhat popular, though they are shining examples of tacky kitsch.

What sand there is here is a bit on the grubby side, with the beach home to more than its fair share of refuse.

On the positive side, a boat departs from here directly to Ban Phe daily at noon-ish for 70B per person – making it simple to get away.

Text and/or map last updated on 6th January, 2010.

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