Sweeping and well protected Ao Wong Duen is one of the most popular beaches to stay -- and play -- on Ko Samet. Home to some fine mid-range accommodation, the beach is a hotspot of boat traffic, with a near continual stream of ferries, speedboats, jetskis and banana boats plying their trade, so an isolated and quiet beach this is not. The upscale party atmosphere isn't as frantic as it once was, and this is no longer the party-till-you-puke centre of the island.

If you choose to stay on Ao Wong Duen you may find yourself spending much of your time on other beaches to dodge the noise and hustle and bustle, while returning to Ao Wong Duen for its fine selection of eateries and drinking holes in the evening. Wong Duen is also the traveller's service centre for the adjacent beaches, offering internet (2B/min) and money exchange services.

Ferry boats arrive several times daily. There is a 10B per person fee for the tender service to/from the shore.