Hotels in Ban Phe and Ko Samet

While the tides are changing Ko Samet from a doyen backpack hub to a more upmarket island, the bulk of the island's accommodation choices are still simple bungalows and cottages. The few posh resorts fill up fast in high season, but there’s typically a bungalow or two with availability for last-minute arrivals.

INEXPENSIVE
For cozy huts at good prices (and some great food in Jep’s diner next door), head past Had Sai Khaew to Ao Hin Khok, where cool dudes hang at Jep’s Bungalows (tel. 03864-4112); rooms with a fan start at 600B. Farther south still on Ao Tubtim, one of the island’s longest-running resorts is Tub Tim Resort (tel. 03864-4025). It has a variety of Thai-style bungalows with air-conditioning, balconies, and cable TV ranging from 1,000B to 3,300B on a protected bay that is good for swimming.