Travel Guide: Sundaze Samet - Bar & Hostel, Koh Samet

Introduction

Tucked along Thailand’s sun-drenched eastern seaboard, Koh Samet (沙美島) is a laid-back paradise of powdery white sands and turquoise Gulf of Thailand waters, ideal for backpackers, solo travelers, and groups craving low-key beach fun without the crowds of Phuket or Koh Samui. At the heart of this island’s relaxed vibe sits Sundaze Samet - Bar & Hostel, a budget-friendly social hub that lives up to its “sundaze” name: equal parts welcoming hostel and vibrant beach bar, it’s the perfect base for exploring all that Koh Samet has to offer.

Hotel Overview

Sundaze Samet is located at 12/25 Moo.4, Koh Samed, Rayong, 21160, putting it within walking distance of the island’s most popular shorelines. Designed for social travelers, the hostel combines comfort and convenience with a casual, youthful energy. Free WiFi is available in all public areas, and all rooms come with air conditioning, bed linens, and bedside outlets to keep devices charged. Shared and private room options are available, with private en-suite bathrooms featuring rainfall showers, bidets, and complimentary toilet paper (towels and extra linens are available for a small additional fee).

On-site facilities include a lush garden with outdoor seating, a cozy coffee shop, and the property’s namesake bar, which hosts nightly happy hours that make it easy to connect with fellow travelers. Practical amenities include daily housekeeping, lockers for secure storage, complimentary luggage check-in before check-in and after check-out, a shared lounge with TV, and a collection of board games for lazy afternoons. The staff speak fluent English, Thai, and Khmer, so navigating the island is straightforward for international guests. Note that there is no on-site parking, which is standard for central Koh Samet properties.

Local Attractions

Three unmissable spots are within easy reach of Sundaze Samet:

• Ao Phai (Fire Beach): Just a 10-minute walk from the hostel, this postcard-perfect stretch of white sand is famous for its nightly fire dancing shows, calm swimming conditions, and casual beach shacks serving fresh grilled seafood. It’s the best spot on the island for sunset photos.
• Koh Samet National Park: A 15-minute scooter ride from the hostel, this protected park covers the southern tip of the island, with quiet hiking trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints over the Gulf of Thailand and secluded, crowd-free coves ideal for picnics.
• Ao Vong Dueng: A popular spot for water sports lovers, this sheltered bay offers some of the best snorkeling on Koh Samet, with vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish just a short swim from shore.

Sundaze Samet can arrange off-site activities including snorkeling trips, kayaking, and deep-sea fishing, all for a small additional fee.

Travel Tips

To make the most of your stay at Sundaze Samet, arrive via the ferry from Ban Phe, and pre-book a shared songthaew (shared pickup truck) from the pier to the hostel for around 100 THB per person. Pack reef-safe sunscreen for snorkeling trips, and bring cash – many local shops and beach shacks don’t accept cards. If you’re looking to meet other travelers, don’t miss the hostel’s weekly sunset happy hour, where drink specials and group games make it easy to plan day trips with new friends. For day trips, rent a scooter for 200 THB per day to explore the island at your own pace, just remember to wear a helmet and drive carefully on the island’s narrow