While not exactly as spectacular of a destinations as the islands of Koh Kood or Koh Maak further down on the eastern Gulf coast of Thailand. Koh Samed offers something you simply can’t beat, easy accessibility.

For all the modern delights big urban cities like Bangkok or Pattaya in Central Thailand have to offer, there always comes that time when you feel you suddenly need to hit the road for a radical change of scenery.

This is where places like Koh Samed comes in handy, especially for spontaneous people that don’t like to plan too much in advance. Nothing beats waking up in morning, looking outside the window on a beautiful day knowing you can just check out of your hotel, hop on a cab, negotiate a 2000 to 2500 Baht flat fee with the driver and 3 to 4-hour later be dipping your toes in the soft white sand of a beautiful palm tree-lined tropical island.

Below are a few pictures of my last trip to Koh Samed when I managed to squeeze in a few chill days in between the Thai New Year in Bangkok and Pattaya’s Wan Lai festival so you get an idea of the vibe.

  Starting with an early morning walk to take in the first impressions of the high tide on Koh Samed: The serene turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand reach the very edge of the island’s coastline.