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.Getting away - 3 hours from Bkk |
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| Long ago Ko Samet was
not just a refuge for pirates but also a source
of inspiration for Thailand's most famous
poet. With its microclimate and its proximity
to the capital, this island is a favourite
get away destination for Bangkokians. |
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http://www.bangkok-thailand.org |
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| Budding poets love to visit
the place from where Suthorn Phu, Thailand's
most celebrated and talented poet of the 19th
century, drew his inspiration. The thirty
thousand lines of the tale 'Phra Aphaimani'
tell the story of a prince in exile whose
journey is filled with love and war before
returning victorious to his kingdom. Statues
of the author and his characters, the prince
and the mermaid, can be found on a rock on
Ao Hin Khok beach. As for the pirates of old,
those that were captured on the island were
executed at Na Dan. |
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| .Poetry
and relaxation in Ko Samet |
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>> It takes less that 3 hours from
Bangkok to reach the fishing port of Ban
Phe in Rayong province. The lovely breeze
coming off the sea is refreshing but does
not succeed in diffusing the strong smell
of dried fish spread out along the quayside.
Before taking the half-hour journey by boat
across to the island, take time to do a
bit of last minute shopping.
The island, which has been part of the
Samet National Park since 1981, doesn't
get a lot of rain, which is why it's a favourite
destination all year round. The name 'Samet'
comes from the cajeputier trees which are
in abundance on the island and in the past
were used for building boats and for wood
burning.
It's advisable to choose where you want
to be on the island before you take the
boat as there are various arrival points:
Na Dan port in the north, Ao Phrao beach
in the west or Au Wong Deuan in the south.
The pleasant crossing to the island is on
small fishing boats fitted out to shuttle
passengers back and forth between the island
and the mainland. On arrival at Na Dan port,
songtheaws are available to take you to
the entrance of the National Park and also
down to the south of the island. Those who
like a walk and only have light bags may
prefer to traipse the various beaches to
find the best place to stay. (/LA)
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| Getting Away |
 The
Poetry
and relaxation
in Ko Samet
island 
 The
Erawan
Falls in
the national
park
 Ko
Samui,
paradisiac
island of the
south
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