Khao Laem Ya – Mu Ko Samet National Park, National park in Rayong Province, Thailand
Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet is a national park combining mainland and marine zones, with a headland and nine small islands forming a distinct archipelago. The park features white sand beaches, mangrove forests, and coral reefs spread across the Gulf of Thailand.
The park was established as a protected area by the Royal Forest Department in 1981. This designation brought the Ko Samet archipelago and Khao Laem Ya headland under official conservation management.
Fishing families live and work in designated areas throughout the park, maintaining their way of life as they have for generations. You will see their boats, nets, and small settlements integrated into the coastal landscape.
You can reach the islands by boat from several mainland piers, with regular departures throughout the day to different parts of the park. Plan your visit during the dry season when sea conditions are calmer and boat travel is more comfortable.
The marine areas here support large populations of parrot fish, blue damselfish, and cuttlefish that researchers study regularly. This makes the underwater zones an active research location for understanding tropical sea life.
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