Koh Samet – the ‘Fire Island of Bangkok’?
Big. Bold. Creative. Nonstop. Heaving with cultural energy and an addictive kind of beautiful chaos. It’s a description that fits both the Thai capital, Bangkok, and a certain iconic American metropolis that has long been the backdrop for some of our favourite films and TV shows. They may sit on opposite sides of the world, but New York and Bangkok share more similarities than one might think. Both are home to thriving queer communities, and both have a fabulous nearby island retreat for when those queer communities need a long weekend with the three S’s: sea, sand, and Speedos. For New Yorkers, that place has long been the iconic Fire Island. For Bangkokians, it’s none other than Koh Samet. Some of you might not have heard of it, but that’s about to change.
Among some American travellers, Koh Samet is starting to be talked about as Bangkok’s own upcoming version of Fire Island, and not without reason. But before we dive into all the ways these destinations align, let’s start with the basics…
Where is Koh Samet, and how do you get there?
The island sits just off the coast of Rayong province, around 220 kilometres southeast of Bangkok – far enough to feel like a true escape, but close enough to do on a whim. Most travellers get there by heading to Ban Phe Pier, about a three-hour drive from central Bangkok, with regular minivans departing from Ekkamai Bus Terminal. From there, it’s a short hop by ferry or speedboat to the island itself. Complete journey packages – including transfers and boat tickets – can be easily booked in advance through platforms like 12Go.
If you’d rather be sipping something tropical by lunchtime, speedboats will get you from the pier to Koh Samet in as little as 15–30 minutes, often dropping you right on the sand in front of your accommodation. Note that the island is part of the Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park, which means you’ll need to pay a small entrance fee upon arrival — worth it for the clean beaches, clear water, and minimal fuss. Most people get around on foot and rented scooters, or hop in shared songthaews (pickup truck taxis), but it’s the kind of place where flip-flops are all the gear you really need.
What Koh Samet and Fire Island have in common
Proximity to the city: Fire Island is just a short train-and-ferry ride from New York City, while Koh Samet sits a 3‑hour transfer away from Bangkok via the Ban Phe route. Both islands are close enough for spontaneous getaways yet feel far enough to offer genuine decompression. In each case, you can leave the to-do lists behind in the morning and be oceanside by lunchtime.
Unapologetic queer havens: Fire Island’s Cherry Grove and the Pines have hosted openly queer communities since as far back as the 1920s – a place known as a safe sanctuary in a time when gay life was criminalised elsewhere. Koh Samet lacks the storied history, but Thai and international LGBTQ+ travellers, especially from Bangkok, have long treated TubTim Beach and Ao Phai as their de facto queer sanctuary. It’s popular, welcoming, and reassuringly familiar to those “in the know.”
Beachside rituals: On Fire Island, you’ll find afternoon tea dances, barefoot parties, and spontaneous gatherings at venues like the Belvedere Guest House or the Pavilion. Koh Samet’s equivalent is a little more laid-back: fire shows at Silver Sand (the island’s best gay beach party), beach volleyball in the daytime, and open-air guesthouse atmospheres. Minimal dress codes, no pretension, just good vibes all round.
Chosen community that feels like family: Fire Island has long supplied chosen family rituals – month-long residencies, annual events like the Invasion of the Pines, and creative retreats where strangers become comrades. Koh Samet doesn’t replicate that infrastructure, but weekends at TubTim or Ao Phai feel communal in their own way: returning faces, group games, and converging social circles that feel unplanned and unforced.
How they differ
Koh Samet has quietly been a popular escape for Thailand’s LGBTQ+ community, particularly gay men, since at least the early 2000s, though its appeal likely began in the late 1990s as Thailand’s domestic tourism infrastructure improved and more queer Bangkokians started seeking relaxed, non-judgmental weekend getaways close to the city.
Unlike Fire Island, Koh Samet doesn’t have a storied queer legacy tied to historical events or activism. Instead, its popularity has grown more organically through word of mouth. Over the years, certain beaches like Ao Phai (with bars like Silversand and Naga) became known among LGBTQ+ travellers for their laid-back vibes, casual flirtations, and weekend dance parties. You’re less likely to see rainbow flags, but you’ll often find clusters of queer Thai and international visitors, especially on long weekends and holidays.
Where Fire Island thrives on the idea of the summer season – a short, electric window of shared hedonism – Koh Samet plays a different tune. With its year-round appeal, the island welcomes a steady trickle of weekenders, couples, and friend groups, many from Bangkok, looking for an easy getaway without a flight. There’s less of a single “scene” and more of a gentle, ongoing pulse.
The verdict
Koh Samet doesn’t have the long queer history or name recognition of Fire Island, but its global reputation as a gaycation hotspot is continuing to grow. More and more LGBTQ+ travellers from Bangkok and beyond are heading there for the same reasons people love its American counterpart: to relax, let loose, and spend time with their chosen people by the sea.