Thailand Guide
The east coast
Hat Sai Kaew
Arriving at Na Dan pier, a ten-minute walk south along the road brings you to Hat Sai Kaew, or Diamond Beach, named for its long and extraordinarily beautiful stretch of luxuriant sand, so soft and clean it squeaks underfoot – a result, apparently, of its unusually high silicon content. Unsurprisingly, it's the busiest beach on Samet, its shorefront packed with bungalows, restaurants, beachwear stalls, deckchairs and parasols, though the northern end is slightly more peaceful.
At sundown the deckchairs give way to the low tables, mats and cushions that the restaurants spread out along the sand. Most serve barbecued seafood dinners, buffet style, plus à la carte choices.
Much of the accommodation on Hat Sai Kaew is crammed uncomfortably close together and prices are high. Cheap rooms are sometimes available above the shops and restaurants on the road to Na Dan.