Khao
Laem Ya - Ko Samet National Park
This
National Park includes Ko Samet island and a small section
of mainland Rayong east of the provincial capital, and the
surrounding waters. Designated a National Maritime Park since
1981, development of tourism facilities both on the mainland
and the island has nevertheless proceeded, and the efforts
of the Royal Forest Department to control growth have been
largely ineffective. In spite of winning a decisive legal
victory in 1996 the Department has yet to close down many
of bungalow resorts operating in the Park.
Covering
131 sq. km, the Park has some of the best beaches and cleanest,
most transparent waters in the Gulf of Thailand. On Ko Samet,
which is the main attraction of the Park, there are a few
unusual mammal and reptile species (including some snakes),
and more than 20 species of tropical birds.
The coral formations around Samet and the several tiny islands
nearby are great for snorkeling, but experienced scuba divers
may want to seek more challenging reefs, as the ones in the
Park are in relatively shallow water.
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