History

Na Dan is the main village on the island on Ko Samet in Rayong province. The name "Na Dan" means "customs house", and from the 13th to the19th centuries vessels sailing to and from the Yellow Sea were required to pay tolls there. Ships could anchor safely in the bay between the island and the mainland without fear of being attacked by pirates. It is said that many captured pirates were executed at Na Dan on Ko Samet island.

In 1767, after the ancient capital of Ayutthaya was sacked, looted and put to the torch by the Burmese, the famous Siamese general Phraya Taksin rallied his forces in Rayong before retaking Ayutthaya and invading Angkor. It was in Rayong that he was acclaimed the new King.

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