Tubtim or Pudsa
Ao Tubtim (also known as ‘Ao Pudsa’) is a small beach on Samed island, located next to Ao Phai (about 200 metres) which is further down from Hat Sai Kaew main pier. This beach tends to be popular with foreigners and gay visitors. It is regarded as the unofficial ‘gay beach’ of Koh Samed.
Tubtim has a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere than Hai Sai Kaew and Ao Phai, with just few restaurants and bars where you can enjoy dinner and relax on the beach.
There are only a few resorts on this beach. Better choices are at the nearby Ao Phai or Hat Sai Kaew.
How to get there
From Bangkok to Koh Samed
To get to Koh Samed from Bangkok, first you need to get to Ban Phe pier in Rayong province. The most convenient option is to hire a private transfer from your hotel to the pier. The price is usually around 2,500-3,500 baht each way, depending on the type of vehicle. Ask your hotel concierge for assistance.
There are shared
minivans that leave from the Victory Monument in Bangkok. They charge about 250 baht per person and bring you directly to Ban Phe. These minivans have limited space and make several stops along the way.
The cheapest and most popular option is to take the bus from Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai). The buses are air-conditioned and comfortable. Travel time is about 3½ hours.
Some metered taxi in Bangkok might agree to take you to Ban Phe pier for a flat-rate fare (normally around 1.500 - 2,000 baht).
If you want to rent a
car drive to Ban Phe pier, leave your car at a designated car parking and pick it up on the way back from the island.
Getting to Ao Tubtim
From Ban Phe pier, you can catch a scheduled ferry boat to Koh Samed which takes about 25 minutes and costs around 100 baht per person. Some resorts offer free transfers at scheduled times, otherwise a private speedboat will cost around 2,000 baht.
Unless a private boat that takes you directly to your resort, the regular ferry will drop you off at the Hat Sai Kaew main pier. From there, you can just walk to Ao Tubtim.
Last updated: 04-28-2014
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