Your stay — Smile Samet
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The Property — Smile Samet
Smile Samet is a straightforward 3-star hotel on the western coast of Rayong, Thailand. The lobby's bright decor, with its pastel colours and modern Thai motifs, sets the tone for a no-frills, easy-going stay. The hotel caters to families and independent travellers looking for a hassle-free beach vacation. The Smile Samet team is known for their friendly service, which makes this a suitable choice for those seeking a relaxed, low-key experience.
Chronicles of Rayong
Rayong, a province in eastern Thailand, has a rich history dating back to the Ayutthaya era. The city's strategic location on the Gulf of Thailand made it a crucial port for trade and commerce. As a result, Rayong's architecture reflects a blend of traditional and modern influences, with many buildings showcasing a mix of Sino-Portuguese and Art Deco styles. Today, Rayong is a thriving industrial and manufacturing hub, with a growing tourist sector. The city's cultural identity is defined by its warm hospitality and love for seafood.
Best Time to Visit
Full Rayong guide →Best months
The best months to visit Rayong are June, July, and August, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs around 28°C (82°F). These months also offer manageable crowds and a range of festivals and events.
Peak / festival surge
Peak season in Rayong is December, driven by the annual Rayong International Kite Festival, which attracts visitors from around the world. Hotel prices surge during this time, with rates increasing by up to 30% compared to the shoulder season. The festival is a must-see event, featuring giant kites, live music, and local cuisine.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season, from April to May and September to November, offers the best value for money. Weather is still pleasant, with average highs in the mid-20s (77-79°F), and crowds are smaller, making it ideal for those on a budget.
Weather & packing
Rayong's climate is characterized by a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October. Be sure to pack light, breathable clothing for the hot and humid weather, and don't forget to bring sunscreen with high SPF.
Live City Briefing — Rayong
- The Rayong-Pattaya motorway has been upgraded, reducing travel time between the two cities to under an hour. This improvement has made Rayong more accessible for tourists.
- The new Rayong Night Market, located near the city centre, offers a wide range of local street food, souvenirs, and live music. It's a great place to experience the city's culture and nightlife.
- The Samet Island ferry service has been expanded, with additional departures from the Ban Phe pier. This makes it easier to get to the island and enjoy its beautiful beaches and attractions.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Smile Samet, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on the higher floors (5th and above) for a quieter stay, as the hotel's address in Rayong suggests it's situated in a relatively urban area with potential street noise. The 3-star rating also implies a mid-range hotel with decent soundproofing.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance, as it may generate some noise, especially during peak hours.
Best views
Unfortunately, without specific information on the hotel's orientation, it's difficult to determine the best view options. However, rooms on the higher floors may offer a glimpse of the surrounding cityscape.
Quietest floors
The floors in the middle to upper range (3rd-5th floor) are likely to be quieter, as they are further away from the service entrance and potential street noise.
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise from the nearby area may be a consideration, especially for light sleepers. The hotel's location in Rayong suggests a mix of residential and commercial activity.
Insider tips
1. When checking in, ask about parking options, as the hotel may have limited spaces or nearby parking facilities. 2. Request a room with a fridge, as this amenity is not explicitly mentioned but is common in 3-star hotels in Thailand.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Smile Samet
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, speed: 100 Mbps, no login constraints
serves all floors, including the historic wing with original wooden stairs
Complimentary digital newsstand with PressReader and FT, physical newspapers available at the lobby
14:00 to 22:00, early bag-drop available from 08:00, late check-out until 15:00 for THB 500
Available at the front desk or concierge, THB 100 per day
Step-free access to the main building, wheelchair entries available at the main entrance, some rooms have adapted bathrooms
On-site parking available, THB 200 per night; nearest public car park at Rayong Hospital, THB 100 per day; no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: THB 50 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: THB 1,000 advance deposit + THB 1,000 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Buddhist temple: วัดเกาะเสม็ด (175 m · ~2 min walk)
- Place of worship: ศาลเจ้าพ่อปู่ดำ (565 m · ~7 min walk)
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 396 m · ~5 min walk
Pharmacy — 342 m · ~4 min walk
Sawasdee Minimart — 407 m · ~5 min walk
หน้าด่าน — 782 m · ~10 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Thai Baht (THB)
Travellers can exchange money at banks, currency exchange booths at the airport, or use ATMs. Be cautious of poor rates at airport bureaux and tourist areas.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Rayong, especially in tourist areas. Mobile payments like TrueMoney and AIS Touch are also common.
Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving 20-50 THB for good service is appreciated. Hotel staff and taxi drivers also appreciate small tips.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A cup of coffee can be found for around 30-50 THB at a local café or street vendor.
A street food stall or market meal costs around 100-150 THB for a simple dish like pad thai or a bowl of noodle soup.
A meal at a local restaurant, like a plate of grilled fish or a stir-fry, costs around 150-250 THB.
The night markets in Ban Chang and Rayong Town are popular for affordable street food options.
Tesco Lotus and Big C are common supermarket chains in the area.
Street markets and night bazaars like the one in Ban Chang offer affordable shopping for clothing and accessories.
A day pass for public transportation costs around 100-150 THB. A taxi ride from the airport costs around 200-300 THB.
Use local transportation instead of taxis for shorter distances.Eat at street food stalls or markets for affordable meals.Avoid exchanging money at airports or tourist areas for better rates.
Good to know — Rayong
Type A/B/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ฿33.41 · THB
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Rayong, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Smile Samet
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 396 m · ~5 min walk — pharmacy · Pharmacy — 342 m · ~4 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) → Mac Garden Hotel, Rayong
💡 Go to the official taxi stand at the airport (gate 4 or 7 on level 1) to avoid touts. Meter plus 50 baht surcharge is standard; the fixed price quoted at the counter is often higher but hassle-free. Ask the driver to use Highway 7 — it's faster than the coastal road.
Ekkamai Bus Terminal (Bangkok) → Rayong Bus Terminal (near Mac Garden)
💡 Catch a government bus (blue and white) from Ekkamai — they're reliable and air-conditioned. Get off at the Rayong bus terminal, then take a songthaew or motorbike taxi (50 THB) to Mac Garden on Sukhumvit Road. Avoid the private vans that hang around the terminal; they overcharge.
Rayong city center (e.g., bus terminal or market) → Mac Garden Hotel on Sukhumvit Road
💡 Songthaews in Rayong run set routes with coloured signs — the blue ones go along Sukhumvit Road. Flag one down, tell the driver your stop (or show the hotel name in Thai), and pay the flat fare when you get off. They're slow and can be hot, but they're dirt cheap and locals use them.
U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport (UTP) → Mac Garden Hotel, Rayong
💡 U-Tapao is smaller than BKK but closer. Taxis queue outside arrivals; fix the price before getting in. Morning flights are cheaper as fewer people head to Rayong. Check if your hotel offers pickup — some do for an extra fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Smile Samet?
Request rooms on the higher floors (5th and above) for a quieter stay, as the hotel's address in Rayong suggests it's situated in a relatively urban area with potential street noise. The 3-star rating also implies a mid-range hotel with decent soundproofing.
Which rooms should I avoid at Smile Samet?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance, as it may generate some noise, especially during peak hours.
Is Smile Samet noisy?
Street noise from the nearby area may be a consideration, especially for light sleepers. The hotel's location in Rayong suggests a mix of residential and commercial activity.
Which rooms have the best views at Smile Samet?
Unfortunately, without specific information on the hotel's orientation, it's difficult to determine the best view options. However, rooms on the higher floors may offer a glimpse of the surrounding cityscape.
What are insider tips for staying at Smile Samet?
1. When checking in, ask about parking options, as the hotel may have limited spaces or nearby parking facilities. 2. Request a room with a fridge, as this amenity is not explicitly mentioned but is common in 3-star hotels in Thailand.
What time is check-in at Smile Samet?
Check-in at Smile Samet is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Smile Samet have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, speed: 100 Mbps, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Smile Samet?
THB 50 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Smile Samet?
A street food stall or market meal costs around 100-150 THB for a simple dish like pad thai or a bowl of noodle soup.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Smile Samet?
A day pass for public transportation costs around 100-150 THB. A taxi ride from the airport costs around 200-300 THB.
When is the best time to visit Rayong?
The best months to visit Rayong are June, July, and August, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs around 28°C (82°F). These months also offer manageable crowds and a range of festivals and events.
Top Attractions in Rayong
💡 Dress modestly (cover knees and shoulders). The temple is most atmospheric at sunset when the monks chant.
💡 Go early morning (before 8am) to avoid the heat and crowds. You can buy cheap grilled seafood from stalls on the promenade.
💡 Donations welcome but not required. Ask at the desk for the short English guide leaflet.
💡 Combined with a walk along the nearby walking street market (open weekends only). Best visited late afternoon.
💡 Bring your own food and drink – only a couple of basic stalls. The best swimming is during high tide.