Audio Guide of the Mermaid Statue

The Mermaid Statue is an open-air attraction and is accessible 24 hours a day, every day, with no closing hours. It is located on Hat Sai Kaeo beach, the most popular on Ko Samet. You can walk there if you are staying nearby, or take a shared taxi (Songthaew) from the Na Dan pier. There is no specific official website for the statue, but you can find information about Hat Sai Kaeo on travel guides such as Tourism Thailand.

No, it's completely free! The Mermaid Statue is a public monument on Hat Sai Kaeo beach, so there are no entrance fees to see it. However, keep in mind that Ko Samet is a National Park and an entrance fee to the park is charged upon arrival on the island, which is 200 THB for foreigners.

Actually, the visit to the Mermaid Statue itself is quite quick, perhaps between 10 and 20 minutes to admire it and take some photos. However, since it's on Hat Sai Kaeo, most people combine the visit with some time on the beach, swimming or simply enjoying the atmosphere. So, the total time will depend on how much you want to relax on the beach.

The statue commemorates a passage from 'Phra Aphai Mani', a classic Thai epic poem written by Sunthorn Phu. It tells the story of a musical prince and his adventures, in which he encounters a mermaid. The statue depicts a poetic moment from this famous tale, which is much loved in Thai culture.

The best time to visit the statue is during Thailand's dry season, from November to February, when the weather is cooler and sunnier. In the afternoon, just before sunset, is ideal for capturing spectacular photos with the golden light and avoiding the most intense midday heat.

The Mermaid Statue is located directly on the sand of Hat Sai Kaeo beach. While the beach itself is reachable, direct access to the statue across the sand can be a challenge for people in wheelchairs or with reduced mobility. Thai beaches do not usually have specific accessibility infrastructure.

Yes, definitely! The statue is on Hat Sai Kaeo, the busiest beach on Ko Samet, full of restaurants, bars and water activities. Nearby you will also find the popular Koh Samet Viewpoint, for panoramic views of the island. You can also explore other nearby beaches such as Ao Phai or Ao Wong Duean.

My best tip is to bring your camera to capture unique photos, especially at sunset. Combine the visit with some relaxation time at Hat Sai Kaeo, enjoying the beach and the sea. Bring sun protection, a hat and sunglasses, and stay hydrated. If you're interested in culture, do a little research on the poem 'Phra Aphai Mani' before going to appreciate its meaning even more.