Ban Phe Pier & Seafood Market

About this Place

Ban Phe is the fishing town and ferry terminal serving Koh Samet — a lively port community that comes alive at dawn when fishing boats return and at dusk when the night market assembles. The pier area fish market sells the freshest Gulf of Thailand seafood directly from boats: squid, crab, sea bass, prawns, and the region's famous fermented shrimp paste (kapi). The main pier road has excellent seafood restaurants and casual food stalls serving grilled fish, spicy seafood salads, and fresh oysters at prices considerably lower than Bangkok or Pattaya. Rayong province is Thailand's largest producer of nam pla (fish sauce) and kapi shrimp paste — local brands sold at the market are far superior to tourist-shop varieties. Ban Phe is primarily a transit stop for Koh Samet ferries but deserves 1–2 hours for the market and a fresh seafood lunch before or after island visits.