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Best answer
11
Day trip fine — 7:30am ferry, Tawaen for convenience, rent scooter 250–350 baht to east-side coves (Samae quieter). Overnight only if you hate last ferry stress (~6pm). Speedboat 300+ baht if schedule tight. Reef shoes some beaches rocky. Green season ferries cancel rough seas — buffer day. Back Pattaya 5pm for evening market.
4
Tawaen too crowded with kids — scooter essential to find calmer spots.
2
Samae Beach on island less packed than Tawaen — scooter or songthaew from pier.