Mermaid (and the child) Monument

Walk down to the north end of Sai Kaew (White Sand) Beach on Ko Samet and you’ll find one of the island’s most photographed scenes: the bronze Mermaid with her child, gazing out to sea. It’s a quiet little pause point between swims and sunset beers, with waves slapping the rocks and powdery sand underfoot. Kids scramble up for photos. Couples linger at golden hour when the light turns the statue honey‑warm. Locals know the story. The figures are straight from Sunthorn Phu’s 19th‑century epic Phra Aphai Mani — the mermaid mother and her son Sudsakorn, born of her love for the flute‑playing prince. Around the beach you’ll spot more characters, from the looming sea ogress Phi Suea Samut to the prince himself. It’s a slice of Thai folklore laid out in the open air, ten minutes’ walk from Na Dan Pier and easy to swing by on your first beach stroll. Practical note: it’s free to visit and always “open,” but it looks best at sunrise when the beach is empty, or around 5pm as the day cools and the sky goes pink. After your photo, keep walking south for beachside grills and cold Singha on tap — Sai Kaew’s vendors start firing up by late afternoon.