Traveling to Koh Samet is easy. It takes about 2 hours and a half to drive from Bangkok (about 175 kilometers) and only 1 hour from the popular beach resort of Pattaya. The travelers have to travel to Ban Phe, a port near Rayong Town, in order to catch the boat or ferry to cross to Koh Samet. The boat rides takes about 30 minutes.

The most popular pier on Koh Samet is locally called "Na Dan" which evolves into a small village - generally known as Koh Samet Village. It is the closest point from Ban Phe, so no doubt it is most popular. Other piers are also available on the island such as that on Vongduern and Ao Prao Beach. At "Na Dan", there are several pick-up trucks, ready to transport visitors to the different beaches on the Island. The cost varies depending upon the beach that you would like to go since the distance counts. Although the vehicles look very basic, the truck operators here are more or less well organized with the pricelist clearly posted at "Na Dan". You may complain to the authority if you were ripped off; but this is unlikely to occur.

The closest beach from "Na Dan" is Haat Sai Kaew or Saikaew Beach which is about a kilometer away. (Meaning: Haat = Beach; Sai = Sand and Kaew = Crystal). As the name suggests, Sai Kaew means crystalline sand as the beach is shiny, glittering with white sand. Moreover, the sea water is very clear and warm. Haat Sai Kaew is the longest beach on the island. Travelers can hop over from one beach to the next either by foot or by the pick-up trucks that run around the island.

These beaches are namely:- Sai Kaew Beach, Ao Phai, Ao Vong Duern, Ao Wai, Ao Kui Na Nok, Ao Kui Na Nai, Cape Khut, Ao Toei, and Ao Prao. There is a small unpaved road connecting these beaches in the above order.