Sunthorn Phu, Thailand's Greatest Poet, described Koh Kaew Pitsadan (the magical crystal island), which is believed to be the present Koh Samet, in his famous Thai literature "Phra Aphai mani" as a beautiful crystal white sandy beach that Prince Aphai Mani is rescued with the help of a mermaid from the clutches of a lovelorn female giant.

Koh Samet is located in Rayong, about 200 km from Bangkok and 6.5 km away from the coast of a small fishermen's village called Ban Phe in the eastern Gulf of Thailand. Koh Samet is a small island with an area 3,125 rai. The Island is about 7 km long, and has a width of 3 km.

From Bangkok, the easiest and cheapest way is to take the bus from the Eastern Bus Terminal called Ekkamai Bus Station. The trip takes 3 hrs to Rayong. The fare is about 150 baht per person. From Rayong Bus Terminal, you can take local shared taxis "Song Taew" to Ban Phe, it takes about 30 minutes and costs 20 Baht per passenger. In Ban Phe, there are several piers to get to Koh Samet. The trip by boat from Ban Phe takes about 30-40 minutes to Naa Daan pier in Koh Samet.

At Naa Daan, there are several pick up truck "Song Taew" to go around the island. The cost varies depending upon the beach that you would like to go. On the eastern side of Koh Samet, Hat Sai Kaew beach is easily reachable from Naa Daan Pier, about a 10 to 15 minute walk. Hat Sai Kaew is one of the popular beachs on Koh Samet that travelers enjoy picnicking on the Crystal White Sand Beach, walk along the beach and Swimming in a clear water. From dusk to dawn, travelers can enjoy sunbathing, jet skiing, windsurfing, riding on a banana boat or even partying at night.

The most popular beaches on Koh Samet are Hat Sai Kaew, Ao Phai, Ao Vong Duan, Ao Wai and Ao Kui Na Nok on the East coast and Ao Prao on the West coast. Many of these beaches has sand that is so fine and white, it almost has a similarity with flour.