Ko Samet Transportation

To get to Koh Samet, the most convenient way would be to go to the town of Ban Phe, and either get one of the regular ferry services or take a speed boat (which is what we did although the cost is significantly more) to save time. The speed boat at least takes you straight to the beach infront of your bungalow.

You may also book accomodation in Ban Phe if you come unprepared. That's what we did. We booked our accomodation and speed boat all from Ban Phe... then were were on our way! In fact, we were so unprepared, we got a taxi from Pattaya (fare agreed prior to departure)! So, no matter how unprepared you are, you may still get to Koh Samet no problem. ;)

Expect to take about 1.5 to 2 hours from Pattaya and around 3.5 to 4 hours from Bangkok. If you go straight from Bangkok's new international airport, it may take you about 3 to 3.5 hours.

If you are planning to go around on Ko Samet it's best to hire a motorbike/scooter. Expect to pay something like 200-300 THB per day.

You can also get to other places by pick-up, but that can be comparetively expensive if you don't travel in a larger group. The one way trip from Sai Kaew Beach to Ao Wai (only 5km away) will cost you 800 THB if you're travelling alone.

This easiest way to get to Ko Samet is probably the combined bus/boat ticket which you can buy in most travel agencies in BKK (especially around Khao San Rd of course). The bus trip to the village of Ban Phe from where you catch the boat to Ko Samet takes about 2,5 hrs, the boat transfer about 30 minutes.
Should you arrive in Ban Phe at low tide, you might have to do some serious climbing to get on the boat. No good if you have loads of luggage.
The boats arrive at Ao Pacha on Ko Samet from where it it's a 10-15 minute walk to Sai Kaew Beach.

I was a little scared to get a motorcycle after all ive only ridden a few times in my life. Well i shopped around and the first one i looked at was a auto, yes i was gonna be a wuss... he wanted 500 baht for the day and my passport, wellyou aint getting that, ok he wanted my ID well you aint getting that either. Then he said i can sign a contract and give a 1000 baht deposit. Forget that.. I walk further down and find another auto... 500 baht or something like that too... well he showed me his bargain bike, .... 250-350 i cant remember which... either way it was the cheapest probably on the island. It had been dropped a time or too before. So the guy gave me a run down on how to operate it and off i went.. also no deposit or anything... downside it had street tires... i highly recommend one with dirtbike tires... quite a few times it almost slipped out under me, but i got the skills to pay them bills.. or soemthing...... i didnt wreck, BE CAREFULL THOUGH!!!

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When you get off the Ferry/Boat you will see these kind of trucks parked right there. To take you anywhere they charge 200 baht per person, doesnt matter how far you are going. To walk to the first and main beach (Hat Sai Kaew) takes 10-15 minutes from the dock. We walked and it wasnt a problem with the bags just to save money, so anyways, if you want to save money then no point in taking these, if you want to bounce around in the back of the truck then please yourself....the rides are super bouncy i hear.....

To get to Ban Phe from Bangkok, catch a bus from the Eastern Bus Terminal, which is next to the Ekamai BTS Station.

A bus for Ban Phe leaves hourly, with the first bus at 5am and the last bus at 7pm. The 3.5-hour journey to Ban Phe costs 124baht (one way).

The bus is air-conditioned and a small snack and drink will be provided. A movie will also be screened during the journey.

At Ban Phe, it is a short 3-minute walk to the pier. Those who've got time on their hands may wish to explore the nearby marketplace or grab something to eat at any of the surrounding eating places.

To get to Ko Samet, catch a boat from Ban Phe (or pier Phe). Tickets can be purchased at the counter at the pier.

A slow boat to Ko Samet costs about 60baht, and takes about 30 minutes. Boats will generally wait until most seats are taken before leaving. During peak seasons, they can get a bit crowded, so if you want a seat, get on the boat early.

Visitors will also need to purchase a National Park entry ticket, which costs 200baht for foriegners and 50baht for locals. If you can pass off as a Thai, keep silent and just hand over 50baht ;p You will pass an office where a uniformed guard will be collecting the payment, on the way to your place of accomodation, and not at the pier.

Catch a bus from BKK-Samet at Ekkamai Station. It costs less than 150THB. There is a new bus hourly but you may want to go before midday since it will take 3-4 hours to get there. Must remember that you will have to take a boat from the mainland to koh Samet. The last boat is around 4pm. Its a 30 mins ride.

*The boat schedule may be changed, so better check with travel agency.