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Although Koh Samui is lucky enough to have its own airport, often described as the most beautiful airport in the world, many people still choose to take a ferry for the last leg of their trip. No matter where you're coming from, you can save money and enjoy a unique experience by arriving on the island by ferry. The journey itself is always spectacular, especially at sunset. Ferries to Koh Samui typically depart from several locations on the Thai mainland or nearby islands. The most common departure points are Surat Thani, which serves as a convenient connector from the mainland due to its proximity and transportation links, including train and bus options from Bangkok. Additionally, ferries also operate from Don Sak Pier, offering regular services that cater to both passengers and vehicles. For those exploring the Gulf of Thailand's island chain, there are also routes from neighboring islands like Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, allowing for easy island hopping. This accessibility and the scenic voyage make the ferry a preferred mode of transportation to Koh Samui, blending convenience with the adventure of sea travel.
Raja Ferry is one of Thailand's most well-known ferry companies. The company, which was established in 1981, now owns and operates over 13 vessels. Donsak, Koh Samui, and Koh Phangan are the three key ports that the company uses for the comfort of its travellers. This is the only ferry service that allows you to bring your vehicle, such as a car or a scooter, on board. Since ferries carry vehicles and goods, they are the largest and therefore take the longest.
Lomprayah is a fleet of high-speed catamaran ferries. They take pride in providing you with a trip that is all about pace, elegance, and service. In the Gulf of Thailand, the company operates seven high-speed ferries, which allow for easier loading than conventional ferries.
Furthermore, the company provides additional services such as flight ticket booking, bus booking, and tour trips, among others.
Seatran's key objective is to offer a new and improved transportation option to Koh Samui and the islands for local and foreign citizens. The main concern was to have better service and a higher degree of protection at a good price and to promote the elimination of transportation congestion between Samui and the mainland, which was a significant setback in the development of the tourism industry in Samui.
Songserm is a shipping firm that works in the Gulf of Thailand. The company has expanded and diversified its services over the years, becoming the first and oldest ferry company to transport passengers between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, and one of Thailand's most important bus and ferry companies. Songserm specializes in transporting tourists to Thailand's Koh Tao, Koh Samui, and Koh Phangan islands, which are popular vacation spots.
Traveling from Bangkok to Koh Samui is one of the most common routes for both Thai and international travelers. With Koh Samui being one of Thailand’s most famous islands, there are multiple ways to get there, each offering different levels of speed, comfort, and cost. The main travel options include direct flights, bus + ferry combinations, train + ferry journeys, and private transfers.
There are four main ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui:
Duration: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
The fastest way to get to Koh Samui is by taking a direct flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok to Samui International Airport (USM). However, direct flights are more expensive than other transport options.
Duration: Approximately 10 to 12 hours
This is the most affordable way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Samui. The journey consists of an overnight or daytime bus ride to Donsak Pier (Surat Thani), followed by a ferry transfer to Koh Samui.
Duration: Approximately 12 to 14 hours
For those who prefer a more comfortable and scenic journey, the train from Bangkok to Surat Thani followed by a bus and ferry transfer is a great choice.
Duration: Approximately 8 to 10 hours
For travelers looking for a more comfortable and flexible journey, a private car or van transfer from Bangkok to Donsak Pier followed by a ferry ride is an option.
Whether you choose a quick flight, scenic train ride, budget-friendly bus journey, or private transfer, getting from Bangkok to Koh Samui is easy and offers multiple options to fit different budgets and travel preferences.
Surat Thani is a major transportation hub for travelers heading to Koh Samui. Many visitors arrive in Surat Thani via train, bus, or flights from Bangkok and other parts of Thailand. From here, several ferry operators provide services to Koh Samui, offering different levels of speed, comfort, and pricing.
Several ferry companies operate from Surat Thani to Koh Samui, departing from both the Surat Thani city piers and Donsak Pier (60 km east of Surat Thani). These include:
For travelers arriving by train, plane, or bus, many ferry companies offer combined tickets that include a bus transfer from Surat Thani Airport, the train station, or the city to Donsak Pier. This makes the journey smooth and hassle-free.
Tickets can be booked at the pier, travel agencies, or online in advance.
Whether you’re coming from Bangkok, Phuket, or other parts of Thailand, Surat Thani is the most affordable gateway to Koh Samui. With multiple ferry options and seamless connections, this route ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey to the island.
Traveling from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui is one of the shortest and most convenient ferry routes in the Gulf of Thailand. The journey takes between 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the type of ferry service you choose. Koh Phangan, famous for its Full Moon Parties, is just 15 km (9 miles) north of Koh Samui, making it a quick and easy hop between islands.
There are several ferry companies operating between Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier) and Koh Samui (various piers). These include:
For travelers looking for a private and direct transfer, speedboats are available from various departure points on Koh Phangan. This option is faster but significantly more expensive than a standard ferry. Speedboats are ideal for small groups looking to split the cost.
Tickets can be purchased at the pier, through travel agencies, or online in advance.
Whether you're heading to Koh Samui for its beaches, nightlife, or onward travel connections, the ferry ride from Koh Phangan is quick, affordable, and offers beautiful ocean views along the way.
Traveling from Phuket to Koh Samui is a popular route for tourists looking to explore Thailand’s beautiful islands. Since there is no direct ferry between the two islands, the journey involves a combination of bus and ferry, taking approximately 5 to 8 hours depending on the service provider.
There are two main ways to get from Phuket to Koh Samui:
If you want a more scenic journey, you can take a ferry from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi, then another ferry to Koh Tao before finally reaching Koh Samui. This route is more expensive and takes longer, but it offers stunning views of Thailand’s islands.
Whether you prefer the faster bus + ferry combination or the scenic island-hopping route, the journey from Phuket to Koh Samui is a fantastic way to explore Thailand’s coastline and tropical beauty.
Traveling from Koh Tao to Koh Samui is a straightforward and scenic journey across the Gulf of Thailand. As Koh Tao is a popular destination for diving and snorkeling, many visitors continue their trip to Koh Samui for its beaches, nightlife, and airport connections.
There are three main ferry operators running services from Koh Tao to Koh Samui:
The ferry ride from Koh Tao to Koh Samui is a comfortable and enjoyable journey, offering beautiful ocean views and easy connections to the rest of Thailand.
Traveling from Chumphon to Koh Samui is a longer but scenic route, often taken by travelers coming from Bangkok by train or those visiting Koh Tao before heading to Samui. The journey involves a combination of ferry and bus transfers, taking approximately 5 to 8 hours depending on the operator and travel conditions.
There are two main ways to travel from Chumphon to Koh Samui:
For those looking for a faster and more comfortable journey, many travel operators provide a combined bus and ferry ticket. The journey follows these steps:
Tickets can be purchased at the pier, travel agencies, or online for better convenience.
The Chumphon to Koh Samui route offers an adventurous journey through Thailand's Gulf, perfect for those who want to explore Koh Tao and Koh Phangan along the way. Whether choosing a direct ferry or a bus + ferry combo, travelers can expect a scenic and relaxing trip to the island paradise of Koh Samui.
Koh Samui is serviced by several ferry piers, each offering routes to various destinations that cater to the needs of travelers and locals alike. The most prominent of these is Nathon Pier, located on the island's west coast, which primarily operates ferries to the mainland at Surat Thani, facilitating access to Thailand's southern region and beyond. On the northeastern tip of the island, Maenam Pier offers a direct connection to Koh Phangan, making it a popular choice for those attending the Full Moon Party or exploring its serene beaches. Further south, Bangrak Pier (also known as Big Buddha Pier) provides services to Koh Phangan as well, and to a lesser extent, Koh Tao, known for its world-class diving spots. Additionally, Lipa Noi Pier, situated close to Nathon on the western coast, offers an alternative route to Surat Thani, focusing on both passenger and vehicle transport. These piers not only facilitate travel between Koh Samui and the surrounding islands and the mainland but also support the island's economy by enabling the flow of goods and tourists, making them vital hubs of activity and connectivity in the region.
If you arrive on Koh Samui at night and plan to catch a ferry to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao or Surat Thani the next morning, staying near the pier can make your journey easier and more convenient. There are several hotels near by offering comfortable overnight stays, quick access to ferry departures, and even beautiful ocean views to start your island-hopping adventure the right way.
Samui Pier Beach Resort is a convenient and charming beachfront stay located near Big Buddha Pier (Bangrak Pier), making it an ideal choice for travelers catching ferries to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. The resort offers cozy rooms with stunning sea views, a relaxing pool area, and direct beach access, perfect for unwinding before or after your island journey. With its **on-site restaurant, friendly atmosphere, and prime location**, it's a great option for those looking for comfort and convenience right next to the pier.
Punnpreeda Beach Resort is a cozy and stylish beachfront hotel located near Bangrak Pier (Big Buddha Pier), making it a perfect choice for travelers catching ferries to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. This boutique resort offers well-designed rooms with modern Thai decor, an infinity pool overlooking the sea, and a peaceful private beach area. With its relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, and easy access to nearby restaurants and shops, Punnpreeda Beach Resort provides a comfortable and convenient stay for those looking to unwind before their island-hopping adventure.
Seaside Palace Hotel Samui is a budget-friendly and conveniently located hotel near Nathon Pier, making it a great choice for travelers taking ferries to the mainland or nearby islands. The hotel offers simple yet comfortable rooms, many with sea views, providing a relaxed and affordable stay by the waterfront. With its proximity to local markets, restaurants, and ferry terminals, Seaside Palace Hotel Samui is an ideal option for those looking for a no-fuss, well-located accommodation near Nathon Pier.
Boon Heritage House Koh Samui is a charming boutique guesthouse located near Nathon Pier, offering a blend of traditional Thai design and modern comfort. Ideal for travelers looking for a cozy and peaceful stay before catching a ferry, this guesthouse features elegantly decorated rooms, a relaxing atmosphere, and warm hospitality. With its proximity to Nathon’s local markets, restaurants, and ferry services, Boon Heritage House Koh Samui is a perfect retreat for those who appreciate heritage-style accommodations while staying close to key transport links.
Saree Samui Resort is a luxurious beachfront retreat located near Pralarn Pier, offering a perfect blend of tranquility and island charm. With its **spacious villas, lush tropical gardens, and infinity pool overlooking the Gulf of Thailand**, this resort provides a serene escape while being conveniently close to ferry services for trips to **Koh Phangan and Koh Tao**. Whether you're relaxing on the private beach, indulging in a spa treatment, or enjoying authentic Thai cuisine at the on-site restaurant, Saree Samui Resort ensures a peaceful and convenient stay near the pier.
Coco Palm Beach Resort is a relaxing beachfront getaway located near Pralarn Pier, making it an excellent choice for travelers catching ferries to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. The resort features cozy bungalows surrounded by tropical gardens, a **beachfront swimming pool**, and direct access to a quiet stretch of Maenam Beach. With its **laid-back atmosphere, on-site restaurant, and easy access to ferry services**, Coco Palm Beach Resort is ideal for those seeking a peaceful stay close to the pier while still enjoying the beauty of Koh Samui.
The great thing about Koh Samui is you can fly there but fares can be expensive so you may need to take a boat or ferry; if you get seasick, we recommend taking a slower boat like the Raja, which is larger and therefore more stable. The ferry ride to the island is always spectacular, particularly if you arrive at sunset. Along the way, you can see Angthong National Marine Park and get a spectacular view of Koh Samui as you arrive from the sea.
Ferries from Koh Samui connect to several destinations, including:
Koh Samui has several ferry piers, each serving different destinations:
Ticket prices depend on your destination and ferry operator:
Travel times vary based on the destination and ferry type:
It is recommended to book in advance during peak season (December-April), Full Moon Party dates, and Thai holidays. High-speed ferries like Lomprayah often sell out early.
Yes, but only on Raja Ferry. This is the only ferry operator that allows vehicles, departing from Lipa Noi Pier to Donsak Pier in Surat Thani.
There is no direct ferry from Koh Samui to Phuket. Travelers must take a ferry to Surat Thani and then transfer to a bus. The total journey takes 7 to 10 hours.
No, most standard ferries operate between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM. However, private speedboat transfers are available to Koh Phangan for the Full Moon Party throughout the night.
If you miss your ferry, most operators will allow you to take the next available departure (subject to availability). Some travel agencies may charge a rescheduling fee, so check when booking.
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