GETTING TO KOH SAMUI

Airplane

Flying to Koh Samui International Airport (USM) is the fastest and most convenient way to reach the island. The airport, located near Chaweng Beach, features an open-air tropical design and is well-equipped for international and domestic travelers.

Flights to Koh Samui

• Bangkok Airways operates multiple daily flights from Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and international destinations like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
• Thai Airways offers select flights in partnership with Bangkok Airways.
• International routes include direct connections from Singapore (SilkAir), Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong.

Flight Duration:

• Bangkok to Koh Samui: ~1 hour
• Phuket to Koh Samui: ~55 minutes
• Chiang Mai to Koh Samui: ~1 hour 45 minutes
• Singapore to Koh Samui: ~2 hours

Pros:

✔️ Fastest way to reach Koh Samui
✔️ Direct connections from major Thai cities and some international destinations
✔️ Comfortable and convenient

Cons:

❌ Higher cost compared to land and sea travel
❌ Limited airlines due to Bangkok Airways’ monopoly

Train + Bus + Ferry

For travelers who prefer a scenic and budget-friendly route, taking a train from Bangkok to Surat Thani, followed by a bus to Donsak Pier, and then a ferry to Koh Samui, is a great option.

How It Works:

1. Train from Bangkok to Surat Thani – Depart from Hua Lamphong Station or Bang Sue Grand Station, with options for overnight sleeper trains or daytime trains.
2. Bus transfer from Surat Thani to Donsak Pier – A short ride to the ferry terminal.
3. Ferry from Donsak Pier to Koh Samui – Arrives at Nathon Pier or Lipa Noi Pier on Koh Samui.

Duration:

• Total journey: 10-14 hours (depending on train schedule and ferry connection).

Pros:

✔️ Affordable travel option
✔️ Comfortable sleeper trains available
✔️ Scenic journey through Thailand’s countryside

Cons:

❌ Long travel time
❌ Requires multiple transfers

Bus + Ferry

An alternative to the train route, direct buses from Bangkok, Phuket, and other Thai cities offer a smooth transfer to Surat Thani and Donsak Pier, where ferries depart for Koh Samui.

How It Works:

1. Bus from Bangkok (Southern Bus Terminal) or other cities to Surat Thani.
2. Ferry from Donsak Pier to Koh Samui.

Duration:

• Bangkok to Koh Samui: ~10-12 hours
• Phuket to Koh Samui: ~6-7 hours

Pros:

✔️ Budget-friendly and convenient
✔️ Direct connections without changing transport modes

Cons:

❌ Long travel time
❌ Not as comfortable as flying

Private Car + Ferry

For travelers who prefer driving their own vehicle, private cars can be taken to Koh Samui via Donsak Pier, where car ferries operate daily.

How It Works:

1. Drive to Donsak Pier (Surat Thani Province).
2. Board a car ferry (Raja Ferry or Seatran Ferry).
3. Arrive at Koh Samui with your vehicle.

Duration:

• From Bangkok: ~9-10 hours (driving) + ~1.5-hour ferry.
• From Phuket: ~4-5 hours (driving) + ~1.5-hour ferry.

Pros:

✔️ Flexibility to travel at your own pace
✔️ Convenient for exploring Koh Samui with your own vehicle

Cons:

❌ Long drive
❌ Additional ferry fee for vehicles

Minivan + Ferry

Minivan services provide a more comfortable alternative to buses, with door-to-door transfers from Surat Thani, Krabi, Phuket, and Hua Hin to Koh Samui.

Pros:

✔️ Smaller groups, more comfortable than buses
✔️ Direct transfer options available

Cons:

❌ Higher price compared to buses
❌ Limited departure schedules

Direct Ferry from Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, or Surat Thani

For travelers coming from neighboring islands, direct ferries to Koh Samui operate multiple times daily.

Ferry Operators:

• Lomprayah High-Speed Ferry – Fastest option, high-speed catamaran service.
• Seatran Ferry & Raja Ferry – Larger and slower, allowing vehicle transport.

Duration:

• Koh Phangan to Koh Samui: ~30-45 minutes
• Koh Tao to Koh Samui: ~1.5-2 hours
• Surat Thani to Koh Samui: ~1.5 hours

Pros:

✔️ Direct and efficient
✔️ Frequent departures

Cons:

❌ Weather-dependent (rough seas can cause delays)

High-Speed Catamaran

High-speed catamarans provide a smoother and faster ride than regular ferries, connecting Surat Thani, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao to Koh Samui.

Pros:

✔️ Faster than standard ferries
✔️ More comfortable ride

Cons:

❌ Higher cost than regular ferries

Final Thoughts

Koh Samui is well-connected by air, land, and sea, offering travelers multiple ways to reach the island based on budget, time, and comfort preferences. Whether you choose a quick flight, a scenic train journey, or a relaxed ferry ride, getting to Koh Samui is part of the adventure.

Find the best route for your trip using Samui Map Info, and start planning your journey to this tropical paradise!