Getting to Koh Samui

Charles Radcliffe
4 days ago
2 min read

Photo: Bangkok Airways

✈️ Flying to Koh Samui (Fastest Option)

Best for: Travelers who value time and comfort

Duration: ~65 minutes from Bangkok

Price: $100–$250 one way

Koh Samui’s boutique Samui International Airport, run by Bangkok Airways, offers frequent direct flights from Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and even Singapore. With over 20 daily flights from Bangkok alone, it’s the quickest and most convenient way to arrive.

🚗 Driving from Bangkok

Best for: Road-trip lovers

Duration: 10–12 hours + ferry

Distance: ~700 km

Drive south through Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, and Surat Thani before catching a ferry at Donsak Pier. It’s a long journey—but the changing landscapes and roadside stops make it memorable.

⛴️ Taking the Ferry

Best for: Budget travelers or those coming from the south

Duration: 90–120 minutes

Price: $5–$10 per passenger; $20–$50 per vehicle

Ferries run regularly from Surat Thani and Donsak Pier via operators like Seatran Ferry and Raja Ferry, arriving at Na Thon or Lipa Noi on Samui.

🚆+🚌 Train & Bus Combo (Most Budget-Friendly)

Best for: Overnight travelers

Duration: 12–16 hours, including ferry

Price: $15–$50

Take an overnight train or bus from Bangkok to Surat Thani, then transfer to a ferry. Sleeper cabins on trains offer a comfortable way to cover long distances while saving money.

How to Choose the Best Option

⏱️ Travel Time

Fastest: Flying
Moderate: Ferry
Longest: Train/bus + ferry

💸 Cost

Most expensive: Flights
Mid-range: Ferry only
Cheapest: Train/bus + ferry

😌 Convenience & Comfort

Easiest: Flying
Scenic but requires planning: Ferry
Basic but affordable: Train/bus combos

Tips for a Smooth Trip

📅 Book Early

Flights to Samui sell out fast—especially in peak season. Reserve ferry, train, and bus tickets ahead of time for the best schedules and seats.

🌦️ Watch the Weather

Monsoon season (Oct–Dec) can delay ferries. Keep an eye on forecasts, pack waterproof gear, and consider travel insurance.

🔁 Plan for Transfers

If connecting via Surat Thani, double-check shuttle times to the pier. Overnight travel can overlap with morning ferries, so sync your itinerary carefully.