How to Go to Koh Samui from Bangkok: Best Ways to Get There
Nestled in the azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand, the island of Koh Samui is a true tropical paradise on everyone’s Thailand bucket list.
But when it comes to reaching the palm-fringed serene beaches of Koh Samui from the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, the travellers are often confused.
If you can relate to that, you’ve come to the right place.
In this detailed guide, we’ll simplify the transport options so you can know how to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui.
But before we move the topic into discussion, let’s look at the geographical facts of Koh Samui to understand the overall route better.
Important Facts about Koh Samui
- Koh Samui is the second largest island in Thailand.
- It is about 755-kilometres to the south of Bangkok.
- Koh Samui is located in the Surat Thani province and is about 35-kilometres off the coast of the mainland of Surat Thani.
- The capital of Koh Samui is Nathon.
- Nathon Pier connects with the Thai mainland through regular ferries.
- Apart from a direct flight, Koh Samui can be reached by boat from ports in Surat Thani.
Ways to Reach Koh Samui from Bangkok
Bangkok to Koh Samui Flight
This is the most convenient and direct option to get to Koh Samui from Bangkok. It is also one of the easiest and fastest ways.
Every day starting from as early as 6 am to the last flight at 8 pm, a total of 24 direct flights take off from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to the USM Koh Samui Airport.
Since the flight duration is only 65 minutes, it is the quickest option to select if you have time constraints. Airlines like Bangkok Air, Thai Lion Air and Nok Air operate on this route from Bangkok to Koh Samui.
The only downside of flying is the ticket rates. This mode of transport can turn out expensive as the cost for a one-way flight starts from 4,783 THB for an economy seat.
Bangkok to Surat Thani Flight + Bus to port + Ferry to Koh Samui
Another option by flight increases the duration of the trip but reduces the cost to more than half.
The flights from Bangkok to Surat Thani are relatively cheaper starting from 1,708 THB for a one-way economy flight.
Around 46 flights depart from Bangkok daily from 5am until the last flight at 8:10pm operated by Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai Airways and Thai Vietjet.
From the URT Surat Thani Airport, you can buy a combined ticket for a bus and ferry for about 409 THB.
The bus ride, about 90 minutes long, takes you to Donsak pier.
From there, a ferry transports you to the Nathon port of Koh Samui in another 90 minutes.
The overall journey takes about 5 hours, costing you approximately 2,391 THB.
Bangkok to Surat Thani Train + Bus to Port + Ferry to Koh Samui
The journey from Bangkok to Koh Samui can take around 10 to 15 hours if you choose to reach Surat Thani by train.
Starting from the Bang Sue Grand Station in Bangkok, the journey to Koh Samui is divided into three parts:
- A train ride from Bangkok to Surat Thani.
- A bus ride from the Surat Thani station to the port.
- And then a ferry from the port to Na Thon port of Koh Samui.
- When you buy the train ticket for Surat Thani from Bang Sue Grand Station (also known as Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal), you can also get your tickets for the joint bus and ferry services, which will be your pass for all three journeys.
There are a total of 9 daily trains that depart from Bangkok for Surat Thani starting from 8:10am to 10:20pm.
The most convenient ride to opt for is the overnight train #167, which leaves Bangkok at 6:50pm and arrives in Surat Thani at 7:47am the following day.
Thirteen minutes later, the joint Bangkok to Koh Samui bus and ferry ride starts at 8am, with which you can reach Koh Samui by lunchtime at 12:30pm.
Most trains have sleeper berths, which make the long train ride a comfortable one.
The train is a cheap option as the ticket will only cost you 239 THB, and the joint bus and ferry service will charge you about 409 THB.
If you have enough time to travel through the beautiful landscapes of Thailand, then the train should be your perfect choice.
Taking a bus will also take the same time as a train journey, but the positive point here is that the bus will drop you directly at any of the ports of Surat Thani.
This will save you an extra bus ride, which you usually have to take from Surat Thani station/airport if you board a train or flight.
Several buses start their journey from Southern Terminal Bangkok or Khao San Montanatip Bangkok and take you directly to Donsak pier, a port of Surat Thani.
Most Bangkok to Koh Sumai buses travel overnight from around 7pm and reach Surat Thani by 7am.
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Bangkok to Surat Thani Port Bus + Ferry
It is about 1.5 hours of ferry ride, and you will be reaching Koh Samui by 10am.
The total travel time will be about 14 to 15 hours, and the price for the combined ticket for bus and ferry starts from 1,024 THB.
Cool Things to Do in Koh Samui
Once you arrive at the enticing island of Koh Samui, the adventure begins and the tiring long journey is quickly forgotten.
The beautiful island, famous for its breathtaking beaches, is a perfect destination for indulging in watersports and chasing waterfalls.
Here are some enthralling activities to check out while in Koh Samui.
Revel in the gorgeous sunrise or sunset views while indulging yourself in the thrilling adventure of paddleboarding while standing. Enjoy the reflection of the golden sun on the relaxing waters of the Gulf of Thailand and witness the beauty of Koh Samui and its surrounding nature.
Discover the importance of coconuts in the local life of Koh Samui people with a full-day tour where coconuts are the main star. Relish the coconut-themed Thai lunch in a beautiful garden. Explore the Coconut Museum and learn how different parts of the coconut are used in various processes, such as oil-making and creating decorative items and souvenirs.
Explore the tropical jungles of Koh Samui through an adventurous ride on a 4WD. Uncover the fruit and behold the rubber plantations and Namuang Waterfall, as you come across colourful birds, exotic wildlife and butterflies of the Samui rainforest. Relax by your jeep, and watch the interesting scene of trained monkeys helping farmers pick the coconuts.
Visit the famous landmarks of the island, including the Big Buddha statue, Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks and the mummified monk at Wat Kunaram. Unwind through the scenic viewpoints, enjoy the cool waters as you swim into the natural pool of Na Muang Waterfall and surprise yourself with the local demo of coconut milk preparation by hand.
Snorkel your way from one island to another and swim through the exotic coral reefs of two gorgeous islands near Koh Samui. Explore the extraordinary marine life and soak in the serene beaches of the Coral and Pig Islands.
Feel the coastal air with a thrilling speedboat ride to the islands of Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan. Plunge into the shallow reef of Muang Bay and snorkel in between the clusters of colourful fishes. Enjoy kayaking on the crystal clear waters around the small island of Koh Nang Yuan and have a Thai lunch at a local restaurant.
The Journey to Koh Samui from Bangkok
Now at the end of this comprehensive guide, you have a fair understanding of the different transport options available from Bangkok to Koh Sumai.
So select the one that best suits your preferences and budget.
Regardless of the route you choose, each mode offers unique sights and experiences, making the journey itself a part of your Thailand getaway.
And don’t forget to enjoy the process of getting to Koh Samui as travelling in Thailand often brings delightful surprises.
Commonly Asked Questions
Which is the fastest way to travel to Koh Samui from Bangkok?
Taking a direct flight is the fastest way to reach Koh Samui, which takes around 1 hour.
Can I take a ferry from Bangkok to Koh Samui?
No, there are no direct ferries from Bangkok. You’ll need to travel to Surat Thani first, and then take a ferry to Koh Samui.
Should I book my transportation tickets in advance?
It’s advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist seasons and also to ensure a preferable seat and to save money as compared to last-minute bookings.
How frequent are the flights, trains and buses from Bangkok to Koh Samui?
Bangkok to Koh Samui Flights, trains and buses are very frequent and have several departures per day.
Is it better to fly or take a train and ferry to Koh Samui?
Flying is the quickest option but it can be more expensive. If you have more time and want to experience a mix of travel, taking a train to Surat Thani and then a ferry to Koh Samui is a budget-friendly option.
