How to get to Koh Samui depends on where you’re actually coming from. However, there are some helpful tips and tricks you should know to help you get there safely and without any hassle.
Below we outline the best ways on how to get to Koh Samui — no matter where you’re coming from or your preferred method of travel.
A Quick Overview of Traveling to Koh Samui
The most convenient way to get to Koh Samui is by flying with Bangkok Airways — either from Bangkok itself or from the nearby airports of Singapore, Phuket or Pattaya.
There are over twenty flights a day to Koh Samui from Bangkok alone.
Alternatively, several ferries and catamarans run from Surat Thani (Don Sak Pier) on the Thai mainland. But you’ll have to get to the Pier yourself.
If you’re travelling from Bangkok, you can easily combine the ferry to Koh Samui with a sleeper train from Hualumphong Station.
Ferry times do change frequently however, there will be several touts waiting in Surat Thani for passengers arriving on the trains and buses and will guide you to their company who will arrange all the ferry transfers for you.
If you are hiring a car and you would like to take your vehicle over to Samui from the mainland, there are approximately ten car ferries which leave from Don Sak Pier to Lipa Noi every day. But you’ll definitely want to get there as early as possible to make sure you don’t miss out.
Flying To Koh Samui Airport
Samui International Airport is often acclaimed as one of the most modern airports in Thailand and is privately owned and run by Bangkok Airways. Because of this monopoly, flights to Samui can be very expensive.
You can arrive to and depart from Koh Samui Thailand by plane from/to the following domestic and international destinations:
- Bangkok
- Chiang Mai
- Krabi
- Pattaya (U-Tapao)
- Phuket
- Hong Kong, China
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Singapore
When you arrive at Samui Airport, there is a fantastic choice of transfer options available to take you to your accommodation or wherever you need to go.
You’ll find the following modes of transport available as soon as you exit the arrivals area:
- Private car taxi (airport to Chaweng for 500 baht)
- Private minivan taxi (for up to six passengers, airport to Chaweng for 800 baht)
- Shared minivan transfers (airport to Chaweng for 130 baht)
- Car rental counters (Hertz, Sixt, Budget, Avis)
You can also pre-arrange airport transfer shuttle buses or car rental before you arrive.
Koh Samui Airport Information
Tel: +66 (0)77 425 012
Related: Best 9 Family-friendly Villas in Samui
A cheaper way to go to Koh Samui: from Donsak Pier (near Surat Thani)
Donsak Pier (about 40km south of Surat Thani) is the port of exit for many travellers to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao islands. Therefore there are plenty of return trips throughout the day heading back to Koh Samui.
As you arrive at Donsak Pier, you’ll come across a large car park area where tour buses and other vehicles queue waiting for the vehicle capable ferries.
To purchase tickets and to view the ferry schedule for the day, make your way over to the booths inside the terminus. Here you can also grab yourself a meal, shop for souvenirs and withdraw cash from one of the several ATM machines.
Donsak Pier Ferry Information:
Seatran Ferry
Tel: 082 240 2582
Raja Ferry
Tel: 077 371 151, 077 371 026 (Don Sak Office) or 077 423 026 (Koh Samui Office)
Price Range: Expect to pay up to 150 baht for each passenger and 470 baht for a car and its driver.
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How To Get To Koh Samui From Nearby Locations
Koh Phangan to Koh Samui
The best way to get to Koh Samui from Koh Phangan is by using one of the two local ferry services which connect Koh Phangan Island with Koh Samui Island.
The Songserm Ferry service runs up to 14 times per week and takes around 45 minutes to reach your destination. Check out Songserm Ferry Service Timetable here
The Lomprayah High Speed Ferry service runs up to 3 times per day (depending on weather conditions) and takes around 30 – 40 mins. Check Lomprayah High Speed Ferry Service Timetable
Phuket to Koh Samui
Methods of travelling to Koh Samui from Phuket include:
1)Flying to Samui Airport direct from Phuket.
The best (and most expensive) way to get yourself from Phuket to Koh Samui is flying. A flight from Phuket to Samui will take about an hour. Bangkok Airways has 5 flights per day — 7 days a week.
2)Bus and ferry to Samui from Phuket.
You can grab yourself a bus from Phuket to DanSak Pier and then catch a ferry over to Samui (Pralarn Pier) using the Lomprayh or Songserm ferry services.
3)Taxi and ferry to Samui from Phuket.
Book a private taxi to take you to DanSak Pier and then catch a ferry over to Koh Samui.
4) Hire a car and drive from Phuket to Don Sak pier (Surat Thani).
Hire a car from Phuket and drive to Donsak Pier (near Surat Thani) then catch a car ferry over to Koh Samui.
Krabi to Koh Samui
Methods of travelling to Koh Samui from Krabi include:
1)Fly to Samui Airport direct from Krabi.
The most convenient way to get to Koh Samui from Krabi is to fly direct from Krabi International Airport to Samui International Airport with Bangkok Airways. There is only one flight per day (around lunchtime) so you will want to make sure you book this flight well in advance.
2)Bus and ferry to Samui from Krabi.
Get a bus and ferry transfer ticket that will take you from from Krabi to DanSak Pier — then over to Pralarn Pier in Samui using the Lomprayh or Songserm ferry services.
Book a private taxi to take you from Krabi Town over to DanSak Pier near Surat Thani. Then purchase a ferry ticket over to Koh Samui once you get to the pier.
4) Hire a car and drive from Krabi to Donsak Pier.
Hire a car from one of the many places in Krabi and drive yourself to Donsak Pier near Surat Thani. You can then catch a car ferry service over to Koh Samui.
See our villas in Samui. Inspected and selected by Villa-Finder.com
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