There are different ways to get from Surat Thani to Koh Samui, and all options involve less than two hours of ferry ride. Check out this quick guide to see the many ways tourists can quickly depart the city and head off to the second largest island in Thailand.
Where is Koh Samui?
Koh Samui is an island off the east coast of Thailand, popular with tourists for its tranquil crystal-clear beach waters, the 12-meter tall statue of Buddha, and the Angthong Marine Park. Travelers coming from Bangkok will find it easy to go to Koh Samui through the Surat Thani International Airport, which receives 15 flights every day.
Why visit Koh Samui?
Koh Samui is home to the most lavish resorts, hotels, and villas that delight travelers with a luxurious paradise living. Some tourists may find that the activities and accommodation in the area are surprisingly cheap, but don’t strip guests of the benefit of living in an extravagant island getaway.
How to go to Koh Samui
Ferry
Travelers who are bound from Surat Thani to Koh Samui are recommended to take ferries, which is the most efficient mode of transport. Various ferry companies offer transfer services from the main city to Koh Samui and packages that include bus and hotel transfers.
Suppose that travelers are already at the heart of Surat Thani, they can simply go to Donsak Pier and board a ferry bound to Koh Samui. This will take approximately one hour and 30 minutes.
Those who will be coming from the international airport of Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry, simply ride the Phantip Travel bus, which offers direct daily rides from the airport to Donsak Pier. Travel time is one hour and 30 minutes.
Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry price varies according to the season. Still, travelers will find it most affordable yet convenient to book via Lomprayah High-Speed Ferries. It can range from 600 to 700 baht, or 19 to 22 USD depending on the inclusions. Seatran Discovery Ferry and Raja Ferries also offer ferry services to travelers.
Night Boats
Most travelers miss the day ferry schedule due to unpredicted circumstances such as delayed flights or changes in itineraries. Others opt to take the night boats to save on costs since ferries leaving at night are cheaper than their alternatives. The downside is, it takes longer to get from Surat Thani to Koh Samui.
Departure time for night boats is at 11 p.m. at the Bandon Pier in Surat Thani. There are three-night boat services ready to serve guests, all bound for Koh Tao, Koh Pha Ngan, and Koh Samui. Those who will be traveling to Koh Samui will need to ride the night boat bound for Nathon Pier, which is the island’s port.
Some travelers spend their time in the night markets surrounding the port before the boat leaves. Upon entering the boat, guests can sit comfortably or lie on its huge mattresses as their journey takes off for Koh Samui.
These night boats are large wooden Thai fishing boats and cost only 400 baht or 12 USD. The arrival time is around 6 a.m. the next day.
Leaving Koh Samui
Leaving paradise has always been difficult for those who already fell in love with Koh Samui. After the splendid time on the island, tourists may head back to Surath Thani city or the international airport in various ways.
Ferry to Surat Thani Airport
Two ferry companies are most known to offer the best transfer services from Koh Samui to Surat Thani airport: Raja Ferry and Lomprayah High-Speed Ferry.
Raja Ferry offers minivan transfers from the guest’s hotel in Koh Samui to Surat Thani airport. Tickets are available for only 380 baht or 12 USD, but guests often need to go on their own to Lipa Noi Ferry Pier to head to the airport.
Meanwhile, Lomprayah also transfers from the guest’s hotel to the ferry and eventually goes to Surat Thani airport. It’s more expensive than Raja Ferry, but travelers who want to pay for added convenience may need to prepare at least 850 baht or more than 27 USD.
Another option is by taking advantage of Phantip bus services. Guests can ride a bus from Nathon Multipurpose Building in Koh Samui to Donsak Pier. From the Pier, travelers will ride another bus bound directly for Surat Thani airport.
Ferry to Surat Thani City
For tourists who will be doing business in Surat Thani’s main town, they can take Phantip services involving bus and ferry rides. To go from Koh Samui to Surat Thani ferry which stops at Donsak Pier, they can purchase tickets at the ticketing center in Koh Samui bus terminal and take the bus to Nathon Pier.
After around one hour and 30 minutes of a ferry ride, arriving guests will board a bus from the Pier to the main town of Surat Thani.