Koh Samui is a destination not to be missed. Koh Samui is Thailand’s famous island and rightfully so. It is known for its beautiful sandy beaches but that is not all Koh Samui has to offer. This paradise has plenty of cultural, historical and nature waiting for you to discover.
If you’re planning a trip to Bangkok or are already there, here is a guide on how you can get to Koh Samui by your preferred methods of transport.
By Direct Flight
The quickest way to travel to Koh Samui from Bangkok is by taking a direct flight. It is also the most expensive option. The flight only takes an hour. However, tickets costs anywhere from S$85 to S$190, with most tickets averaging S$120. There are multiple airlines that offer flights to Koh Samui.
If cost is not an issue for you, we recommend taking a direct flight to Koh Samui to save time and avoid the hassle of changing transports. As a bonus, you get to see the Samui Airport, which is a gorgeous open-concept airport.
Apart from direct flights, all other options require going to Surat Thani and transferring to a ferry terminal.
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By Indirect Flight & Transfer
Taking an indirect flight from Bangkok is also a relatively fast option. It is cheaper than taking a direct flight, but you would have to change transport. A recommended route for indirect flights is to fly to Surat Thani before transferring to a bus and ferry.
Both Bangkok International Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang Airport (DMK) have flights to Surat Thani International Airport (URT). The flights are about 1 hour 15 minutes long. You can find tickets going for as low as S$35.
From Surat Thani Airport, there are direct connections (Combined Bus + Ferry Tickets) to Koh Samui. Currently, there are 4 travel companies which offer these direct connections. It is advisable to book the tickets beforehand as they sell out quickly.
The trip from Surat Thani airport to Koh Samui takes an estimated 3 – 4 hours. Prices vary between companies, ranging from THB400 to TBH850 (S$15.80 – S$33.80).
The whole journey from Bangkok to Koh Samui will take about 4 – 5 hours and costs an estimate of S$50 if you go for the cheapest options. It is recommended that you reach Surat Thani before 3.15pm as most ferry companies stop their ferry services to Koh Samui by then.
By Train & Transfer
Though it is neither the cheapest nor quickest option, taking a train is a good option for anyone looking to enjoy a pleasant overnight trip. Book a sleeper ticket and save the hotel money!
You can catch a train at the Bangkok Railway Station, also commonly known as Hua Lamphong Station. To get to Koh Samui, you need to travel to Surat Thani first. It takes anywhere from 11 – 15 hours to get to Surat Thani Train Station.
There are 4 different ticket types. You may refer to the chart below for the prices and ticket types.
(1 THB = 0.039 SGD)
Although the tickets are cheaper when you purchase them at the station, it is advisable to book them online as tickets are often sold out before the day itself. Sleeper tickets sell out the quickest.
After reaching Surat Thani Train Station, you may purchase combined Van + Ferry tickets from travel companies. There are also Bus + Ferry tickets but it takes longer. Taking a van is a more popular choice as it is roughly the same price but much quicker, taking around 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 min.
The ferry to Koh Samui takes 1 hour 30 min, excluding waiting time.
We recommend catching Train #85, which departs at 7.30pm. It has an air-conditioned 2nd class sleeper and arrives at Surat Thani Train Station at a convenient time to catch a transfer and ferry to Koh Samui.
By Bus & Ferry
If you prefer to take a bus, there are also multiple options to choose from. You may take a bus from Bangkok to Surat Thani, but you would need to make multiple transfers. If you wish to avoid transferring multiple times, there are buses which go directly to ferry terminals.
Most buses depart from Sai Tai Mai (Southern Bus Terminal) in Bangkok, but it defers based on which tickets you purchase. Some travel companies have their own pick-up points in Bangkok.
There are travel companies which offer combined Bus + Ferry tickets so you only need to book once for your trip from Bangkok to Koh Samui. It is recommended to purchase a combined ticket as the connections are already planned and you need not go through the hassle of purchasing another ticket. Waiting time is also minimised.
You may also choose to take governmental bus called 999 bus or Bor.Kor.Sor. They provide direct buses to Donsak Pier from Sai Tai Mai, which runs 5 times a day. With 3 different types of buses (VIP, First Class, and Second Class), you can find a ticket that suits your needs. There are also combined tickets for 999 bus available for purchase. Prices vary from THB400 to THB800 (S$15.80 – S$31.50).
Ticket counters for 999 Bus are open from 4pm – 9pm. The journey to Surat Thani takes 10 – 11 hours and takes an additional 3 – 4 hours to reach Koh Samui, totalling around 15 hours to reach.
This is the cheapest option for getting to Koh Samui from Bangkok. If you’re not rushing for time, this is a great travel option for anyone with a budget.
