(Updated for 2025)
So, you’ve decided to visit Koh Samui – the dreamy tropical island with swaying palm trees, white sandy beaches, and coconut shakes that taste like sunshine.
Now the big question is: how do you actually get here?
Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. Here are all the ways you can make your way to this little paradise.
1. By Plane – The Fast & Fancy Way ✈️
Flying is by far the quickest and most comfortable way to get to Koh Samui.
The island has its own Koh Samui International Airport (USM) – one of the cutest airports in the world, complete with open-air walkways and tropical gardens.
From Bangkok
- Direct flights: Around 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Airlines: Bangkok Airways (exclusive operator), Thai Airways.
- Tip: Bangkok Airways often includes lounge access with snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi – even for economy passengers!
From Other Cities
- Chiang Mai: ~2 hours direct
- Phuket: ~1 hour direct
- Singapore / Hong Kong: International flights available seasonally
💡 Pro tip: Book early if you’re coming during Christmas, New Year, or July–August. Prices can double!
2. By Ferry – The Scenic Route ⛴️
If you love the idea of watching the sea slowly get bluer and the breeze in your hair, the ferry might be for you.
Main Ferry Ports to Koh Samui:
- Surat Thani (Don Sak Pier) – The most popular departure point. Ferries run every hour, taking 1.5 hours to reach the island.
- Chumphon – A less common route, but useful if you’re coming from the north.
- Koh Phangan / Koh Tao – Easy island-hopping connections.
Ferry Companies:
- Raja Ferry – Bigger boats, can take cars.
- Lomprayah – High-speed catamaran, faster and more comfortable.
- Seatran Ferry – Reliable and spacious.
💡 Pro tip: Bring sunglasses and a light jacket – it can be sunny and breezy at the same time.
3. By Train + Ferry – For Slow-Travel Lovers 🚆
If you’re not in a rush, you can combine a night train from Bangkok to Surat Thani with a ferry to Koh Samui.
It’s budget-friendly, eco-conscious, and gives you a taste of Thai countryside life.
How it works:
- Overnight train from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong station to Surat Thani (8–10 hours).
- Bus or minivan to Don Sak Pier (1.5 hours).
- Ferry to Koh Samui (1.5 hours).
💡 Pro tip: Book a sleeper berth in advance. It’s way more comfortable than a seat, and you’ll wake up almost at the seaside.
4. By Bus + Ferry – Cheapest Option 🚌
For backpackers or anyone on a tight budget, this is the go-to method.
You can book combined tickets from Bangkok, Hua Hin, or other southern cities.
Typical travel time from Bangkok:
- Bus to Surat Thani: 10–12 hours overnight
- Transfer to ferry + ferry to Samui: 2–3 hours
💡 Pro tip: Bring snacks, download a Netflix series, and pack a neck pillow.
🚢 Main Ferry Services to Koh Samui
Seatran Ferry
- Route: Don Sak Pier (Surat Thani) → Nathon Pier (Koh Samui)
- Travel Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
- Facilities: Air-conditioned seating, snack shop, restrooms, car transport available
- Website: seatranferry.com
Raja Ferry
- Route: Don Sak Pier (Surat Thani) → Lipa Noi Pier (Koh Samui)
- Travel Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
- Facilities: Car & motorbike transport, onboard snacks, indoor/outdoor seating
- Website: rajaferryport.com
Lomprayah High Speed Catamaran
- Route: Multiple —
- Chumphon → Koh Tao → Koh Phangan → Koh Samui
- Surat Thani (Tapee Pier) → Koh Samui
- Travel Time: ~45 minutes to 1 hour (from Koh Phangan), 1h 45m from Chumphon
- Facilities: Fast service, air-con cabin, snacks, free Wi-Fi on some boats
- Website: lomprayah.com
📅 General Ferry Timetable Overview
(Times may change depending on season, so always double-check before traveling)
( You can slide if you stay in mobile )
| Operator | Departure Pier | Destination Pier | First Departure | Last Departure | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seatran | Don Sak (Surat Thani) | Nathon (Samui) | 05:00 | 19:00 | Every 1–2 hrs |
| Raja Ferry | Don Sak (Surat Thani) | Lipa Noi (Samui) | 05:00 | 18:00 | Hourly |
| Lomprayah | Tapee (Surat Thani) / Chumphon | Nathon (Samui) | 07:00 | 16:30 | 2–4 daily |
| Songserm | Chumphon / Surat Thani | Koh Samui | 07:00 | 13:30 | 1–2 daily |
💡 Tip for Travelers:
- If you have a car, Raja Ferry and Seatran Ferry are your main choices.
- For speed and comfort, Lomprayah is the most popular among tourists.
- Book tickets in advance during high season (Dec–Apr & Jul–Aug).
Which Option Should You Choose?
- Short on time? → Fly.
- Love the journey? → Train + Ferry.
- Island-hopping? → Ferry from Koh Phangan or Koh Tao.
- Saving money? → Bus + Ferry.
No matter which way you choose, the moment you step onto Samui’s sandy shores, you’ll know it was worth the trip. 🌴