Overview

Koh Samui, Thailand's second-largest island in the Gulf of Thailand, is located approximately 750 kilometers (466 miles) south of Bangkok. The journey requires flying or a combination of bus/train and ferry.

Transportation Options

1. Flight to Samui ✈️ Most Convenient

Airlines: Bangkok Airways (monopoly on direct flights), Thai Airways Airports: Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) → Samui Airport (USM)

Cost: 3,000-8,000 THB (expensive due to Bangkok Airways near-monopoly) Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes Frequency: 10-15 flights daily

Pros:

• Fastest and most convenient
• Beautiful open-air airport
• Direct to the island

Cons:

• Most expensive option
• Bangkok Airways controls route
• Can be very pricey in high season

Airport Location: Samui Airport is near Chaweng Beach, easy access to all beaches

2. Flight to Surat Thani + Ferry ✈️+⛴️ Best Value

Route: Bangkok → Surat Thani Airport → Donsak Pier → Koh Samui

Airlines to Surat Thani: AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air (budget options) Cost:

• Flight: 800-2,500 THB
• Transfer + Ferry: 300-500 THB
• Total: 1,100-3,000 THB (much cheaper than direct!)

Duration:

• Flight: 1 hour
• Transfer + Ferry: 2-3 hours
• Total: 4-5 hours door-to-door

Booking: Book combined flight+ferry packages through airlines or 12go.asia

This is the Smart Choice! Saves money while still flying most of the way.

3. Bus/Train + Ferry 🚌+⛴️ Budget Option

Route: Bangkok → Surat Thani (or Chumphon) → Ferry → Koh Samui

Option A: Bus + Ferry Package

• Many companies offer combined tickets
• Cost: 600-1,000 THB
• Duration: 10-12 hours total
• Overnight buses available

Option B: Train + Ferry Package

• Train to Surat Thani + transfer + ferry
• Cost: 600-1,200 THB depending on train class
• Duration: 12-14 hours total
• Overnight trains available

Ferry Companies:

• Lomprayah (catamaran, fastest, most expensive)
• Seatran Discovery (good balance)
• Raja Ferry (cheapest, slowest)

Main Ferry Piers on Samui:

• Nathon Pier (main pier)
• Mae Nam Pier
• Big Buddha Pier (near airport)

Pros:

• Cheapest option
• Overnight travel saves accommodation
• Adventure travel experience

Cons:

• Long journey time
• Can be uncomfortable
• Weather dependent (ferries cancel in bad weather)

Samui Beach Areas

Chaweng Beach:

• Most developed and longest beach
• Best nightlife and dining
• Most hotels and resorts
• Can be crowded and noisy
• Good swimming

Lamai Beach:

• Second most popular
• More laid-back than Chaweng
• Still good facilities
• Some nightlife
• Slightly cheaper

Bophut Beach (Fisherman's Village):

• Boutique resorts
• Historic wooden houses
• Walking street on Friday nights
• Quieter and more charming
• Good restaurants

Mae Nam Beach:

• Long quiet beach
• Good for families
• Budget to mid-range options
• Local feel
• Calm waters

Choeng Mon Beach:

• Small exclusive bay
• Upscale resorts
• Good for families
• Quiet and clean
• Beautiful scenery

South Coast (Laem Sor, Taling Ngam):

• Very quiet
• Luxury resorts
• Best sunsets
• Rocky coastline
• Peaceful

Things to Do

Beaches & Islands:

• Ang Thong Marine National Park (kayaking, snorkeling)
• Koh Phangan day trip (or stay for Full Moon Party)
• Koh Tao day trip (diving and snorkeling)
• Beach hopping around Samui

Activities:

• Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
• Grandmother & Grandfather Rocks (Hin Ta Hin Yai)
• Namuang Waterfall
• Secret Buddha Garden
• Fisherman's Village Walking Street (Friday)
• Muay Thai stadium
• Snorkeling and diving
• Stand-up paddleboarding
• Kayaking
• Thai cooking classes
• Jungle trekking

Nightlife:

• Chaweng Beach Road (main nightlife)
• Ark Bar (beach club)
• Green Mango (club)
• Fisherman's Village (chill bars and restaurants)

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit:

• Best Weather: February-April (hot but dry)
• High Season: December-February (busy, expensive, best weather)
• Rainy Season: October-December (wettest, but still visitable)
• Note: Samui has different weather patterns than Phuket/Krabi

Getting Around Samui:

• Songthaew (pickup truck taxi): 50-100 THB per person
• Motorbike Rental: 200-300 THB/day (be careful!)
• Car Rental: 800-1,500 THB/day
• Grab: Limited availability
• Hotel Shuttle: Many hotels offer airport transfer

Money Tips:

• Chaweng is most expensive
• Book accommodation in advance (limited availability)
• Eat at local restaurants for better prices
• Book island tours through agents

Recommended Options by Budget

Budget Conscious:

✅ Fly to Surat Thani + Ferry - Best value for money

Money No Object:

✅ Direct Flight to Samui - Maximum convenience

Adventure Travelers:

✅ Overnight Train + Ferry - Unique experience, saves accommodation

NOT Worth It:

❌ Private car from Bangkok - Too far, too expensive, ferry required anyway

Final Recommendation

Best for Most Travelers: Fly to Surat Thani + Ferry Package

• Much cheaper than direct flight to Samui
• Still quick and convenient
• Easy to book as package
• Best value for money

Only Book Direct Samui Flight If:

• Booking very last minute
• Business traveler on expense account
• Time is extremely valuable
• Get a good deal (sometimes happens off-season)

Enjoy paradise in Koh Samui! 🌴🏝️