Travel Guide: Ao Nang to Samui Island by Bus and Ferry
- Crossing time 6h 30m
- Operators 1
- Departures a day 2
530+ THB
From Ao Nang to Samui Island: by Bus and Ferry
Ao Nang to Koh Samui: Route Overview
Traveling from Ao Nang to Samui Island means crossing from Thailand's Andaman coast to the Gulf of Thailand, so there is no single ferry pier linking the two directly. The trip combines an overland transfer with a sea crossing, starting at Ao Nam Mao Pier near Ao Nang and ending at Nathon Pier, Koh Samui's main passenger pier on the island's west coast.
Most journeys run overland from Ao Nang across the peninsula to Surat Thani, the mainland hub for ferries serving the Gulf islands, before connecting to a boat for the final leg to Koh Samui. Phantip 1970 Co., Ltd operates this route using a several transport options, with the full journey taking around the scheduled journey time.
Operator, Schedule, and Price
Phantip 1970 Co., Ltd runs this combined transfer with 2, so travellers can choose a departure that fits their plans. Fares start from ฿530 per person, with tickets typically covering both the road transfer to Surat Thani and the ferry crossing to Koh Samui. Onboard facilities include onboard facilities, and the service operates all year round. Exact departure times vary by booking date, so check the schedule shown at checkout before you confirm your trip.
Departure and Arrival Points
- Departure: Ao Nam Mao Pier, Krabi
- Transit: Surat Thani, the main mainland connection point for Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao
- Arrival: Nathon Pier, Koh Samui
Onward Travel from Koh Samui
Once you land at Nathon Pier, Koh Samui's beaches, hotels, and the airport are a short taxi or songthaew ride away. Travellers continuing an island-hopping trip can also pick up onward ferries from Samui's piers to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao, making this route a practical starting point for a wider Gulf islands itinerary.
Booking Your Ao Nang to Koh Samui Ferry
Because this route mixes road and sea transport with a limited number of daily departures, it is worth booking ahead during high season. Reserve your Ao Nang to Samui Island tickets with Phantip 1970 Co., Ltd to secure the transfer and ferry seat together in one booking. If you are planning the return leg, see the Koh Samui to Ao Nang ferry schedule for departure times and prices in the other direction.
Frequently asked questions
What's the boarding process on the day of my trip?
At the pier named on your ticket, look for the staff of the ferry operator listed on your ticket as well. Please present your e-ticket (QR code) from your phone or other device—they’ll provide you with a sticker and/or boarding pass and direct you to your boat. Most piers have staff available to help load your luggage. In Koh Samui, staff are usually stationed at booths near the boarding area; at other locations, they’re typically near the boats, wearing their company uniforms.
Do I need to print my ferry ticket or is mobile ok?
You don't need to print your ticket. On the day of travel, simply present your e-ticket (QR code) from your phone or other device to the ferry operator staff at the pier named on your ticket—they'll give you a sticker and/or boarding pass and direct you to your boat.
If you'd prefer a printed copy, you can register as a member on our site, which allows you to easily print out your e-tickets and VAT receipts.
What happens if my ferry is cancelled due to weather?
If your trip is cancelled due to bad weather, you can choose between receiving a refund or rescheduling your journey.
Please note that refunds for bad weather are only issued if the ferry operator cancels the trip. Also keep in mind that speedboats are more likely to be cancelled than ferries, as ferries can usually operate in the rain except in extremely bad weather — though journeys may take a little longer during storms or strong winds.
To arrange your refund or new travel date, please click the refund button in your personal Liva account.
What are the baggage allowances?
Your ferry e-ticket includes ferry transport, baggage fees, and handling. The free baggage allowance per person is 20–25 kg, depending on the operator. If your baggage exceeds this limit, you can pay the extra fee directly to the ferry operator in cash.
To check the baggage allowance for your specific trip, please refer to the trip details for your selected route.
Can I change the date of my ticket?
Yes, you can change your trip date as long as you provide notice at least 24, 48, or 72 hours before departure—the exact timeframe depends on the ferry operator you booked with. A small service fee of 200 baht per person applies for a second change.
Please note:
Changes must be for the same operator and boat type as your original booking.
The change applies to the entire booking; for example, if your booking is for 3 passengers, we cannot change the date or time for just one of them.
To proceed, please click the chat button to connect with one of our customer service agents, or use any of the official channels listed in the footer of our website.
Warning: Please do not send requests by replying directly to the booking confirmation email, as this is not an official support channel.
Bali Ferry :
Yes, you can. The change is required 7 days' notice prior to departure date. There is a small fee of USD $10 applied per time. Please click the chat button to speak with one of our customer service agents who will take you through the simple booking change process.
If I miss my ferry, can I take the next one?
Unfortunately, it is not possible. Tickets will expire for late arrivals and are strictly non-refundable and non-changeable.
To avoid missing your trip, please plan to arrive at the pier at least 30 minutes before departure to allow enough time for check-in and boarding.
If you do happen to miss your ferry and wish to travel as soon as possible, contact us right away, and we’ll advise you on the best available options.
