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Samui Island

Discover Samui Island Ferry Services | Ferry to Samui Island | Samui Speedboat Service

Ferry & speedboat crossings
Eighteen-armed white Guanyin statue at Wat Plai Laem temple, Koh Samui, with stone guardian lion under pastel sky

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Destination overview

Samui Island Information

Traveling by speedboat or ferry between Samui Island, mainland Surat Thani, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao is convenient and frequent. The journey offers breathtaking seascapes with countless tree-lined rocky islands dotting the Gulf of Thailand—don’t forget your camera and binoculars!

Samui Island has three piers: Nathon Pier, Bangrak Pier, and Maenam Pier, so be sure to check which one you'll be using. Each ferry comfortably carries 200–300 passengers and even offers onboard amenities like massage services on some boats. Arrive about 30 minutes before departure with your E-ticket ready on your phone or device. The ferry staff will provide you with a destination sticker—simple and hassle-free.

During the trip, choose between soaking up the sun on the deck or relaxing in the comfortable indoor seating. It’s the perfect time to unwind or update your travel journal—we’d love to hear about your adventures!

Before you go, check out our speedboat and ferry travel tips to be fully prepared. Bon voyage!

Thai flag on a pier railing overlooking calm hazy sea with distant temple and golden Buddha on a headland
Schedules & prices

Departures from Samui Island

The first 8 of 80 departures leaving Samui Island today — pick one to choose your date and book.

See all 80 departures from Samui Island
Schedules & prices

Arrivals in Samui Island

The first 8 of 62 services arriving in Samui Island today — pick one to choose your date and book.

See all 62 arrivals in Samui Island
Popular stations & vehicles

Piers

Bangrak Pier

Bangrak Pier, Koh Samui: Ferries to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao Bangrak Pier sits on the north coast of Koh Samui, right beside...

Haad Rin Queen Pier

Haad Rin Queen Pier: From Koh Samui to Koh Phangan Welcome to Haad Rin Queen Pier. It is your starting point for exploring...

Lipa Noi Pier

Lipa Noi Pier: Your Gateway to Tropical Wonders! Lipa Noi Pier stands as a proud gateway nestled on Koh Samui's west coast....

Maenam Pier

Maenam Pier: Your Koh Samui Adventure Begins Here Welcome to Maenam Pier also known as Pralarn Pier, your gateway to the...

Nathon Pier

Nathon Pier in Koh Samui: Discover the Enchanting Isle Nathon Pier, the main arrival and departure point of the islands...

Petcherat Marina Bangrak

Petcherat Marina – The Convenient Pier Connecting Koh Samui to Koh Phangan Petcherat Marina Bangrak is a well-known pier...

Pickup & collection points

About Samui Island

Koh Samui Information

Koh Samui: Thailand's palm-fringed island in the Gulf

Koh Samui is Thailand's second-largest island and one of the busiest travel hubs in the Gulf of Thailand, with 122 routes bookable routes linking it to the mainland and the surrounding archipelago.

The locals simply call it "Samui", the name drawing its roots from either the native "mui" tree or the Malay word "Saboey", (meaning "safe haven"). Samui is an island of great beauty and variety, and also highly accessible by sea, which we love of course! The popular beaches are well connected by a great 55km long road that circumnavigates the island; the dazzling shorelines laced with palm and fruit trees making for a delightful beach-seeking journey.

That combination of easy access and variety is what makes Samui Island work for very different trips: a short island break, a long stay on one beach, or a stop on a longer route through southern Thailand.

How to get to Koh Samui

Most travellers arrive on Samui by sea, either directly or on a combined ticket that pairs a land leg with a ferry crossing. Because the island sits off the Surat Thani coast, the usual pattern is to travel to the mainland coast first and then cross the gulf.

Operators serving the island include Lomprayah High Speed Ferries Co., Ltd., Lomlahkkhirin High Speed Ferries and Haadrin Queen, alongside other companies running the connections listed on this page. Services, vessel types and journey times vary by operator and route, so check the details shown for several operators on the search results before you book.

Fares start from ฿199 on the cheapest available connection. Prices move with season, operator and how far ahead you book, so the live figure on the search page is the one to trust.

Ports and arrival points

Samui has several piers, each serving different mainland and island connections. Nathon, on the west coast, is the island's main port and the usual arrival point for services from the Surat Thani area. Piers on the north and northeast coast, around Maenam and Bangrak, handle many of the fast services to and from the neighbouring islands.

The pier you arrive at matters for onward travel: the ring road makes every beach reachable, but transfer times from the far side of the island add up. Check your ticket for the exact pier name before you arrange a pickup.

Popular routes to and from Koh Samui

Samui connects to Ao Nang, Bangkok, Chumphon, Donsak, Hua Hin, Khao Sok National Park and 8 more destinations. The most-used connections fall into a few groups:

  • Mainland gulf crossings — services to and from Donsak, the closest mainland ferry port on the Surat Thani coast.
  • Long-distance combined tickets — through journeys from Bangkok and Hua Hin, sold as a single booking that covers each leg.
  • Gulf island hops — connections north towards Chumphon, a common link for travellers heading on to or arriving from the upper gulf.
  • West-coast crossings — routes towards Ao Nang and the Andaman side, useful if you are combining both coasts in one trip.
  • National park trips — connections to Khao Sok National Park for travellers pairing the island with inland rainforest.

If you are island-hopping, compare the ferries to Koh Phangan and ferries to Koh Tao, which sit on the same gulf corridor and are often booked as part of the same itinerary. Travellers coming from the capital can start with Bangkok to Koh Samui.

Practical travel information

A few things worth knowing before you travel:

  • Arrive early. Pier check-in usually closes before departure, and combined tickets depend on connecting legs leaving on time.
  • Book ahead in peak periods. Thai and international holidays fill popular sailings quickly.
  • Luggage. Allowances differ between operators and vehicle types — check the conditions shown with your selected service.
  • Weather. Gulf crossings can be affected by sea conditions, particularly later in the year. Operators may adjust or cancel sailings for safety.
  • Getting around. The 55km ring road links the main beaches; taxis, songthaews and rentals are all widely available on the island.

What to see and do on Samui

Chaweng and Lamai are the island's busiest beaches, with the widest choice of accommodation, food and nightlife. Bophut's Fisherman's Village is quieter and better known for its evening market, while Maenam and the southern coast suit travellers looking for a slower base.

Inland, the interior is hilly and forested, with waterfalls and viewpoints reachable from the ring road. The Big Buddha at Bangrak and the temples around the north coast are the best-known landmarks, and boat trips run out to the surrounding marine scenery.

Book your trip to Koh Samui

Compare the 122 routes routes serving Samui Island, check departure times and prices from ฿199, and book in a few steps. Search availability to see live options for your travel dates.

Highlights

Pad Thai noodles with shrimp, egg, fresh bean sprouts, spring onions and a lime wedge on a white plate

Eating Out

Thai cuisine is fantastic, particularly around Chaweng Beach and Lamai, though you can find awesome Thai food just about anywhere. As for international styles, Samui has just about everything from bakeries to beach bars, fast food to five star. You can eat up high on a hilltop or in a low-lying lagoon. You'll eat well in Samui!

Thai Buddhist temple with golden gable and large seated Buddha statue at dusk, footbridge in foreground

Samui History

Inhabited since around 1,500 years ago by Malay and south China fishermen, Samui was first charted on a map in 1687 as "Pulo Cornam". With no cars till around the 1940's, Samui was all laid-back-island-living - just occasional handfuls of adventurous backpackers arriving on coconut boats. More awesome Samui beaches became accessible in 1973 as a road around the perimeter of Samui was built. Gradually, more tourists began to arrive via ferry, boat and plane, until now Samui is regarded as Thailand's second most popular island after Phuket. That's the popularity of Samui!


Sunset over a wide low-tide beach with wet sand, scattered rocks and a distant headland under hazy sky

Samui Beaches

Samui beaches are diverse and ever popular. Chaweng beach is the most renown and is a tourist haven with international hotels, restaurants and bars lining the very long beach promenade. When evening comes, Chaweng is Samui party central! Lamai Beach is more family friendly, with a nice golden sandy beach that sweeps up toward a rocky headland. It's sleepy by day but pretty active at night. Bang Rak Beach is close to the ferry port, Bang Rak Pier. It's a bit cheaper than Chaweng or Lamai, but all the necessary shops and eating places are nearby. Bo Phut Beach is a beautiful and still authentically traditional. Finally, Mae Nam Beach is stunning and recently received the accolade of Asia's 9th best beach!


Hazy sea view from a green hillside with tall grasses in foreground and distant island headland under overcast sky

Getting Around Samui

The public taxis are aplenty, and they run on meters mostly, although many of the drivers don't use them much. Negotiate your prices and if you're smart you'll not catch a cab too close to the beaches or main tourist areas - they'll be much less expensive. You can hire a motorcycle or a car on a daily rate and the roads are quite good so you'll be able to get around Samui nicely, covering more ground and getting to more places on the map. Make sure the vehicles carry insurance and bargain a bit to get a preferable price. If you're going to use a motorcycle, please be careful, wear your helmets at all times and don't drive when drunk. Be safe and enjoy yourself!


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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Where is the pier that my ferry departing from?

Phuket Ferry :

We understand that pier details are important to our customers. That’s why we’ve made the information as clear as possible. Your departing pier address is clearly shown on your e-ticket, which we sent to your email. Additionally, go to our Pier Information page for the most comprehensive local pier information you can find anywhere. Finally, if you still need more information, contact our Customer Service Agents; we are happy to help.

 

Ferry Samui :

FWe understand that pier details are important to our customers. That’s why we’ve made the information as clear as possible. Your departing pier address is clearly shown on your e-ticket, which we sent to your email. Additionally, go to our Pier Information page for the most comprehensive local pier information you can find anywhere. Finally, if you still need more information, contact our Customer Service Agents, we are happy to help.

 

Bali Ferry :

We understand that pier details are important to our customers. That’s why we’ve made the information as clear as possible. Your departing pier address is clearly shown on your e-ticket, which we sent to your email. Additionally, go to our Departure Point Information page for the most comprehensive information you can find anywhere. Finally, if you still need more information, contact our Customer Service Agents, we are happy to help.

What are the tourist seasons ?

Phuket Ferry :

Phuket really just has two seasons, which are known as "high season" and "low season" (or "green season"). During the low season months (May- September), boat numbers are reduced. During the high season (October - April), boats to the surrounding islands are increased so you will have some more options.

 

Ferry Samui :

There are three distinct weather seasons on the tropical island of Koh Samui: the dry season (December until February), the hot season (March until August) and the rainy season (September until November).

 

Bali Ferry :

Bali actually has a variety of tourist periods, notably around the Balinese New Year, 15 December - 15 January, and 1 June - 30 September. During these high traffic periods, boats to the surrounding islands are increased so you will have some more options. The quieter periods are between 16 January - 30 April and 1 October - 14 December historically.

Will bad weather affect my travels?

Ferries are large and can usually operate in the rain, except in extremely bad weather. During storms or strong winds, the journey may take a little longer than usual.

Speedboats are more likely to be canceled than ferries. If a trip is canceled due to bad weather, you can choose to receive a refund or reschedule. Please note that refunds for bad weather are only issued if the ferry operator cancels the trip.

On rough days, we recommend bringing motion sickness medication and taking it about 20 minutes before boarding if you are prone to seasickness. Boat staff may also provide Dramamine upon request, but you will need to remain indoors during rough conditions. On sunny and calm days, the sun deck is open for passengers to enjoy the weather.

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.

 

 

When will I receive my ticket confirmation?

After completing your online booking, your reservation will remain in “Pending” status until it is processed. Once confirmed, we will send your e-ticket via email. The process is usually very quick.

On the day of travel, please present your e-ticket to the ferry staff at the relevant booking counter. If you do not receive your confirmation within 24 hours, contact us immediately.

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.

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