The Best Way to Travel Between Bangkok and Koh Samui

How to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui

There are numerous ways that can take you from Samui to Bangkok (and vice versa). It can be a flight, a bus, ferry, or a train. All depends on your time, ability, and of course your budget.

So, let’s break down!

From Bangkok to Koh Samui by plane

Obviously, flights are the quickest way to roam between Bangkok and Koh Samui, as the distance between the two is approximately 700 kilometers. However, bear in mind that this option is the most expensive! And probably not everyone can afford it. But if money is no problem; there are many flights operating daily at different times between Samui and Bangkok, and usually it is very easy to find vacant seats.

For instance, Bangkok Air offers up to 19 flights daily, and Thai Airways have two flights a day. However, it is still more preferable to book as early as you can, especially during the holidays, and also to make sure you won’t pay extra cash. Cause, the rule is: the earlier you book, the cheaper you pay!

Direct Flights from Bangkok to Samui Airport (USM)

It is important to understand that there are direct flights between Bangkok to Samui airport (The most expensive) and other non-direct flights that arrive in Surat Thani or Chumphon Airport.

Both Bangkok Airlines and Thai Airways provide direct flights.

However, if you are looking for a cheaper option; Nok Air and Air Asia provide 5 daily trips from Bangkok to Surat Thani Airport. From the airport, you should take a bus to the pier, then a ferry to reach Samui. This trip will take about 3 hours, and you can easily purchase the bus and ferry tickets once you arrive at the airport.

From Bangkok to Koh Samui by train and ferry

If you are a traveling enthusiast and don’t mind spending some additional time to enjoy the journey; this is the perfect option for you. The overnight train and ferry are definitely cheaper and more fun than a flight, but they come with a price! As this trip is so much longer. The train usually takes off overnight and arrives in the early morning the next day.

The train departs from Bangkok’s Hualamphong Train Station and arrives at Surat Thani Station. Once you arrive, there will be a shuttle bus service (which you can book in advance along with the train ticket) that will take you to the coast and the Don Sak Pier. From the pier, you may take either the ferry or the high-speed catamaran to take you straight to Koh Samui. The ferry trip takes 90 minutes, and the high-speed catamaran is around 45 minutes.

From Bangkok to Koh Samui with bus and ferry

Another option you may consider for traveling between Bangkok and Koh Samui is the bus and ferry trip. First, you will take the bus from Bangkok to Chumphon (which involves a stop in Hua Hin). Once you arrive in Chumphon, you should take the high-speed catamaran in which you will get to gaze at some of the most beautiful islands, as this boat travels across Koh Nang Yuan, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan islands.

From Bangkok to Koh Samui by ferrysamui.com

If you are looking for the safest, most affordable, and most convenient way to go from Samui to Bangkok (and vice versa) Ferrysamui is certainly the way to go! And here’s why:

Safety: In Ferrysamui, we are always keen to provide you with the most affordable and highest quality ferries; that has been selected with maximum consideration and attention to detail and contains all the up-to-date navigation and passengers’ safety equipment to ensure you a safe and pleasant experience.

Our suppliers: We work with a select group of trusted suppliers to ensure that we always provide you with the best transportation that you will not find anywhere else.

Most affordable: By accomplishing the hard equation of price and quality; we have the cheapest and most affordable prices compared to our competitors. If you noticed better prices anywhere else, please let us know.

Secure payment: Our payment system is 100% secure. Payments are easily made online with a click of a button, using either your credit card or PayPal account.

Money back guarantee: We apply a money back guarantee policy in case of cancellations prior to 24 or 72 hours before ferry departure.

Immediate e-ticket: We will provide you with an e-ticket immediately after booking your trip.

Devoted Customer Service: We have a dedicated team of hardworking passionate people, whom at your service for almost 24 hours, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Thailand Time/ 365 days a year!

Trustworthy: We are trusted by 688,874 loyal customers since 2011 and still counting. We’ve worked hard to build and maintain this trust for more than 5 years with thousands of consumers.

* We will always give our best to exceed your expectations, through providing you with the best and most affordable ferries in the region; that will guarantee you a safe and enjoyable experience *.

Our available trips from Bangkok to Koh Samui

We provide daily direct ferry trips departing from either Rambuttri Road, Khaosan Road, or Show DC in Bangkok to Maenam Pier, Nathon Pier, Lipa Noi Pier, or Bangrak Pier in Koh Samui.

• » The first and shortest trip departs from Rambuttri Road at 6:00 am, and arrives in Maenam Pier at 16:40 pm (Travel time: 10:40) hours.
• » The second one leaves from Khaosan Road at 18:00 pm, and reaches Nathon Pier by 11:20 am (Travel time: 17:20) hours.
• » The boat after that departs from Show DC at 18:00 pm, and arrives in Lipa Noi Pier at 09:30 am (Travel time: 15:30) hours.
• » The following boat also departs from Show DC at 18:00 pm, however it arrives in Bangrak Pier at 12:30 pm (Travel time: 18:30) hours
• » The fifth boat leaves Khaosan Road at 20:00 pm, reaching Bangrak Pier by 12:30 pm (Travel time: 16:30) hours.
• » We have another boat that departs from Khaosan Road at 20:00 pm, and arriving in Lipa Noi Pier at 08:30 am (Travel time: 12:30) hours.
• » The last ferry departs from Rambuttri Road at 21:00 pm, and reaches Maenam Pier at 11:20 am (Travel time: 14:20) hours.

Our available trips from Koh Samui to Bangkok

We have three ferry trips from Samui to Bangkok either departing from Maenam Pier (Koh Samui) and arriving in Rambuttri Road (Bangkok) or departing from Lipa Noi Pier (Koh Samui) and arriving in Khaosan Road.

• » The first one leaves Maenam Pier at 08:00 am and reaches Rambuttri Road at 20:30 pm (Travel time: 12:30) hours.
• » The following boat leaves Maenam pier at 12:30 pm, and arrives by 12:30 am in Rambuttri Road (Travel time: 12:00) hours.
• » The last boat departs from Lipa Noi Pier at 16:00 pm, and reaches Khaosan road at 05:30 am (Travel time: 13:30) hours.

* We understand that the boat trip between Koh Samui and Bangkok is a long one. But always remember that traveling is about the journey, not the destination *.

Let’s say that I canceled my trip due to any circumstances, what is going to happen to my money?

No need to worry! At Ferrysamui, we offer a money-back guarantee if you cancel 24 or 72 hours before departure, depending on the operator's terms and conditions. 

Note: Check-in at the pier is available 30 minutes before departure—simply show your e-ticket on your device.

Does the pier sell tickets?

There might be some boats’ operators selling tickets at some of the piers, however, prices, schedules, and availability are prone to change. We can only accept online payment at the time of your booking and do not accept same-day bookings.


Have more questions? Take a look at our FAQs.

If you have questions you didn't find the answer for; feel free to contact us through the phone, live chat or via email. We await your inquiry!

Additional information

Before your travel day; make sure to:

Double-Check Your Travel Details

It's easy to forget an important detail or to make a mistake regarding a pier address or boat name. Be well prepared.

Pack smart and travel light

Unlike airports, there are no trolleys for your bags. Some piers require you to walk a short distance, so keep your baggage portable.

Pack travel sickness tablets, just in case

Boats are big and the sea is mostly smooth, but it’s good to be prepared just In case some ferry motion is making you feel nauseous.

 

Got any further questions or concerns?

Contact our customer service team instantly!

Request.

If neither are good options for you; you can always catch us on the live chat.

* For faster service, simply provide us with your 6 digits booking reference number, or your email address *.

Wondering about the top things to do in Bangkok and Koh Samui? Keep reading!

Top things to do in Bangkok

Visit the Grand Palace this palace has been the home of Thai kings and queens for 150 years. It is famous for its unique architecture and mesmerizing details.

Wat Pra Kaew and Wat Pho located within the ground of the grand palace; Wat Pra Kaew is the most important Buddhist temple in all Thailand. While Wat Pho is decorated with artistically painted walls and the famous golden Buddha statue that is shining bright right in the middle. Some say that going to Bangkok without passing by Wat Pho is definitely a waste.

Wat Arun another fascinating temple, that is located on the west Thonburi bank of the Chao Phraya River (Opposite to Wat Pho). Wat Arun stands out with its brilliant architecture that combines both simplicity and intricate details.

Chatuchak Weekend Market The world’s largest weekend markets, where there is everything you can ever dream of. With more than 8000 market stalls, series of alleyways, and up to 27 sections! From clothes to handicrafts, antiques, books, pets’ accessories, plants, furniture and home decorations, food and beverage, and much more!

Khaosan Road the center of the backpacking universe, Khaosan Road is trapped with guest houses, internet cafes, clubs and bars, restaurants, massage places, bookshops, markets, and a lot more, all in this vibrant short street in the middle of Bangkok.

Siam Park City need to relish the unspoiled child inside you? This is the place! Siam Park City is an amusement and water park that is located in Khan Na Yao District. Where you will find many super fun activities to do whether with your friends or your children. The park is open on daily basis.

The Floating Market A unique cultural experience, where you will tour around many wooden rowboats floating with all kinds of goodies in Damnoen Saduak, the most famous floating market in Thailand. And because it’s too colorful; you will take the best pictures too!


Top things to do in Koh Samui

Angthong National Marine Park is a magnificent archipelago consisting of 42 islands in the Central Gulf Coast of Southern Thailand. The breathtaking park is characterized by limestone mountains, thick jungles, white-sand beaches, fertile mangroves, and numerous hidden waterfalls making it a nature creation paradise.

Bophut Fisherman’s Village One of the oldest and most elegant places in the island of Koh Samui, where you will find old wooden Chinese shop-houses all over the place, along with modern buildings, divers’ shops, and several boutiques selling high-quality clothing and jewelry.

Namuang Waterfall Also known as the “Purple Waterfalls” is the most remarkable among all the waterfalls in the island of Koh Samui, due to the formation of striking purple rocks that are creating a violet shade over the water. It’s an amazing place to just chill and contemplate the view and of course capture some fascinating pictures!

Chaweng Beach looking for some fun in the sun? Chaweng Beach is your destination! This is certainly one of the island’s best beaches, plus it offers the most and best accommodation options. It also has a variety of pubs, clubs, and bars. Which makes it the supreme place for both night and morning people.

Secret Buddha Garden hidden inside the hills of Koh Samui; the magical garden is filled with a troupe of unconventional statues, creating a sacred heavenly feeling. It is also one of the highest peaks on the island.

Big Buddha The 12-meter high golden Buddha is probably the most famous attraction in Samui. Located on the northern coast of the island, and surrounded by several food stalls and small markets.


Pack your bags, set your camera, and get ready for a spectacular trip!