How to Get to Koh Samui? The Best Ways to Koh Samui
Pheakdey
Before I recommend a multi-country route, I check the connections first.
I’ve spent 8 years planning Indochina trips, and multi-country journeys make up much of my work. A badly timed flight, a rushed border crossing, or a hotel in the wrong part of town can affect more than one day.
Many recent client reviews mention the itineraries I designed. The questions they ask—about timing, transfers, and whether a route really works—often become the starting point for what I write.
Email me about your travel idea
Have you ever dreamed of vacationing on a stunning tropical island? Koh Samui in southern Thailand might be your perfect match! This island is world-famous for its incredible beaches and lush natural beauty.
Want to make Koh Samui your next adventure for a Thailand tour? This article will explain how to get to Koh Samui—making your trip planning a breeze.
You can fly in, take a ferry, or even catch a combined ferry and bus straight from Bangkok or other big cities in Thailand. Here's the breakdown of the most remarkable ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui.
Where Is Koh Samui Located in Thailand? How Far Is Koh Samui from Bangkok?
The Cheapest Way to Get to Koh Samui from Bangkok Is via the Ferry Ride
The Fastest Way to Get to Koh Samui from Bangkok Is by Flight: about Just 1.5 hours
The Overnight Train Is Also a Great Choice for Traveling Bangkok to Koh Samui
It Is Also Easy to Travel to Koh Samui from Krabi
How Far Is Koh Samui from Phuket? How to Travel?
How Far Is Koh Samui from Chiang Mai? How to Travel?
Where Is Koh Samui Located in Thailand? How Far Is Koh Samui from Bangkok?
Island paradise Koh Samui is Thailand's second-largest island after Phuket and is a paradise in the Gulf of Thailand. Locals often call it Samui. Geographically, Koh Samui, a part of Surat Thani province, became self-governing in 2012. Packed with things to see and do, this island attracted 2.7 million visitors in 2018. Calling all beach lovers and island travelers! Koh Samui, a gorgeous island paradise 764 kilometers south of Bangkok, awaits!
Getting there is a breeze. Speed demons can fly in, arriving in about 1.5 hours and looking for a land adventure. However, You can get a train or bus to Surat Thani and then hop on a ferry to Koh Samui (all in about 12-14 hours). Travel time can vary depending on your choice, but the stunning beaches and lively nightlife are always worth it!
The Cheapest Way to Get to Koh Samui from Bangkok Is via the Ferry Ride
The cheapest way to get to Koh Samui from Bangkok is by ferry after reaching the mainland. Ferries are your gateway to Koh Samui heaven. Tons of ferry companies zip you from the mainland; you can even bring your car along for the ride!
The most popular jump-off points are Surat Thani and Don Sak Pier. Depending on the company and the weather, the ferry takes 1.5-3 hours. Seasickness can be a thing, especially during the wet season. If you tend to feel queasy, grab some meds before you board!
An exciting ferry ride to Koh SamuiThe Fastest Way to Get to Koh Samui from Bangkok Is by Flight: about Just 1.5 hours
The fastest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui is by flight, which takes about 1.5 hours. In a hurry? Skip the train and fly! Bangkok Airways offers hourly flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui. For the ultimate speed demon, nonstop flights from Bangkok to Samui whiz you there in just 1.3 hours. The flight covers about 489 kilometers.
Bangkok Airways is your best bet for planning a trip to Thailand. They fly to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and even Singapore. Thai Airways and AirAsia offer flights directly to and from Bangkok. Depending on where you are coming from, you might need to connect through Bangkok. Flights can get pricey, especially during peak times, and Bangkok Airways tends to be more expensive than Thai Airways.
But wait, there's good news! Deals and discounts pop up often. Plus, booking in advance ensures the best prices and guarantees a seat so you will not be stuck on the ground.
Koh Samui airportThe Overnight Train Is Also a Great Choice for Traveling Bangkok to Koh Samui
The Overnight Train is also a Great Choice for Traveling from Bangkok to Koh Samui. Looking for a budget-friendly adventure to Koh Samui? Train travelers can start with an overnight train.
Catch a train from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station for a budget-friendly adventure to Koh Samui. The ride takes 12-15 hours, depending on the route and operator, so book a sleeper cabin for a comfy journey. Once you arrive in Surat Thani, hop on a ferry to paradise!
Surat Thani train stationIt Is Also Easy to Travel to Koh Samui from Krabi
Ditch the car and head to Koh Samui the easy way! Bus and ferry are your fastest option, clocking in at just 4.25 hours and costing between 900 and 1300 baht. However, Koh Samui is about 264 km from Krabi. The comfy journey starts at Krabi Lomprayah Bus Terminal, with ferries departing twice daily.
How Far Is Koh Samui from Phuket? How to Travel?
Island hopping adventure alert! Phuket is calling from 307 kilometers away. How do you get from Phuket to Koh Samui? No car, no worries. Bus and ferry are your best bet, taking you to Koh Samui in 6.5 hours for between 550 and 1600 baht.
How Far Is Koh Samui from Chiang Mai? How to Travel?
Are you longing to explore northern Thailand after visiting Koh Samui, one of the famous Thailand beaches? Chiang Mai, 1058 kilometers away, awaits! You'll need travel time without a car, but it's an adventure! Grab a bus and ferry combo with a Bangkok stopover. The trip takes about 24.5 hours and costs between 850 and 1900 baht. Buckle up and get ready for an epic journey!
More Tips for Getting to Koh Samui, Thailand
Traveling to Koh Samui, Thailand, by Bus
You can travel to Surat Thani from Bangkok by bus and then take a ferry to Koh Samui. Buses leave Sai Tai Mai station in Bangkok between 5 am and 8 pm. You don't need to book in advance. You can also book bus tickets to Koh Samui online with 12Go.
Also, You can choose between air-conditioned and standard buses, as well as a VIP bus service. Because it's a long trip, lasting about 10 to 12 hours on average, it's worth paying a bit more for the extra comfort of the VIP or air-conditioned bus.
While buses from Khao San Road to Surat Thani are an option, avoiding the private ones is usually better. Their prices are higher than those of the public bus service, and theft, especially of bag valuables, is common. Most buses arrive at Surat Thani Bus Station, about five kilometres from the city. If you have a combined bus and ferry ticket, you'll be switched to a bus heading to Donsak Pier, where you can catch the ferry to Koh Samui.
Travelling to Koh Samui, Thailand, by Car
It's important to remember that driving in Thailand can be challenging, especially if you need to get used to driving on the left side of the road. It is important to be especially careful when driving on narrow, winding roads. Rent a car in Bangkok or Surat Thani and drive to Koh Samui alone or as a couple.
In the central part of Bangkok, it takes approximately 10–12 hours, and in the southern provinces, it takes approximately 3–4 hours. To reach Koh Samui, you will then have to continue your car on the ferry.
Final Thoughts
Depending on your budget and comfort level, you can choose the option that suits you best. From diving to ziplining, spa treatments, golf, and more, you'll find a wide range of fun activities in Koh Samui. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day or an adventurous excursion, discover the best things to do on the island. Contact us for more information about the best tours in Koh Samui!
Pheakdey
Before I recommend a multi-country route, I check the connections first.
I’ve spent 8 years planning Indochina trips, and multi-country journeys make up much of my work. A badly timed flight, a rushed border crossing, or a hotel in the wrong part of town can affect more than one day.
Many recent client reviews mention the itineraries I designed. The questions they ask—about timing, transfers, and whether a route really works—often become the starting point for what I write.
Email me about your travel idea
