Koh Samui: Getting There
By Air
Bangkok Airways operates several flights each day between Bangkok and Ko Samui, which is by far the easiest way to get to the island. Flights take just 1 hr. 20 mins. For bookings, call 66 (0) 2229 3456 (Bangkok) or 66 (0) 7742 2512 8 (Ko Samui).
By Train
Trains leave from Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok to Surat Thani every day, from where it is necessary to take a bus to Don Sak and then a ferry across to the islands. For more information, contact 66 (0) 2223 7010.
By Bus
Buses from Bangkok leave frequently for Ko Samui, but the fare does not include the ticket for the ferry. Journey time is around 14 hours. Call 66 (0) 2435 1199 for information about airconditioned buses, and 66 (0) 2435 5557 8 for information about regular buses.
By Boat
(to Ko Samui) Both passenger and car ferries run from Don Sak Pier, taking about 1 hr. 30 mins. to complete the crossing. An express boat leaves Surat Thani every morning and takes 2 hrs. 30 mins. There are also overnight boats-one leaving from Surat Thani at 21.00 and arriving at 04.00, and the other leaving Ban Don Pier at 23.00 and arriving at Ko Samui at 05.00.
(to Ko Pha-ngan) Direct boats from Don Sak Pier to Ko Pha-ngan leave several times a day and take 2 hrs. 30 mins., while regular ferries from Na Thon on Ko Samui take just an hour. (to Ko Tao) Daily boats between Ko Pha-ngan and Ko Tao take about 2 hours., while those from Ko Samui (which also stop at Ko Pha-ngan) take 3 hours. An alternative port of departure for Ko Tao is from Chumphon on the mainland, from where the journey also takes about 3 hours.
