How to Get to Koh Samui, Thailand: Insider Travel Guide

Knowing how to get to Koh Samui, like one of the many other islands in Thailand can be a bit of a struggle. So, I’ve put together my insider travel guide on the best way to reach the island.

Nonetheless, there are a number of ways that you can reach the island, making it one of the most accessible holiday locations in Thailand! I go into further depth on the pros and cons of each of the options to give you a better idea of where you may need to spend or save your money!

Continue reading for my insider travel tips on reaching Koh Samui in Thailand!

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How to Get to Koh Samui

There are a couple of ways you can reach Koh Samui and for the most part, it depends on your budget. Not to mention, it also depends on your starting location and how long you are willing to travel.

Moreover, there are numerous options for buses, trains, ferries, and planes. This guide will go into detail about all of the options so that you can make the best decision!

Obviously, Koh Samui is an island. So, no matter what, you will need to take either ferry or a plane to complete the last leg of the journey.

Bus and Train Rides

There are a couple of options for getting to Koh Samui (or to the nearest docking point) via bus and train ride. If you are coming from the mainland, you will need to make your way to Surat Thani in order to reach Koh Samui via ferry.

There are buses from Krabi, Chumphon, and Bangkok that will take you to Surat Thani and these will usually set you back around $35 AUD including the ferry ride to the island. It’s a cost-effective way to travel, however, it takes quite a long time.

Travel times:
Bus from Bangkok and ferry to Koh Samui: 14hr 30 min
Train from Bangkok and ferry to Koh Samui: 14hr 30 min
Bus from Krabi and ferry to Koh Samui: 5hr 15 min

Reaching Koh Samui via Ferry

The most common way to get to Koh Samui is via ferry ride. The port docks at Surat Thani (Donsak Pier) and takes you to Nanthon Pier on the island. The ferry ride across is roughly a 1hr 30mins journey.

There are lots of ferries running throughout the day, however I advise you book at least a couple of days in advance to save yourself a spot. Tickets are reasonably priced and only include a one way journey. Therefore, purchase a return ticket if you know when you’re ready to leave.

I found the seats to be comfy and the ferry was very large and spacious. There was plenty of legroom and I didn’t find myself seasick at all.

Reaching Koh Samui via Plane

One of the easiest ways to get to Koh Samui is via a plane flight. And, I think this is an excellent option if you tend to get a little seasick! Forget rocking around on a boat and land directly on the island.

Flights typically start at around $200 AUD and can get as high as $400 AUD for a round trip. So, try to get ahead of the crowd and book your flights in advance for the best deal!

However, this is the quickest and most convenient way to reach Koh Samui, and the flight time is around 1hr 15min. I strongly advise taking this route if you don’t have a lot of time to spend in Thailand and want to get to the island ASAP.

Finally, this route is usually best for holiday-goers, and not recommended for backpackers or those travelling on a tighter budget.

Things to Do in Koh Samui

There are a number of great things to do on this gorgeous little island, but a few of my favourite activities include:

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
Hin Lat waterfall
Bang Kao Beach
KC Beach Club
Chaweng Road

Check out these awesome activities including some of the best things to do in Koh Samui!

Where to Stay in Koh Samui

Depending on your budget, there are a handful of options for where you can stay in Koh Samui. And, this idyllic paradise truly offers a great range of accommodations for every type of traveller! From skint backpackers to lavish holiday-goers, you’re sure to find something that suits your needs.

Samui Backpacker Hotel $

This is a great spot for backpackers to set up camp. You have easy access to the Big Buddha, Choengmong Beach, and Bangrak Temple. Dorms start at 260 Thai Baht per night and are an absolute steal for this fantastic location!

Samui Mermaid Beachfront $$

Ahh, cocktails in the pool and right by the beach. What more could you want from your tropical island getaway!? Enjoy lovely service, clean rooms, ocean views, and a fantastic location!

Private rooms start at 700 Thai Baht. Moreover, this is an excellent price to share with a friend or partner. Or, if you’re wanting a little privacy, this is a great spot to enjoy for a few nights.

Tip: I highly recommend using Agoda for finding accommodation in Koh Samui. It’s the best platform for use in South East Asia.

Avani Plus Samui Resort $$$

Now for the most luxurious spot on Koh Samui, the Avani Plus Samui Resort. Experience ultimate serenity at this idyllic resort and kick your feet up for a few days.

Wake up to a delicious continental breakfast daily and then spend some time in the afternoon relaxing by the pool. What could be better!?

Private and luxurious rooms will set you back over 5,100 Thai Baht per night, but I believe it’s absolutely worth it to treat yourself in a place like this!

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, Koh Samui is a great place for a family holiday and for backpackers to visit. However, knowing how to get to Koh Samui or the best way to reach the island can be a little tricky with all the information on the internet.

I highly suggest taking either a bus to the ferry, as this is the most cost-effective route. On the other hand, if you don’t have much time, a flight from Phuket or Bangkok straight to the island is very straightforward. Plus, it’s the better option for those that get seasick!

Finally, if you would like to discover more about Thailand, I highly recommend checking out this section of my blog. I am constantly adding fresh content to keep you updated on the land of a thousand smiles.

Happy reading!