If you’re already familiar with the bustling capital of Thailand, Bangkok, you might fancy a quieter place where you can spend a few days relaxing. With so many beachfront hotels and island paradises to choose from, it can be hard to decide, but Koh Samui is definitely recommended.
Find out more:
• From Bangkok to Koh Samui by plane
• From Bangkok to Koh Samui by train and ferry
• From Bangkok to Koh Samui by bus and ferry
This island in the Gulf of Thailand is known for its idyllic beaches and mountainous interior covered with vast jungle. Many tourists from around the world flock to the island, attracted by the luxurious spa, vibrant nightlife, and affordable accommodation that is perfect for backpackers. If you’re wondering how to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui, keep reading this guide to discover all the options.
Flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui
Bangkok Airways plane landing in Koh Samui © IamDoctorEgg / Shutterstock.com
Koh Samui is over 700 kilometers from Bangkok, so the fastest way to reach the island is by plane, although flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui can be expensive and therefore not a viable option for everyone. Koh Samui has its own airport in the northeast of the island, which was originally built by Bangkok Airways as a private airport for its own use, giving the airline a monopoly on flights between the two destinations. Now the situation is different, but the number of airlines serving this route is very limited. From Bangkok, you can fly to Koh Samui with Thai Airways twice a day, and with Bangkok Airways almost every hour.
With so many daily flights from Bangkok Airways, it is often easy to find free seats on any flight, although this is not always the case during holiday periods. Fares can vary greatly depending on when you buy your ticket. It is advisable to do this as far in advance as possible to get the best deals, because if you leave it to the last minute, the price can double. However, flights with Bangkok Airways can be considered expensive by Thai standards.
There are several additional flight options between Bangkok and Koh Samui. You can fly to Surat Thani Airport or Chumphon Airport. Both are on the mainland, so both options require a ferry to reach the island. Ferry connections are quite good, and low-cost airlines fly to both airports. This is a way to save a considerable amount of money.
Upon arrival at Koh Samui Airport (if you are flying direct from Bangkok to Koh Samui), you will have multiple ground transportation options to get to your whereabouts. Minibuses and private minibuses are a good choice, and there are usually not too many taxis at the airport.
From Bangkok to Koh Samui by train and ferry
Bangkok Hua Lamphong Train Station © Golffy / Shutterstock.com
A cheaper option than low-cost airlines is to travel by train and then by ferry from Bangkok to Koh Samui. The biggest downside to traveling by train and ferry is the journey time, although if you take the overnight sleepover train you will hardly lose any time from your holiday. From Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok, you can catch a train in the late afternoon, travel overnight and wake up at Surat Thani Station in the morning. In Surat Thani, get off the train and take a special bus that will take you to Don Sak port.
Don Sak makes your journey from Bangkok to Koh Samui even more interesting. You have the option of taking a conventional ferry if you want to sit back and enjoy the approximately 90-minute journey, or you can take the fast option and travel by high-speed catamaran. If you take the latter alternative, you’ll be in Koh Samui in around 45 minutes, so if you can’t wait to hit the beaches and head to the beach bars, this might be your best bet. You can also catch a ferry operated by Seatran Ferries at Ban Don Port, while those departing from Don Sak are operated by Raja Ferry.
Combined train and boat tickets can be purchased at Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok, so you don’t have to buy a different one at every stop on your journey, or you can buy them online in advance. Whichever purchase option you choose, try to buy them before you travel as the trains fill up quite quickly.
Bus and ferry from Bangkok to Koh Samui
Chumphon High Speed Catamaran © charnsitr / Shutterstock.com
The last option to travel from Bangkok to Koh Samui is by bus and ferry. With this option, you will need to take a bus from Bangkok to Chumphon (with a short stop in Hua Hin). In Chumphon, you will need to take a high-speed catamaran that passes through the islands of Ko Nang Yuan, Ko Tao and Ko Pha Ngan. This is a route with wonderful landscapes that allows you to see several islands along the way, although the route is quite long: the entire trip takes 11 hours, half of which is spent on the boat.
There are three different travel options from Bangkok to Koh Samui. The mode of transport you choose will depend primarily on your budget, but also how quickly you want to get to the island. Flights are a great option, but are quite expensive if you’re on a budget. You choose which option is most suitable.