Donsak Pier

Donsak Pier is probably one of the most famous in Thailand, serving some of the most popular islands with ferry connections from the mainland. This is most likely where you will start your trip to Koh Samui or Koh Phangan, and although there are other piers and ports you can use, Donsak is by far the most visited island destination in the Gulf of Thailand.

More information:
• Donsak pier location
• Services and destinations at Donsak Pier
• Ferry timetable from Donsak Pier to Koh Samui in 2023
• Services at Donsak Pier

Donsak pier location

Donsak Pier is located northeast of Surat Thani, on a small peninsula, about an hour’s drive from Surat Thani town or one hour and 45 minutes from Surat Thani airport or train station. If you are going to Donsak Pier from the city, train station or airport, there are very good connections from all of these places, there are plenty of buses that can take you, or there are often all-inclusive tickets available that include transfers to Donsak if you are flying in for example by bus from Bangkok or if you have previously purchased a ferry ticket with transfer included.

Upon arrival, you are greeted by a large parking lot with queues of vehicles. Inside the naturally lit terminal building there are lockers where you can purchase your ferry tickets before boarding.

Singers and taxis are available near the pier to take you to nearby accommodation, towns and beaches. Motorcycle rental can also be arranged through the hotel.

Donsak Pier is the busiest and used by most ferry companies, but there is another option if you are staying in Surat Thani town itself… Lomprayah has a fast ferry from Tapee Pier, near the city center, that goes to Koh Samui and takes about 90 minutes. The disadvantage is that this service is usually only available once a day, although there are many services available from Donsak Pier to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and other islands, making Donsak a more flexible option.

Ferry services and destinations from Donsak Pier

There are several different piers at Donsak Pier, all known as Donsak, so make sure you choose the right one depending on the ferry company you are using. There are two quite close to each other: Seatran and Raja Ferry, as well as another dock a few kilometers to the west which is currently used by Lomprayah. With services canceled due to Covid, things are starting to get back to normal, but this means ferry operators are constantly adjusting their timetables and destinations to find out what the demand for their services will be and where the best departure and arrival points are. So we hope this article is as up to date as possible, but remember to double check which ferry company you are using and which pier, in Donsak or elsewhere, you will be departing from.

The good news is that although timetables are constantly changing, especially during peak season, there are always several fast ferry and catamaran options available to take you from Donsak to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan (Thong Sala), Koh Tao and more islands. For example, Lomprayah currently operates two high-speed catamarans from Donsak Pier at 11:00 and 14:30, calling at Koh Samui (Nathon Pier), Koh Phangan and then Koh Tao, and as It is a combination of high speed is very fast, will get you to Koh Samui in just 45 minutes.

Other options include the Raja Ferry. This is a much larger and slower ferry that departs from Donsak Pier and will provide a smoother and more stable trip than a catamaran. They have now increased the number of daily sailings from Donsak to nine departures, starting at 05:00 and ending at 18:00. The ferry ride to Lipa Noi on Koh Samui takes 90 minutes. Seatran currently offers 12 departures from Donsak Pier to Nathon, Koh Samui, also within 90 minutes.

All these services we have mentioned can be booked in advance online via 12 Go. Whether you want to book a ferry from Donsak Pier to one of the islands, or want to include a transfer from Surat Thani town, the airport, train station or other departure points, all these options can be booked online in advance.

Tickets are also available at the same pier in Donsak, but with great options early booking and cheap transfers available as add-ons, it’s worth booking in advance, especially if you’re traveling at peak times.

Ferry timetable from Donsak to Koh Samui in 2023

Facilities at Donsak Pier

The main docks used by ferry companies in Donsak offer the following services:

– Ticket office: Buying ferry tickets
– Restaurants and stalls: Meals at affordable prices
– Store: Drinks, snacks, essentials
– Seats: Benches, chairs, TVs
– ATMs: Cash availability
– TOILETS: Public services
– WiFi: Free Wi-Fi

Each company’s pier may vary slightly, but generally speaking, you’ll find comparable facilities at the main departure points in Donsak. For greater safety, vehicles and passengers board separately.

Although these basic amenities ensure that you have everything you need before or after your ferry cruise around the islands. The town of Donsak is nearby, giving you access to medical clinics, more shops and restaurants if you need them.

Use websites e.g 12Go to check timetables, compare prices and book tickets in advance. Although tickets can also be purchased at the pier, advance booking is recommended, especially during high season.

Whether your destination is Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao, Donsak Pier provides seamless connections between the islands. Its central location, numerous exits and amenities make this port an essential gateway to the captivating islands of the Gulf of Thailand.