Joanna James
Koh Samui is Thailand’s biggest, and arguably the most famous (amongst travellers) island. The island is home to stunning beaches, coconut groves and green topped hills. Since it is an island, you’ll need a combination of air or land travel and ferrying to get to Koh Samui. Let’s talk about the different ways of travelling to Koh Samui.
Booking a direct flight is the easiest way to get to Koh Samui. You can book early to get cheap tickets to the island. While you’re at it, look for deals with Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Hotels as well. Places like the Avani Chaweng Samui might offer early booking packages. As for air tickets, Thai Airways operate flights to Koh Samui twice daily. Bangkok Airlines fly more frequently to the island. If you’re travelling from other Southeast Asian destinations – you can catch flights to Koh Samui from Hong Kong, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. The only glitch is that flying direct to Koh Samui is expensive. If you’re on a budget, you might want to consider one of the other options we are about to discuss.
You can fly to Surat Thani and then catch the ferry to Koh Samui. This is a more inexpensive option other than flying directly. However, prepare for a longer journey. You can catch a bus from the airport to reach the pier. This journey typically takes about 3 hours. Then you can catch a ferry to Koh Samui. Air Asia and Nor Air offer flights from Bangkok to Surat Thani. You can then purchase your bus and ferry ticket from the airport.
You can board a train at the Bangkok train station towards Surat Thani. Once you get there, catch a ferry from the pier. The best option as far as train journeys are concerned is to catch an overnight express. This way, you can sleep in the train and experience less discomfort of a long journey. Thailand’s metre-gauge rail system is one of the finest in the world. The tickets are reasonable and you’ll travel in safety and comfort.
The cheapest option to get to Koh Samui is to catch a bus to Surat Thani, and then ferry it towards the island. You don’t even have to reserve a bus or ferry ticket in advance. Go to the bus station in Bangkok, and within 45 minutes, you’ll be on a bus headed towards Surat Thani. You can buy a bus and ferry combo ticket at the bus stand. The bus will take you right to the ferry terminal.
If you like to travel at your own pace, with long pauses in between to stretch your legs, hire a taxi to Surat Thani, and then get on a ferry. A taxi ride would cost a little over 360 USD. During the 11-hour journey, make the driver stop for breaks and grab a sack to re-energize.
If you’re planning to travel to Koh Samui from either Krabi or Phuket – book a plane ticket. This is easily the most comfortable and hassle-free way to get to Koh Samui. Alternatively, you can rent a car, and then catch a ferry to the island from Surat Thani. This journey would take up to 6 hours.
You’ll need to prepare well for a long commute. Pack some power snacks, wet tissue and toilet paper. You’ll need enough drinking water, sunglasses, a neck pillow and a shawl to wrap around for comfort.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
