Planning your island-hopping adventure in Thailand? Koh Samui serves as the perfect hub for exploring the Gulf of Thailand’s stunning islands and connecting to mainland destinations. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Koh Samui ferries, from schedules and prices to terminals and booking tips.
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- Koh Samui to Koh Tao
- Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
- Koh Samui to Surat Thani
- Koh Samui to Bangkok
- Koh Samui to Krabi
- Ferry Terminals & Piers Guide
- Prices & Booking Tips
🚢 Koh Samui Ferry Guide
Your complete guide to island-hopping in the Gulf of Thailand
Koh Samui Ferry Terminals: Complete Guide
Understanding Koh Samui’s ferry infrastructure is crucial for smooth travel planning. The island has several ferry terminals, each serving different routes and operated by various companies.
Koh Samui Ferry Piers Map & Getting There
Each ferry terminal is strategically located around the island. Nathon Pier is approximately 15 kilometers from Chaweng Beach (30-40 minutes by taxi), while Bangrak Pier is only 7 kilometers from Chaweng (15-20 minutes). Mae Nam Pier is about 10 kilometers from Chaweng, and Lipa Noi is roughly 20 kilometers from the airport.
Transportation to the piers includes taxis (400-600 THB from main tourist areas), songthaews (shared pickup trucks, 50-100 THB per person), and private transfers. Many ferry operators offer combined tickets that include hotel pickup, which is often the most convenient option for travelers with luggage.
Click on any of the orange buttons to find these combined tickets!
Popular Ferry Routes Comparison
| Route | Duration | Price Range | Daily Departures | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koh Samui → Koh Phangan | 20-45 minutes | ฿300-500 | 10-15 | Book Now |
| Koh Samui → Koh Tao | 1h 45min – 2h 15min | ฿600-1,000 | 3-5 | Book Now |
| Koh Samui → Surat Thani | 1h 30min – 2h | ฿200-350 | 15-20 | Book Now |
| Koh Samui → Bangkok | 10-14 hours | ฿800-1,500 | 5-8 | Book Now |
Koh Samui to Koh Tao Ferry: Complete Guide
The journey from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is one of Thailand’s most popular island-hopping routes, taking you to the diving paradise of the Gulf of Thailand. This route attracts thousands of travelers monthly seeking Koh Tao’s world-class dive sites and laid-back island atmosphere.
Journey Duration & Frequency
High-speed ferries and catamarans operate multiple times daily from Koh Samui to Koh Tao, with journey times ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the vessel type. Songserm, Lomprayah, and Lomlahkkhirin all offer the fastest option at 1 hour 30 minutes.
Most departures leave from Bangrak Pier (Big Buddha Pier) or Maenam Pier on Koh Samui’s northern coast. Peak season (November to March) sees more frequent departures, typically 3-5 times per day, while low season may have 2-3 daily services.
Koh Samui to Koh Tao Ferry Schedule & Times
Typical departure times from Koh Samui include early morning slots around 8:00-8:30 AM, midday departures around 12:30-1:00 PM, and sometimes afternoon services around 2:30-3:00 PM. The exact Koh Samui ferry schedule varies by operator and season, so checking current timetables before booking is essential.
Ferry Operators
Speed: 1 hour 45 minutes
Price: ฿700
Features: Premium high-speed service with air-conditioned cabins, complimentary snacks, and the fastest journey times. Recognized by distinctive yellow-and-blue vessels.
Speed: 2 hours 15 minutes
Price: ฿600-800
Features: Comfortable ferries with good balance of speed, comfort, and price. Reliable service with experienced crew.
Speed: 1 hour 30 minutes
Price: ฿700
Features: Budget-friendly option with basic but reliable service. Green-and-white ferries popular with backpackers.
Koh Samui to Koh Tao Ferry Price & Booking
Ferry ticket prices from Koh Samui to Koh Tao typically range from 600-1,000 THB ($17-28 USD) for a standard one-way ticket, with premium services and combined packages costing more. Prices increase during peak season (December-February) and around Full Moon Party dates.
Many travelers opt for combination tickets that include ferry transport plus a connecting speedboat from Koh Samui via Koh Phangan to Koh Tao, or packages that bundle accommodation. Booking in advance through reliable platforms ensures you get the best prices and guarantees your seat during busy periods.
Book your ferry tickets 3-7 days in advance during peak season (November-March) to secure the best prices and guarantee availability, especially for popular routes to Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. Compare all routes here →
Koh Samui to Koh Phangan Ferry: Your Complete Guide
The short hop from Koh Samui to neighboring Koh Phangan is one of the most frequent ferry routes in the Gulf of Thailand. Whether you’re heading to the legendary Full Moon Party or exploring Koh Phangan’s quieter beaches, multiple ferry options make this journey quick and easy.
Journey Time & Ferry Options
The crossing from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan takes between 20-45 minutes depending on your chosen ferry service and departure pier. High-speed ferries complete the journey in as little as 20 minutes, while standard car ferries take 35-45 minutes but offer a more stable ride, especially important if you’re prone to seasickness.
Raja Ferry operates large vehicle ferries from Lipa Noi to Thong Sala (the main pier on Koh Phangan), taking about 45 minutes. These spacious vessels are ideal for travelers with lots of luggage or those bringing scooters. Smaller speedboats and passenger ferries depart from both Bangrak Pier and Mae Nam Pier, offering faster but sometimes bumpier crossings.
Koh Samui to Koh Phangan Ferry Schedule
Ferry services between these islands run frequently throughout the day, with departures typically starting around 7:00 AM and continuing until 5:00-6:00 PM. During peak times, especially around Full Moon Party dates, additional services are added to handle increased demand.
From Mae Nam Pier, ferries generally depart every 1-2 hours, while Bangrak Pier has multiple high-speed services throughout the day. The car ferry from Lipa Noi runs approximately every 2-3 hours. Checking the current Koh Samui ferry timetable is recommended as schedules can vary seasonally and due to weather conditions.
Monsoon season (October-December) can cause ferry delays or cancellations. Operators prioritize safety and will cancel services when seas become rough. Always book through reputable platforms that offer refund protection.
Koh Samui to Haad Rin Ferry (Full Moon Party)
For travelers heading directly to Haad Rin beach for the Full Moon Party, special ferry services operate from Koh Samui during party nights. These dedicated services run late into the evening and early morning, allowing you to arrive right at the party beach without additional transfers from Thong Sala pier.
Standard services go to Thong Sala pier on Koh Phangan’s west coast, requiring a 20-minute taxi ride to reach Haad Rin on the southeastern tip. Direct Haad Rin services save time and hassle, though they typically cost slightly more and book up quickly around party dates.
Koh Samui Ferry Ticket Prices to Koh Phangan
Ticket prices from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan are among the most affordable ferry fares in Thailand, typically ranging from 300-500 THB ($8-14 USD) for standard passenger tickets. High-speed ferries cost slightly more, while the car ferry charges 350-400 THB per passenger plus vehicle fees if you’re bringing a scooter or car.
During Full Moon Party periods, prices can increase by 20-30%, and tickets sell out quickly. Booking at least a few days in advance during these peak times ensures you secure your seat and often locks in better rates.
Koh Samui to Surat Thani Ferry: Gateway to the Mainland
The ferry connection from Koh Samui to Surat Thani (mainland Thailand) is your essential route for continuing your journey to other Thai destinations by train or bus. Understanding this route’s logistics helps you plan smooth onward connections to Bangkok, Krabi, Phuket, and beyond.
Koh Samui to Donsak Pier: The Mainland Connection
Most “Koh Samui to Surat Thani” ferries actually dock at Donsak Pier, located about 60 kilometers from Surat Thani town. Donsak serves as the main ferry terminal on the mainland side, with regular bus connections to Surat Thani city center, the train station, and the airport.
The ferry crossing from Koh Samui to Donsak takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the vessel type and weather conditions. Both standard car ferries and passenger-only boats service this route, with the car ferries generally providing a smoother, more stable journey.
Departure Points and Ferry Operators
Ferries to Surat Thani/Donsak depart primarily from two piers on Koh Samui. Nathon Pier on the western coast is the main departure point, handling the majority of services with Seatran Discovery and Raja Ferry being the primary operators. Lipa Noi Pier, located south of Nathon, operates the Raja Ferry vehicle service if you need to transport a car or motorcycle.
Services run frequently throughout the day, typically from 5:00 AM until 7:00 PM, with peak frequency during morning and early afternoon hours. The Koh Samui ferry schedule to Surat Thani offers maximum flexibility for travelers making onward connections.
Surat Thani to Koh Samui Ferry Timetable (Return Journey)
For travelers arriving in Surat Thani and heading to Koh Samui, ferries from Donsak Pier operate from early morning (around 5:00 AM) until evening (approximately 7:00 PM). The return ferry timetable mirrors the outbound schedule with frequent departures throughout the day.
Most package tickets include bus transfers from Surat Thani train station or airport to Donsak Pier, making your arrival journey seamless. The combined bus-ferry journey from Surat Thani town to Koh Samui takes approximately 2.5-3 hours total.
Combination Tickets: Ferry Plus Onward Transport
The smartest way to travel from Koh Samui to mainland destinations is booking combination tickets that include the ferry crossing plus your onward bus or train journey. These packages eliminate the stress of coordinating multiple bookings and ensure your connections align properly.
Popular combination routes include Koh Samui to Bangkok (ferry plus overnight bus or train), Koh Samui to Krabi (ferry plus bus), and Koh Samui to Phuket (ferry plus bus). Ferry ticket prices to Surat Thani/Donsak start around 200-300 THB ($6-9 USD) for the ferry portion alone, with combination tickets varying based on your final destination and comfort class.
Koh Samui to Bangkok: Combined Ferry and Bus/Train Journey
Traveling from Koh Samui to Bangkok by ferry and bus or train offers a budget-friendly alternative to flying, allowing you to see more of Thailand while saving money. This overland route combines ferry crossings with coach or rail services for a complete journey taking 10-14 hours.
Journey Overview: Ferry to Bangkok Route
The complete journey from Koh Samui to Bangkok involves taking a ferry from Koh Samui to Donsak Pier on the mainland, then continuing by either bus or train to the capital. Most travelers choose overnight services, departing Koh Samui in the late afternoon or evening and arriving in Bangkok the following morning.
Bus options include VIP coaches with reclining seats and air conditioning, making the overnight journey relatively comfortable. Train options via Surat Thani railway station offer sleeper berths on Thailand’s Southern Line, providing a more authentic travel experience though slightly slower than buses.
Bangkok to Koh Samui Ferry Schedule and Options
For travelers heading from Bangkok to Koh Samui, overnight buses depart from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) or various pickup points around the city. The Bangkok to Koh Samui ferry schedule is designed around these bus departures, with buses arriving at Donsak Pier in time for morning ferry connections to the island.
Train travelers can catch the overnight sleeper from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong or Bang Sue Grand Station to Surat Thani, then connect to ferry services the following morning. This option takes slightly longer but offers a more scenic and comfortable journey, especially if you book a second-class air-conditioned sleeper berth.
Koh Samui Ferry Price to Bangkok
Complete combination tickets from Koh Samui to Bangkok typically range from 800-1,500 THB ($22-42 USD) depending on your comfort level and transport type. VIP bus combinations cost around 900-1,200 THB, while train combinations with sleeper berths run 1,200-1,500 THB. Standard bus services offer the most budget-friendly option at 800-900 THB.
These prices include the ferry crossing, bus or train ticket, and sometimes hotel pickup from your Koh Samui accommodation. Booking combination tickets through reliable platforms ensures all connections are properly coordinated and you receive one convenient ticket for the entire journey.
The reverse journey works similarly, with Bangkok to Koh Samui packages departing the capital in the evening and arriving on the island the next morning, giving you a full day to settle in and enjoy your island paradise.
Koh Samui to Krabi Ferry: Connecting the Andaman and Gulf
The journey from Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand to Krabi on the Andaman coast connects two of Thailand’s most beautiful regions. While not a direct ferry route, this popular connection combines ferry and bus services for a seamless cross-country journey.
The Koh Samui to Krabi Route Explained
No direct ferry runs from Koh Samui to Krabi since they’re on opposite coasts of southern Thailand. Instead, travelers take a combined ferry-bus service that crosses from Koh Samui to the mainland via Donsak Pier, then continues by coach across the peninsula to Krabi. The entire journey takes approximately 5-6 hours.
This route passes through scenic southern Thai countryside, offering glimpses of rubber plantations, limestone karsts, and traditional villages. The overland portion travels via Surat Thani province, crossing the narrow part of the Thai peninsula before reaching Krabi province on the Andaman coast.
Krabi to Koh Samui Ferry Service (Return Journey)
The Krabi to Koh Samui ferry operates in reverse, with buses departing from Krabi town or Ao Nang beach, traveling to Donsak Pier, then connecting with ferries to Koh Samui. Services typically depart Krabi in the morning and early afternoon, arriving on Koh Samui by late afternoon or evening.
Multiple operators service this route, with most offering comfortable air-conditioned buses and experienced drivers familiar with the route. The combination ticket includes all transfers, making it hassle-free despite involving multiple transport modes.
Koh Samui to Krabi Ferry Times and Schedule
Combined ferry-bus services from Koh Samui to Krabi typically depart in the morning (around 8:00-9:00 AM) to ensure daylight travel and reasonable arrival times. Some afternoon departures may be available during peak season. The Koh Samui ferry time to Krabi varies slightly by operator but generally ranges from 5 to 6.5 hours door-to-door.
Tickets include hotel pickup from major areas on Koh Samui, the ferry crossing, the bus journey, and drop-off at your Krabi accommodation. This comprehensive service eliminates the stress of coordinating multiple bookings and ensures smooth connections between transport segments.
Pricing and Booking Information
Ferry and bus combination tickets from Koh Samui to Krabi typically cost 600-900 THB ($17-25 USD) depending on the operator and service level. Prices increase slightly during peak tourist season (November to March) when demand is highest.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during high season, to secure your preferred departure time and ensure availability. The route is popular with travelers continuing their Thailand adventure from the Gulf islands to the Andaman coast destinations like Railay Beach, Ao Nang, and the Phi Phi Islands.
Additional Ferry Routes from Koh Samui
Beyond the main routes, Koh Samui connects to several other destinations in Thailand, expanding your travel options for comprehensive island-hopping and mainland exploration.
Koh Samui to Phuket
Similar to the Krabi route, Phuket to Koh Samui ferry services combine ferry and bus transport for the cross-peninsula journey. The trip takes approximately 6-7 hours, with services departing in the morning for daytime travel. Combination tickets from Koh Samui to Phuket start around 700-1,000 THB and include all transfers between the islands.
Koh Samui to Hua Hin
Hua Hin to Koh Samui connections require ferry to the mainland followed by a bus journey north along the Gulf coast. This longer route takes 7-8 hours but provides an alternative for travelers exploring Thailand’s eastern Gulf coast resorts before heading to the islands. Combination tickets typically cost 800-1,100 THB.
Koh Samui to Pattaya
Pattaya to Koh Samui ferry tickets combine ferry crossing with a long-distance bus journey, taking approximately 9-10 hours total. Services usually operate overnight for traveler convenience, departing either city in the evening and arriving the next morning. Prices range from 900-1,300 THB for this extended journey.
Koh Samui Ferry Prices: What to Expect
Understanding Koh Samui ferry ticket pricing helps you budget effectively and spot good deals when booking. Prices vary based on route, operator, season, and service type.