What to expect when visiting Koh Samui
Koh Samui is a popular island in the Gulf of Thailand, east of the mainland. As the country’s second-largest island, Koh Samui offers a beautiful mix of culture and nature. It’s also more developed than its neighbours, but not less appealing.
From the beaches alone, there are over 40 in Koh Samui — all picturesque and white-sand shores. This makes the island a favourite for relaxing, snorkelling and soaking up the sun. Away from the shore, you can immerse yourself in history and culture with a temple visit or munch on fresh seafood at Fisherman’s Village.
3 ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui
There are three ways to travel the distance of 765 km (475 miles) from Bangkok to Koh Samui: by bus + ferry (13h30m-16h), train + ferry (17h35m-18h27m) and flight (1hr 10m). The journey takes between 1h10m - 18h27m and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from 1,190 THB ($33.50) for the bus + ferry.Where to stay in Koh Samui?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Koh Samui at the bottom of this page.
Bangkok to Koh Samui by Bus + Ferry
If you want to travel this distance by land, a combined bus and ferry trip from Bangkok to Koh Samui is the easiest way to go. Fares start from 1,190 THB ($33.50) for the 14.5-16 hours of journey.
There are several bus companies operating the Bangkok to Koh Samui route: Thai Sriram, Montanatip Tour, Krungsiam Tour, and Lomprayah.
All buses depart in the evening with the earliest bus departure at 17:00 and the last bus departure at 21:00.
Departure stations in Bangkok
There are several departure points for buses in Bangkok. Montanatip Tour and Lomprayah buses depart from Khao San Road, the most popular street with backpackers in Bangkok.
Meanwhile, Thai Sriram buses are available at Mochit Terminal, which is about a 20-30 minute taxi ride from the Bangkok centre. Krungsiam Tour buses depart from Sai Tai Mai (Southern Terminal) which is accessible by metro or taxi.
Arrival stations in Koh Samui
Buses from Bangkok will drop you off either at Don Sak Pier in Surat Thani or Thung Makham Noi Pier in Chumphon.
From these piers, you will be transferred to a ferry bound for Nathon Pier in Koh Samui.
Bus Schedule from Bangkok to Koh Samui
Each company only operates 1 trip per day, so you need to plan your trip well.
You can buy the combined bus and ferry tickets online and at the bus terminal, but we recommend booking your ticket in advance with BookAway. These bus trips from Bangkok to Koh Samui tend to sell out, especially during the peak season.
Bangkok to Koh Samui by Train + Ferry
The journey from Bangkok to Koh Samui via train and ferry takes the longest. Travel time is17.5-18.5 hours.
This option usually requires multiple transfers, as you’ll need to take a train, bus, and ferry.
The first step is to take a train ride from Hua Lamphong to Surat Thani, followed by a bus + ferry ride to Nathon Pier in Koh Samui.
You’ll find the step-by-step guide below:
Step 1: Hua Lamphong Railway to Surat Thani Railway Station by Train
The first part of the journey is boarding the train from Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok. This train station is just 15 minutes away from the city centre by taxi.
Trains to Surat Thani Railway Station are available daily from 07:50 until 22:05. We recommend booking a second-class sleeper train with air conditioning for a more comfortable journey.
Travel time is 12.5-13.5 hours with fares starting from 510 THB ($14.00).
Train + Ferry options from Bangkok to Koh Samui
You can buy your tickets at the train station, but we highly advise booking in advance as tickets sell out fast.
Step 2: Surat Thani Railway Station to Nathon Pier by Bus + Ferry
From Surat Thani Railway Station, the next part of your journey is to travel to Nathon Pier by bus and ferry.
Lomprayah is the only company that operates on this route, and it offers only one departure daily. The bus will take you to Donsak Pier in Surat Thani, where you will board a ferry to Nathon Pier in Koh Samui.
Fare starts at 780 THB ($21.00) and the journey takes 5 hours.
Train + Ferry options from Bangkok to Koh Samui
You can check with your hotel if they offer pick-up services from Nation Pier.
Bangkok to Koh Samui by Flight
In just over an hour, you can reach Koh Samui from Bangkok by flight. Taking a flight not only saves you time, but also the hassle of having to arrange different transfers. The only downside to this option is that the tickets can get quite expensive.
Flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui are solely operated by Bangkok Airways. They offer multiple flights daily with one-way fares starting at 2,000 THB ($56.00).
Be sure to book a flight well in advance as this route is very popular and prices often rise to over 3,000 THB ($84.00).
Flights depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok.
In Koh Samui, the airport is located in the northeastern part of the island. When you arrive in Koh Samui, you’ll need to arrange a transfer to your hotel.
To learn more information about this, you can read our page on Koh Samui Airport.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Our favourite places to stay in Koh Samui
Palm Coco Mantra - Budget Friendly
Located on a hill, Palm Coco Mantra offers amazing sea views from your private balcony and room. The spectacular views continue at the swimming pool which also overlooks the beach. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a drink from a poolside bar.
Definitely try the onsite restaurant serving delicious Western and Thai food. This hotel is the perfect getaway for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation, without having to break the bank!
- Swimming pool
- Stunning sea views
- On-site restaurant & bar
- Extremely clean and luxurious hotel
Private rooms start from $28 per night.
Three Trees Samui Resort - Mid Range
Three Trees Samui Resort is located right on Lamai Beach. You can eat, drink and swim only metres from the beach and sparkling ocean. Or you can enjoy the view from your private balcony. The location is perfect!
One of the best things about the resort is that they offer free kayaks, paddle boards and snorkelling gear to explore the waters. The staff are incredible and make you feel right at home.
- Seconds from the beach
- Free watersports
- Amazing staff
- Private balcony
Private rooms start from $31 per night.
Baan Boom Boxes - Mid Range
Baan Boom Boxes is an eco-friendly resort offering a unique stay in Koh Samui. If you want to experience a different side of the island, head to this jungle retreat. Every room has its own rooftop balcony offering spectacular views of the island’s nature. Some of them even have a bathtub on the roof!
The family who own the resort are conscious of their impact on the environment so the resort uses solar panels and reused materials to create the rooms. It’s truly a special place to visit.
- Eco-friendly
- Family run and amazing hospitality
- Surrounded by nature
- Bathtub on a private rooftop terrace
Private rooms start from $35 per night.
Viva Vacation Resort - Treating Yourself
Steps away from Lipa Beach, Viva Vacation Resort offers Thai-style villas set within tropical gardens. And the villas are HUGE! Everyone has its own living room, bedroom and some of the biggest bathrooms that have bathrooms which come with a view!
Outside of the luxurious villas, you’ll find a gorgeous swimming pool, a fully-stocked bar and a section of the beach for the resort. This is the place to relax!
- Stunning and huge villages
- The best bathrooms on the island
- Beautiful swimming pool
- Steps from the beach
Villas start from $64 per night.
Centara Reserve Samui - Treating Yourself
There are several luxury resorts to choose from on Koh Samui, but Centara Reserve Samui is up there with the best. This is the kind of place where you don’t have to lift a finger — some of the villas even come with your own host to help you with anything.
You’ll find multiple dreamy beachfront pools, with some of the villas having private pools too. A stay here kind of feels like a dream, it’s so beautiful and perfect!
- An incredible luxury resort
- Exceptional villas
- Beachfront pools
- Some rooms come with a personal host
Deluxe suites start from $230 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bangkok to Koh Samui
What is the distance from Bangkok to Koh Samui?
The distance from Bangkok to Koh Samui is 765 km (475 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui?
The fastest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui is by flight and takes 1hr 10m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui?
The cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui is by bus + ferry with ticket costs starting from 1,190 THB ($33.50).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Koh Samui Travel Guides
The Ultimate Koh Samui Travel Guide
10 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui
Routes from Koh Samui
Most popular routes in Thailand
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
