What to expect when visiting Bangkok
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is one of the most visited cities in the world. There’s something about the constant buzz and energy floating through its streets at all hours of the day, giving it the name of the city that never sleeps!
Its main attractions include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. But ancient temples aren’t the only reason people flock to this vibrant city. From jam-packed shopping areas to mouthwatering street food and the wild nightlife of Khao San Road, there are so many things you can do in Bangkok.
3 ways to get from Koh Samui to Bangkok
There are 3 ways to travel the distance of 765 kilometers (475 miles) from Koh Samui to Bangkok by bus + ferry (12 hours 30 minutes to 19 hours 30 minutes), train + ferry (12 hours 30 minutes to 17 hours 30 minutes) and flight (1 hour 15 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 1 hour 15 minutes to 19 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from 663 THB ($19.80) for the train + ferry.Where to stay in Bangkok?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Bangkok at the bottom of this page.
Koh Samui to Bangkok by Train + Ferry
The advantage of taking a train compared to a bus is that sleeper trains are more comfortable and you can get a good night of rest. By taking the night train, you won’t waste a complete day travelling.
The nearest train station from Koh Samui is in Surat Thani. To reach the Surat Thani train station, you will first have to take a combined ferry and bus/van from Koh Samui. The earliest schedule is 5:00 in the morning and the latest is 17:00 in the evening.
Step 1: Koh Samui to Surat Thani Train Station by Ferry + Bus
The combined ferry and bus journey from Koh Samui to Surat Thani takes around 3h 30m - 5h 45m and fares start at 402 THB ($12).
Departure and arrival stations
The ferry departs from either Nathon Pier or Lipa Noi Pier. If you are coming from the centre of Koh Samui, it will take you about 35 minutes to reach either pier. You will arrive at Donsak Pier in Surat Thani, where a bus or minivan will take you to Surat Thani Train Station.
There are multiple schedules per day, so it’s better to check the schedule below to book the best time for your trip.
When booking a ferry and bus or minivan ticket, make sure that the schedule you booked is aligned with your train booking.
Step 2: Surat Thani to Bangkok by Train
From Surat Thani train station, you will have to take the train to Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok. There are multiple departures daily from morning until evening.
We recommend booking your tickets online through BookAway. Their site is intuitive, provides a clear picture of what you can expect, and offers great customer service. If you’re eying the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on Baolau.
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
For a more extended description about this subroute, visit our page on Surat Thani to Bangkok.
Koh Samui to Bangkok by Bus + Ferry
If you don’t want to pay for an expensive flight, a combined bus and ferry ride from Koh Samui to Bangkok is a good alternative. It requires more time to travel, but it is also a lot cheaper at 918 THB ($27).
The nine companies that operate from Koh Samui to Bangkok are Nara Travel, Montanatip Tour & Travel, Jarinthon Tour (2553), Krungsiam, Travel Plus, Khao San Nara Travel, Raja Ferry, Sapthaweephol Tour and Travel and Lomprayah. The whole journey will take 12 hours 30 minutes to 19 hours 30 minutes, so be sure to plan ahead and choose which schedule is best for you.
Departure Station
The first part of the journey is a ferry ride from Nathon Pier 3, which is a 30-minute drive from the centre of Koh Samui. You can ask your hotel to book a ride for you to the pier.
Lomprayah, one of the other operators on this route, offers hotel pick-up service and will directly bring you to the pier.
The ferries will bring you to Don Sak Pier in Surat Thani, where you will board a bus that will take you to Bangkok.
Bus schedules from Koh Samui to Bangkok
Since this is long-distance travel, make sure to book night buses so that you won’t lose all of your valuable daytime. Travelling during the night will allow you to rest for tomorrow’s adventure in Bangkok.
Arrival Station
Krungsiam Tour buses will bring you to Bangkok Southern Terminal (Sai Tai Mai). From there, you can take a 20-30 minute taxi to Bangkok city centre.
Meanwhile, buses by Lomprayah and Montanatip Tour will complete the journey at Khaosan Road, a famous street for backpackers. From there, you can get to Bangkok city centre in just 5 minutes.
Koh Samui to Bangkok by Flight
When you’ve had your fill of Koh Samui and want or need to head back to Bangkok, the fastest option is to book a direct flight from Koh Samui to Bangkok.
All flights are run by Bangkok Airways, which offers several flights daily. A one-way airfare from Koh Samui to Bangkok starts from 2,000 THB ($60).
All flights depart from Koh Samui Airport (USM) and arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. This airport is about 30 km from the Bangkok centre and you can take a bus, taxi, or train to go to the city.
For detailed info on this airport, check out our article about Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Best places to stay in Bangkok
Bangkok is a big and bustling city with each neighbourhood offering something different to the next. Covering nearly 1600 km² and offering over a thousand accommodation options, it can be slightly daunting picking where to stay. Here is a quick rundown of our favourite areas to stay in Bangkok:
- Khao San Road — is one of the most famous areas in Bangkok, known for its party reputation. This area attracts a lot of backpackers that are looking for cheap accommodation and a place to party.
- Sukhumvit — has a more relaxed nightlife, centred around sophisticated restaurants and rooftop bars as opposed to travellers dancing on tables. It’s a great jumping-off point to explore the jam-packed city, thanks to the good connections via public transport.
- Riverside — along the Chao Phraya River, you’ll find an area rich in history and culture, hosting many of the popular sights of Bangkok, including the Royal Palace and Wat Pho – the Reclining Buddha.
Check out our favourite accommodations in Bangkok:
dusitD2 Samyan - Treating Yourself
dusitD2 Samyan is one of the most unique hotels in Bangkok with its tiered appearance overlooking the city. You can take a refreshing dip in their sky swimming pool and enjoy the panoramic views. Or head to the gym and take them in whilst working up a sweat.
The floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the hotel create a bright and modern feel. The rooms are stunning, and decorated to an extremely high standard. This is one of the best hotels in Bangkok.
- One of the coolest buildings in Bangkok
- Rooftop swimming pool
- Onsite gym
- Bright and modern rooms
King rooms start from $110 per night.
The One Smart Living - Treating Yourself
The One Smart Living offers incredible value for money. The rooms are beautiful and feel extremely luxurious. You won’t want to leave your room it’s so nice!
It’s a great choice if you want to be close to the airport, but not so close that you’re constantly hearing planes above your head. The staff are incredibly helpful and super friendly. It’s hard to fault this place.
- Great value for money
- Close to the airport
- Helpful staff
- Beautiful rooms
Double rooms start from $50 per night.
Naga Residence - Mid Range
Naga Residence feels less like a hotel and more like a home — just a very beautifully designed home that’s exceptionally clean. The rooms are very spacious and all of them have a private balcony overlooking the city.
There’s also an onsite gym, garden and terrace area for you to enjoy. And when you venture out of the hotel there are plenty of restaurants, shops and cafes nearby.
- Huge rooms
- Exceptionally clean
- Private balcony
- Onsite gym
Double rooms start from $37 per night.
Phranakorn-Nornlen - Mid Range
It will be hard to find another hotel in Bangkok like Phranakorn-Nornlen. This hotel is like a piece of art, with every room decorated differently and boasting a unique theme. Make sure to pick your room wisely.
The staff takes your stay here to another level. They are incredibly friendly and helpful. They’ll give you great recommendations for the local neighbourhood which is full of cosy cafes and local restaurants.
- Unique design and rooms
- Incredible staff
- Nice local neighbourhood
- Very clean
Double rooms start from $33 per night.
Greenery Hostel - Budget Friendly
As you’ve probably already guessed, Greenery Hostel has a green theme both inside and outside. It actually creates a really tranquil vibe inside a busy city.
The rooms are simple but great value for money. Plus there are nice chill-out spaces throughout the hostel with a swing, games and comfy chairs. It’s in a great location, close to lots of Bangkok’s attractions.
- Great value for money
- Relaxing chill-out areas
- Good location
- Free cancellation
Private rooms start from $21 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions about Koh Samui to Bangkok
What is the distance from Koh Samui to Bangkok?
The distance from Koh Samui to Bangkok is 765 kilometers (475 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Koh Samui to Bangkok?
The fastest way to get from Koh Samui to Bangkok is by flight and takes 1 hour 15 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Koh Samui to Bangkok?
The cheapest way to get from Koh Samui to Bangkok is by train + ferry with ticket costs starting from 663 THB ($19.80).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Koh Samui to Bangkok. 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!
Bangkok Travel Guides
The Ultimate Bangkok Travel Guide
12 Best Things to Do in Bangkok
Routes from Bangkok
Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the City Centre
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.
