All Aboard the Koh Samui Ferry

Breath-taking sunset from Koh Samui ferry (Photo Courtesy of Binidia.com) 

For most vacationers, the easiest way to gain access into Koh Samui in Thailand is through the island’s international airport. While hopping aboard a plane and soaring through the sky is both traditional and convenient, did you know that you can enter Samui through passenger vessels and speedy boats as well?

Samui is dotted with several ferry points, particularly in the mainland area. The nearest point to the mainland is the port at Donsak, which is roughly 50 kilometres from Surat Thani. Since this is the closest port to the mainland, it is also the busiest next to the island.

But while hustle and bustle is the port’s middle name, it is also the best place to get a ferry ticket if you haven’t bought one in advance. The high season for tourism in Koh Samui is from November to April. During these months, ferries and boats depart every hour, with some even leaving for Koh Tao and Koh Phan Ngano.

Nothing beats a ferry ride to Samui, especially when the day is clear. Place yourself on the ferry’s deck, and let your senses soak in the warm sunlight and fresh ocean breeze. You’re also in for an eyeful, you can expect to see white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and Samui palm trees as the ferry cruises along. A plane can’t give you that kind of treat.

Travelling from Don Sak to the port in Nathon roughly takes about two and a half hours. If you prefer to enter Koh Samui through another port, alternative ports are available at Ban Don and Tha Thong.

If you’re more of a night person, don’t fret. For those who prefer to travel under the stars, passenger ferries are also available at night. The ferries depart from the port at Ban Don at 11:00 PM. The travel time is about six hours, so you should get to Samui at around 5:00 AM. The ferry is equipped with basic bunks where you could lie down and get some sleep for the night. This is a suitable option if you want to save some bucks.

Veer from the traditional method when you plan to visit Koh Samuiby taking the route by the sea instead of the sky through the ferries and catarmans. Be ready for an entirely new experience that will surely be memorable.