Getting to Koh Samui from Bangkok

Flying Bangkok Airways is the best way to get to Koh Samui from Bangkok

There are two transport options for those travelling to ShaSa Resort in Koh Samui from Bangkok. One is by air and the other is a combination of land and sea transport modes.  Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways have regular daily flights to the island, and flying time will take only about an hour from Bangkok. There are many choices on flight schedules. Bangkok Airways have about 20 daily flights to Koh Samui.

Smart travelers would typically go for the day’s first and last flights as these are cheaper. The island’s pristine beaches and popular resort hotels are only a short ride from the airport, and hence, flying in would be most convenient for tourists with a tight itinerary to keep.

For those on a limited budget but with plenty of time to spare, combining land and sea transportation is a superb alternative to cover the 560 kilometers between Koh Samui and Bangkok. Notably, the rail, bus, and ferry networks in Thailand are pretty well developed and can be relied upon.

When going by train from Bangkok to Koh Samui, board at the city’s Hua Lamphong Station for railcars bound for Surat Thani, via Chumphon and Phun Phin. Eleven trains make the trip daily and their passengers will have choices on seats from first to third class in varying levels of accommodation.  

Heading out by bus from Bangkok best starts at the southern bus terminal at Sai Tai Mai where public buses run day and night trips to Surat Thani and Chumphon. Many bus passengers prefer night trips, but there are VIP buses which are air-conditioned which would make day trips comfortable as well.

Allot upwards of 12 hours whether travelling by bus or trail from Bangkok to Surat Thani, the jumpoff point by ferry to Koh Samui. Sailing the 80 kilometers from Surat Thani to Koh Samui can take anywhere between three to six hours, depending on the type of vessels.

At Surat Thani, boats operated by Raja Ferry leave every hour on berths at Don Sak bound for Lipa Noi and seven trips a day headed to Nathon, both in Koh Samui. Another ferry service, Seatran also operates three daily trips from Surat Thani’s Ban Don port to Nathon. A third operator, Songserm likewise sail the same route once a day.