True Story: Traveling by Train from Suratthani to Koh Samui

Take the train to Koh Samui for an interesting experience (photo courtesy globaltravelmate.com)

Koh Samui travel by train is an exhilarating experience for those who are looking for an adventure. One can start by purchasing a first class train ticket from Bangkok to Suratthani. Tickets are quite expensive but if a traveller is willing to take the lower bunk, it could be cheaper. Aside from a double compartment, amenities for first class travellers include a window, a table, a sink and a plug socket. At sunset, uniformed attendants are all over the train, making the beds.

The walkways of the carriages of first class trains are very narrow. It is very difficult for a voyager laden with luggage to meet someone coming from the opposite direction who is also carrying his things. First class passengers of Koh Samui travel have free access to toilets that are not crowded and contain running water. It is wise to select a compartment whose sink has running water as some of the sinks on the train do not have water.

To reach the restaurant carriage, first class passengers have to cross all the way across the other sleeper carriages of the train. The restaurant has jovial atmosphere as the music video plays at a high volume and customers are drinking large mugs of Changs and Singhas. As it is a smoker carriage, men are smoking to relax. The waiters joined the fun by singing along with the Thai music and train guards are allowed to smoke. Sitting beside open windows is the best option for those who want more air circulation.

For fun-loving travellers, Koh Samui travel by way of train is a great way of getting to the island and is a lot cheaper than taking a plan and more fun than taking a van. Since the train has travellers from all over the country, it is a great place to meet new friends. However, since there are so many strangers on the train it is not safe to leave baggage opened even inside the compartment. The best place to keep things and valuables is inside the compartment’s locked cupboard. It is also advisable to keep extra T- shirts during train travel.

A train traveller does not need an alarm clock as a sleeping train does not keep a punctual schedule, since the carriage guard is around to wake up and inform tourists that the destination is just a few minutes away. Koh Samui is really one of Thailand’s top tourist destinations. Make sure you get there safe and enjoy the journey.

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.