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| 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.
