Bangkok to Koh Samui

What if you want to get from Bangkok to the island paradise of Koh Samui as quickly as possible? Well, you’re in luck! I’m here to give you the lowdown on how to make the journey from Bangkok to Koh Samui in style.

There are a few different ways that you can get from Bangkok to Koh Samui. You can take a direct flight, a bus and a ferry, a taxi and a ferry, or a train to Surat Thani and then a ferry to Koh Samui. Each option has its own set of pros and cons, so it’s important that you choose the method of transportation that’s right for you. Below, I will share the details of all these options and hope that it will make the choice a bit easier for you.

Flying is by far the quickest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui; the flight time is only about 1 hour and 10 minutes. However, flying also tends to be the most expensive option. If you’re on a budget, taking the bus and a ferry may be a better option for you.

The train from Bangkok to Surat Thani, which is the nearest city to Koh Samui, takes about 12 hours. The upside of taking the train is that it’s much cheaper than flying; the downside is that it’s a lot slower. If you decide to take the train, I recommend booking a sleeper car so that you can catch a nap while en route. After that, you’ll have to catch a ferry from Surat Thani to Koh Samui.

Taking the bus and a ferry from Bangkok to Koh Samui is similar to taking the train; it’s cheaper than flying but takes a long time (about 14 hours). The main benefit of taking the bus over the train is that the seats are very comfortable, and there’s a WC onboard.

Now let’s see the schedules and what the pros and cons of these options are.

How to Get to Koh Samui: Travel Options

Bangkok to Koh Samui Distance

Bangkok is the capital and largest city in the country, while Koh Samui is a beautiful island that is known for its sandy beaches, clear waters, and lush jungle. The two destinations are 755 km apart, which means that they are about a 14-hour drive and ferry ride away.

Bangkok to Koh Samui by Krungsiam Tour Bus and Ferry

Price: 1526 THB

Travel time: 14 hours 30 minutes

If you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Samui, then the bus and ferry combo is definitely the way to go!

The trip takes around 14 and a half hours, but it’s a relatively comfortable journey thanks to the air-conditioned buses and complimentary snacks and drinks provided by Krungsiam Tour. Here’s what you need to know about taking the bus and ferry from Bangkok to Koh Samui.

• Buses depart from the Southern Terminal in Bangkok.
• The ferry docks in Lipa Noi, Koh Samui.
• In order to check in, you should go to counter 44, located on the 1st floor. Make sure to be there at least 60 minutes before the departure time.
• Platform 16 will be the departure point for the bus.
• Krungsiam Tour buses provide blankets and cushions for their passengers. There are also some nice complimentary snacks and drinks available, such as crackers, water, and a soft drink, water. Plus, there will be a stop at the night market with a free buffet.
• The AC is usually very cold, so we recommend dressing warmly.
• Once you arrive in Lipa Noi, you can take a taxi or songthaew (red truck) to your final destination on Koh Samui. 

Click here to see the latest timetables and prices.

Bangkok to Koh Samui by Taxi

Price: starting at 9,500 THB

Travel time: 12 hours

If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui or you are traveling with pets, taking a taxi is the way to go. With door-to-door service and no need to worry about booking tickets or making connections, taking an air-conditioned taxi is the most comfortable and convenient option for getting from an address in Bangkok to an address in Koh Samui. Here’s what you need to know about taking a taxi from Bangkok to Koh Samui. You and your driver will board the ferry, and a car will transport you to your destination on Koh Samui.

It’s a long trip, so it’s crucial to find a reputable taxi company. There are many companies that offer taxi services from Bangkok to Koh Samui, so be sure to do your research before booking. A good place to start is by asking your hotel or resort for a recommendation. We recommend the Glassflower, as they regularly run on this route and have the friendliest drivers.

You can book their taxi at 12go.asia; the price already includes the driver’s and car ferry tickets.

Depending on where you’re staying on Koh Samui, there may be an additional charge for things like tolls or ferry fees. Make sure to ask your taxi driver about this ahead of time so there are no surprises later on.

Click here to see the prices and book a taxi.

Bangkok to Koh Samui by Train and Ferry

Price: 1500 THB

Travel time: 17 hours

The first leg of the journey is by train from Bangkok’s Hua Lampong Train Station to Surat Thani Train Station, which takes around 12 hours. Along the way, passengers can sit back and relax in 2nd or 1st class air-conditioned comfort as they take in views of paddy fields, coconut plantations, rural villages, and rivers. There are even a few stops along the way where passengers can disembark and stretch their legs before getting back on board for the remainder of the journey. The overnight trains #83, 167, or 85 are recommended because they give you enough time to sleep at night and arrive in Surat Thani just in time for the transfer to the first ferry.

Upon arrival at Surat Thani Train Station, you can take a bus and ferry combo, which will first take you from the train station to the pier, and then on a connecting ferry ride from Donsak Pier to Koh Samui. The ferry ride takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes and offers stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand as well as Koh Samui’s mountainous coastline.

The whole train + bus + ferry trip takes around 17 hours.

Flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui

Price: 1500 THB

Travel time: 17 hours

Flying is not only the quickest way to travel between the two destinations (just 1 hour and 10 minutes! ), but it’s also the most convenient, especially if you’re short on time. Here’s everything you need to know about flying from Bangkok to Koh Samui.

Bangkok Air flights departing from BKK Suvarnabhumi Airport. It is located about 25 kilometers from the city center, making it easy to get to whether you’re traveling by taxi, bus, or private car. Once you arrive at the airport, make your way to the check-in counters. It’s recommended to arrive there 1.5 hours before the departure.

USM Koh Samui Airport is located on the northern coast of the island, about 3 kilometers from Chaweng Beach and 7 kilometers from Mae Nam Beach.

Click here to see the latest flight timetables and prices.

When you finally touch down in paradise, the first thing you’ll want to do is head straight to the beach! There will be many taxis or tuk-tuks available at the airport, waiting to take you to any spot on the island. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and soak up some sun or you want to try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking, Koh Samui has something for everyone. And when you get hungry, be sure to try some of the island’s famous seafood dishes, like grilled fish or shrimp spring rolls.