Donsak Pier Surat Thani
Do you have travel plans that involve visiting the famous Donsak Pier known as Donsak? Then you need to know what’s the best way to reach this pier, and what to expect from this experience. Donsak Pier is the main pier travel hub of the Surat Thani province and a very busy station. It’s the main departure point for traveling to the neighboring islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. What makes it even more popular is the close proximity to Surat Thani Town and the airport.
Below, we will go through the Donsak Pier ferry timetable, describe what companies operate there, what facilities are available, and where you can buy the tickets.
Donsak Pier Contact Information
Donsak Pier phone number: +66646252588
Donsak Pier Address: Unnamed Road, Don Sak, Don Sak District, Surat Thani 84220, Thailand
Donsak Pier is located in Surat Thani, Thailand. It is situated approximately 66 kilometers (41 miles) northwest of Surat Thani city.
Donsak Pier in Surat Thani is approximately 93 kilometers away from Surat Thani International Airport (1 hour 20 min drive). As for the train station, it is located around 78 kilometers from Donsak Pier (1-hour drive).
How to Get to Donsak Pier from Surat Thani
You can check our detailed guide on how to get from Surat Thani to Donsak. It’s actually very easy and straightforward. You can take either a bus or a taxi.
There are many bus departures throughout the day, the first one leaves Surat Thani at 6 am and the last one at 5 pm. A bus will usually take around an hour to reach the pier.
A private taxi will take from 1 hour to 2 hours depending on where it picks you up (in the city, at the airport, or train station. A taxi ride will cost starting from 1,300 baht per car.
Departures from the Donsak Pier
Donsak Pier in Surat Thani, Thailand serves as a departure point for ferries to nearby islands in the Gulf of Thailand: Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. These ferries operate on regular schedules throughout the day, providing transportation for both passengers and vehicles.
Ferry Operators
There are a few companies that operate ferries from Donsak: Raja Ferry, Lomprayah, and Seatran.
They all have their dedicated pier at the Donsak Pier area.
Raja Ferry has regular ferries and car ferries, Seatran has regular ferries, and Lomparayh operates speedboats on routes from Donsak.
Raja Ferry is the cheapest and has the most departures (tickets cost around 220 baht) and gets you to Koh Samui in around 1.5 hours. Lomparayh is the most expensive (450 baht) but fast (45 minutes to Koh Samui) because it’s a speedboat.
Donsak Pier to Koh Samui Ferry Schedule
In our other post, we describe in detail how to get from Donsak to Koh Samui, make sure you check out that guide.
| Donsak | Koh Samui | Company |
| 5:00 | 6:30 | Raja Ferry |
| 5:00 | 6:30 | Seatran Ferry |
| 6:00 | 7:30 | Raja Ferry |
| 6:00 | 7:30 | Seatran Ferry |
| 6:00 | 7:30 | Raja Car Ferry |
| 7:00 | 8:30 | Raja Ferry |
| 7:00 | 8:30 | Seatran Ferry |
| 7:00 | 8:30 | Raja Car Ferry |
| 8:00 | 9:30 | Seatran Ferry |
| 8:00 | 9:30 | Raja Car Ferry |
| 9:00 | 10:30 | Raja Ferry |
| 9:00 | 10:30 | Seatran Ferry |
| 9:00 | 10:30 | Donsak Raja Ferry |
| 10:00 | 11:30 | Seatran Ferry |
| 11:00 | 12:30 | Raja Ferry |
| 11:00 | 12:30 | Seatran Ferry |
| 11:00 | 11:45 | Lomprayah |
| 11:00 | 12:30 | Raja Car Ferry |
| 12:00 | 13:30 | Seatran Ferry |
| 12:00 | 13:30 | Raja Car Ferry |
| 13:00 | 14:30 | Raja Ferry |
| 13:00 | 14:30 | Seatran Ferry |
| 14:00 | 15:30 | Seatran Ferry |
| 14:00 | 15:30 | Raja Car Ferry |
| 14:30 | 15:15 | Lomprayah |
| 15:00 | 16:30 | Raja Ferry |
| 15:00 | 16:30 | Seatran Ferry |
| 15:00 | 16:30 | Raja Car Ferry |
| 16:00 | 17:30 | Raja Ferry |
| 16:00 | 17:30 | Seatran Ferry |
| 16:00 | 17:30 | Raja Car Ferry |
| 17:00 | 18:30 | Seatran Ferry |
| 17:00 | 18:30 | Raja Car Ferry |
| 18:00 | 19:30 | Raja Ferry |
| 18:00 | 19:30 | Seatran Ferry |
| 18:00 | 19:30 | Raja Car Ferry |
| 19:00 | 20:30 | Seatran Ferry |
| 19:00 | 20:30 | Raja Car Ferry |
Facilities and Services at the Pier Areas
Food Court: There is a food court area where travelers can find various dining options, including local Thai food and international dishes. There are also quite a few vending machines at the pier.
Restaurants: A few restaurants are available on or near the pier, including Black Canyon, Longroy, Beverly Hills Coffee Shop, and a few other Thai food restaurants.
Indoor and Outdoor Seating Areas: The pier provides ample seating areas for travelers to relax while waiting for their ferry or after arriving at the pier.
Children’s Playground: Families traveling with children can take advantage of the playground area, keeping young travelers entertained.
Toilets: There are a few public restroom facilities available for passengers to freshen up before or after their journey.
Ticket Counters: Travelers can purchase ferry tickets at designated ticket counters or booths at the ferry company’s piers.
Nearby Attractions
If you have some time to spare before hopping on a ferry – don’t worry, there are a few nice local attractions near the Donsak Pier. We recommend checking out these:
1. Nangkam Beach
Relaxing and serene beach near Donsak Pier with soft white sands and clear turquoise waters—perfect for a peaceful escape. It has a few resorts located right behind the beach. You’ll also find beach small restaurants, shacks, and toilets.
2. Wat Nang Kam
A calm and spacious Buddhist temple with stunning Thai architecture and a captivating interior, offering a glimpse into local culture and history.
3. Ao Ted Wooden Bridge
It’s a charming wooden bridge stretching near the mangrove forest and into the sea. It’s a great place for birdwatching and enjoying picturesque views.
4. Prathap Cape
Rugged and beautiful cape, a fishing village, offering mesmerizing views of the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea—ideal for stunning sunrises and sunsets. It’s also a starting point for dolphin-watching trips.
5. Hug Village
A heartwarming farm park with lots of flowers and beautiful trees. You’ll also find there many types of animals living here – horses, pigs, rabbits, and sheep. It’s a perfect attraction to visit with kids. There’s also a nice restaurant with sea views.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Donsak Pier
What is Donsak Pier’s location, and how do I get there?
Donsak Pier is located in Surat Thani, Thailand, approximately 66 kilometers (41 miles) southwest of Surat Thani city. You can reach the pier by taxi, bus, or your own car (there’s plenty of parking) from Surat Thani City or the nearby Surat Thani International Airport.
What are the main ferry routes from Donsak Pier?
Donsak Pier serves as a departure point for Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. There are regular ferry services, and ferries depart throughout the day, connecting these islands, making it a convenient gateway for island hopping.
Are there any facilities available at Donsak Pier?
Yes, Donsak Pier offers various facilities, including a food court, restaurants, indoor and outdoor seating areas, a children’s playground, toilets, and ticket counters for ferry services.
What are the nearby attractions to explore after arriving at Donsak Pier?
Nearby attractions include Nangkam Beach, known for its serene ambiance, Wat Nang Kam, an ancient Buddhist temple with impressive architecture, Ao Ted Wooden Bridge for mangrove forest views, Prathap Cape for picturesque views, and the Hug Village park perfect for visiting with kids.
How can I check ferry schedules and book tickets from Donsak Pier?
Ferry schedules and ticket bookings can be checked and made at the ticket counters of the various ferry operators serving Donsak Pier. However, it’s advisable to book tickets online in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Are there transportation options available to reach other destinations from Donsak Pier?
Yes, Donsak Pier is well-connected to other parts of Thailand. You can easily get to Donsak from Krabi. You can find buses and taxis near the pier for onward journeys to Surat Thani city, other nearby attractions, or transportation hubs like Surat Thani International Airport and train station.
Is Donsak Pier open 24/7?
Donsak Pier typically operates during the day, with ferry departures starting early morning and ending in the evening. However, it is not open 24/7, and ferry schedules may vary based on seasonal route adjustments.
Can I bring my vehicle to the ferries departing from Donsak Pier?
Yes, many of the ferries departing from the pier allow vehicles onboard. You can bring cars, motorcycles, or bicycles, but it’s advisable to check with the respective ferry operators for vehicle transportation rules and space availability.
Is there accommodation available near Donsak Pier?
While Donsak itself may not have accommodations, you can find various hotels, guesthouses, and resorts in the nearby areas, such as Surat Thani City or the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao.
Is Donsak Pier affected by weather conditions or seasonal closures?
Yes, like many piers and ferry services, Donsak may be affected by adverse weather conditions or seasonal closures, especially during monsoon seasons. It’s essential to stay updated on weather forecasts and check for any travel advisories before planning your journey.
