If you’ve done some research, you’ll quickly realise that there are a number of different ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui island, including train, ferry, bus, van or flight! Choosing your route can be a difficult decision, so let us make easier by sharing our top tips.
Firstly however, you can check your specific dates and times and book online in advance through 12go.com – they have so many routes and options available!
Bangkok to Koh Samui Ferry
You can of course take the flight option direct to Koh Samui, however if you’re looking for the cheapest way to get there then we recommend the Bangkok to Koh Samui ferry and bus option. Luckily we came across the Lomprayah company who offer a Bangkok to Koh Samui ferry and bus combo ticket for the complete journey! If you’re like us and prefer to avoid the stress of linking up individual journeys then this is a great solution. You can simply book one overall ticket (via their website or the 12go.asia box above) for the whole journey by coach and ‘high speed’ catamaran – easy!
Based on their latest prices, the full journey on the Bangkok to Koh Samui ferry and bus ticket costs around 1,400 bhat (£28) per person and there are two main timing options including either early morning departure (06:00) arriving in the afternoon (16:40) or the overnight option departing around 21:00 arriving late morning (11:20). Please note that prices and timings may change so be sure to check the websites for up-to-date information before you book! If you choose Lomprayah, their office is near Khao San Road in the backpacker hub of Bangkok, where your bus will also depart from. We found this pretty convenient for grabbing a cheap and filling dinner before getting on the overnight bus!
If you’re coming from the airport, allow around an hour to get to the office and an official airport taxi will cost around 600 baht (£12) based on current prices.
What To Expect?
We took a very similar journey from Bangkok to Koh Tao with Lomprayah so can safely say that the bus was very comfortable and even offered a clean toilet! Our bus also left 45 minutes ahead of schedule (I guess because everyone had arrived by then) so we definitely recommend arriving early for your journey just in case! Upon our arrival to Chumphon pier (which was quite early around 05:00), we had a couple of hours to wait prior to our catamaran departure, so we took advantage of some comfortable deck chairs by the pier and enjoyed watching the sunrise. We had to check-in again at the ticket office at Chumphon pier (using our original tickets) prior to boarding the catamaran for the final leg of the journey, however this was pretty hassle free. The journey from Chumphon pier to Koh Samui (Maenam Pier) is approximately 4 hours so we recommend packing a few snacks and perhaps some sea-sickness tablets as the journey can be a little choppy at times!
The Bangkok to Koh Samui ferry and bus option is a good cheap alternative to flying! We also recommend arranging your hotel and a pick up from your hotel in advance to make the arrival to the island a little easier and of course much more stress-free!
Get Your Trip Organised!
Book Your Train/Bus/Ferry Tickets Online!
We always recommend that you book your journey in advance, so you have peace of mind that your seats are booked! We recommend using 12go.asia as they offer train, bus and ferry ticket booking online in advance! Check out your journey options and prices here and get your seat reserved!
Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means if you choose to book somewhere though our link, we receive a small commission. Don’t worry, it doesn’t cost you anything more, and most importantly, we only recommend companies that we use ourselves so you can trust our recommendations!