Suratthani to Koh Samui Trip Overview

Koh Samui to Suratthani
Distance
79 km (49.4 miles)
Price range
US$10-US$36
Ride Duration Range
1h 45m-8h 30m
Earliest Departure
22:30
Latest Departure
23:30
Most Popular Operator

You will want to take a ferry to make the short trip from Surat Thani to Koh Samui. There are just three daily ferries so booking a ticket in advance is a good idea. Koh Samui is the perfect place to hang out by the beach and relax. They have many activities by the water, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. The scenery is amazing on the island so bring a camera for pictures. Koh Samui’s weather is warm all year with the dry season during the winter months.

Travel Schedule Options from Suratthani to Koh Samui



























































































Taking a bus from Suratthani to Koh Samui

Fastest bus: 4h 30m

Cheapest bus: US$17

The fastest: 4h 30m

The cheapest: US$17

The available amenities for this trip are currently unavailable. For specific questions, please contact our customer service, available 24/7.

The fastest: 2h

The cheapest: US$18

Pros

Free cancellations

Departure times throughout the day

Ample luggage allowance

Purchasable weather cancellation insurance

Cons

Possible sea sickness

Possible inclement weather cancellations

Makes no rest stops

Food and drinks - not for free

The available amenities for this trip are currently unavailable. For specific questions, please contact our customer service, available 24/7.

The fastest: 3h 15m

The cheapest: US$19

The available amenities for this trip are currently unavailable. For specific questions, please contact our customer service, available 24/7.

The fastest: 2h 15m

The cheapest: US$10

Pros

Many departure locations

Luggage allowance

Multiple departure times per day

Hotel pick up/drop off ($5 fee)

Cons

High demand: quick to overbook

Possible cancellations, changes due to inclement weather

Long journey

A/C may work weakly

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

WC

Food

The fastest: 1h 45m

The cheapest: US$10

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

WC

A/C

Food

routes_hero-image-alt Koh Samui

About the ride from Suratthani to Koh Samui 

The 80 kilometer (50 mile) ferry journey from Suratthani to Koh Samui takes around two hours and 30 minutes. Most crossings will find mellow waves melting into azure skylines with the lush green limestone karst islands of Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park. Passing this beautiful landmark will add to the enjoyment of the warm sea breeze. 

Ferry journeys such as these are a rite of passage for travelers and offer an opportunity to pause and catch your breath, and some sunshine, especially after traveling non-stop from Bangkok. Reading about what you can expect to find on Koh Samui, including the 'Big Buddha' statue and the best beaches for full moon parties, not only breaks up your time on board, but also gives you an excuse to meet and mingle with fellow passengers as you chat about your travel experiences and share some secret spots to explore.

Ferries vary in size from smaller high-speed catamaran services, suitable for 200 people, to larger vehicle ferries; just remember: the larger the ferry, the smoother the crossing. All the ferries leave Suratthani, on the Thai mainland, from Donsak Pier and will head to one of four different piers on Koh Samui. If you're traveling in peak season you can expect to find ferries packed full of passengers, so it's definitely a good idea to book your tickets in advance to avoid a time consuming wait. 

All ferries departing Suratthani for Koh Samui have air conditioning as well as outside seating. There are usually two passenger decks that feature basic food and drink kiosks, television areas and public bathrooms. The ride itself will be fairly comfortable and offers a good opportunity to get ready for your island adventures by chatting to fellow travelers or practicing your Thai on friendly local passengers. Once you arrive on Koh Samui it's a good idea to have your onward journey and accommodation booked in advance. That will help you avoid the often bewildering array of expectant hosts, who are eager to invite you to come and spend your time at their island hotel or hostel.  

 

What to see when traveling from Suratthani to Koh Samui

Departing the Thai mainland from Donsak Pier at Suratthani to one of the four piers on Koh Samui island really sets traveler pulses racing. The 80 kilometer (50 mile) northeasterly journey encapsulates the beautiful blue skies and ocean waves that have become synonymous with the Gulf of Thailand. If you're making the journey during February to October you can expect to enjoy calm seas and sumptuous sunshine, and you'll be well advised to apply sunscreen if you're sitting out on deck.

A great way to pass the time is to keep your eyes trained on the ocean where you might be lucky enough to spy the fins of dolphins and whales which tend to frequent the area from September to December. The limestone karst islands of Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park can often be seen on a clear day and make a beautiful backdrop for photographers looking to get in some practice prior to their exotic island adventures.

For many travelers, however, the chance to rest and recuperate before hitting the party island of Koh Samui is time well spent. Often you might find yourself whisked from the Thai capital, Bangkok, to Suratthani on an overnight sleeper bus or train. Although these buses offer a chance to chat with fellow travelers, and maybe catch up on some shut-eye, there's nothing that beats the lull of a ferry to recharge your batteries in readiness for what you'll discover on Koh Samui.

From water sports and all night bars to secluded beaches and underwater discoveries, this is an island that promises every kind of exotic experience that you could ever wish for. Just make sure you know what you're getting yourself into before taking the plunge into the unknown.

 

How to get from Suratthani to Koh Samui

 

Taking a ferry

The ferry ride from Suratthani to Koh Samui takes around two and a half hours, giving you more than enough time to enjoy a few restful moments before heading to what some consider to be Thailand's premier party island. Some of the bigger vehicle transporter ferries, such as Seatran and Raja, have an abundance of indoor and outdoor plastic seating areas, as well as bathrooms and onboard food and drink kiosks.

Several ferries will offer an air conditioned area for passengers willing to pay a small fee of around 30 Baht (less than $1). These VIP areas will often have upgraded lounge chairs, as well as a TV for movie watching. Sometimes, in high season, the charge for the VIP areas won't apply so as to safely accommodate the excess passenger numbers. Smaller vessels, such as those operated by Songserm, will also include air conditioned and open seating areas, TVs and snack shops. It's worth bearing in mind that the smaller the vessel, the bumpier the ride. 

From plastic outdoor seats to plush leather air conditioned interiors, wherever you're seated, you can rest assured that you'll have plenty of time to press pause and relax before heading to what may well be your first of many Thai islands. Use the time wisely catching up on reading or resting before your next adventure begins. But then again, you're on holiday, so just go with the flow.

Chat to fellow travelers about where they've been and what they plan to do or try your hand at Thai as you smile and nod with local passengers who are also looking to share in a language exchange. Whatever you're looking forward to, the ferry journey from Suratthani to Koh Samui is much more than a way to get from A to B: it's a gateway to an island adventure. Kick back and enjoy the ride.

Companies Operating from Suratthani to Koh Samui

Average time

2h 30m - 8h 30m

Average price

US$10 - US$12

(560)

Average time

3h - 5h 30m

Average price

US$13 - US$32

(126)

Average time

1h 45m - 3h 15m

Average price

US$17

Average time

3h - 5h 30m

Average price

US$11

Average time

3h

Average price

US$10

Our travelers reviews about the ride from Suratthani to Koh Samui

4.49

Based on 1554 reviews from Bookaway users who traveled from Suratthani to Koh Samui

Regula K.

Yulian A.

Christopher R.

Questions & Answers for Traveling from Suratthani to Koh Samui

What is the most popular transportation service from Suratthani to Koh Samui?

The most popular transportation service from Suratthani to Koh Samui is van-ferry by Raja Ferry

What is the distance between Suratthani to Koh Samui?

You can expect a journey of around 79 km (Air) when traveling from Suratthani to Koh Samui.

What is the fastest transportation service from Suratthani to Koh Samui?

van-ferry by Lomprayah is the fastest transportation from Suratthani to Koh Samui, completing the journey in 1h 45m.

What is the cheapest transport option from Suratthani and Koh Samui?

For budget-conscious travelers, Bus + Ferry by Raja Ferry is the most affordable option from Suratthani to Koh Samui, costing around US$10.

Who are the service providers on this route?

When traveling from Suratthani to Koh Samui, you can choose from several provider, such as

BUS+FERRY:  Raja Ferry | Seatran Ferry | Lomprayah | Phantip 1970

VAN+FERRY:  Raja Ferry | Seatran Ferry | Lomprayah | Phantip 1970

MINIVAN:  Raja Ferry | Phantip 1970 | Phangan Tour 2000 | 12Go Transport

BUS:  Raja Ferry | Phantip 1970 | Phangan Tour 2000 | 12Go Transport

FERRY:  Lomprayah | Phantip 1970 | Lomlahkkhirin

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