About the ride from Ao Nang to Koh Samui
Ao Nang is something right out of a dream. Towering karsts, powdery sand beaches and turquoise waters make fantasy a reality you won’t want to leave. But there’s another beach destination just across the Malay Peninsula that will help you keep that dream alive — Koh Samui.
Koh Samui is an island in the Gulf of Thailand that has been charming tourists for decades. Boasting lots of beautiful beaches, a lush interior and many religious and cultural sites, Koh Samui is a great addition to any Thailand itinerary.
And compared to some of the long hauls in other parts of the country, the trip between Ao Nang and Koh Samui is relatively short, clocking in around five to seven hours. Whether by bus + ferry or van + ferry, your trip will be easy.
Top things to do in Koh Samui
Koh Samui has been a staple on tourists’ maps for good reason. Whether you’re looking for natural beauty, adrenaline-inducing adventures or cultural immersion, you can sample them all on just one island.
Here are some of the top things to do in Koh Samui:
Find your favorite beach: Koh Samui has no shortage of beautiful beaches — each with their own flavor. For a cozy strand away from the crowds, try Coral Cove Beach.
For a gorgeous beach with interesting rock formations, head to Lamai Beach, where the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks bear more than a passing resemblance to male and female body parts.
Take in culture big and small: Thailand’s religious history is on full display in nearly every corner of the island. The biggest is Wat Phra Yai. Here’s where you’ll find the aptly named Big Buddha, standing nearly 12 meters (39 feet) tall.
You can also explore the Tarnim Secret Garden, a.k.a. the Secret Buddha Garden, on one of the island’s highest peaks. Here, you can wander through jungle-covered grounds filled with sculptures, waterfalls and streams.
Spend some time in the water: Koh Samui lies at the doorstep of the Ang Thong National Marine Park — an archipelago of 42 protected islands where you can experience the pristine beauty of nature through a boat tour. And if you’re a diver or snorkeler, the calm waters of the Gulf of Thailand are a perfect place to take in the vibrant reefs and marine life lurking just below the waterline.
Discover the fun on land: While the shoreline steals the show, Koh Samui has its fair share of attractions on land. You can visit the glitzy complex of Central Samui for fine dining and retail shopping.
Inland, you can take a dip in a natural pool at the base of the Na Muang Waterfall.
Then, you can wander the streets of the Fisherman’s Village at Bophut Beach.
How to get from Ao Nang to Koh Samui
You can buy a bus + ferry or van + ferry combination ticket to get from Ao Nang to Koh Samui.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of your choices to help you decide:
Bus + Ferry
Despite the name, a bus + ferry combination ticket will likely be in a bus-like minivan with AC.
Your ticket includes one bag up to 50 centimeters (20 inches) plus a handbag. Larger or additional bags incur a nominal fee.
As with any destination in Southeast Asia, be prepared for the air conditioning to be on full blast, so have a light jacket or hoodie ready if needed.
Your ticket will include pick-up from your hotel in Ao Nang and transportation across the peninsula to Don Sak Pier. From there, your ticket buys you passage on a ferry to Koh Samui. Depending on your operator, some tickets include drop-off at your hotel on the island.
Prices start at $26, with travel times coming in at 6.5 hours on average.
Van + Ferry
A van + ferry combination ticket is very similar to a bus + ferry ticket.
You’ll travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, with pick-up at your hotel in Ao Nang or from a specified area. Then, you’ll hop on a ferry from Don Sak to Koh Samui. But that is where the similarities end.
One significant difference is that van + ferry tickets come in a little bit cheaper — prices start at just $16 per person.
Also, some operators can get you to Koh Samui in around 4.5 hours.
Additionally, pay attention to the drop-off points. Some tickets will just get you to Nathon Pier on Koh Samui. Others include onward transportation to your accommodations on the island. The latter cost a little bit more, but considering the convenience, the cost is well worth the extra money.
Departure times vary throughout the day, so you should be able to find one that matches your itinerary.
What can you expect when traveling from Ao Nang to Koh Samui?
The spectacular scenery of Krabi Province is your starting point. You’ll depart Ao Nang on a three-hour drive across the lush interior of the Malay Peninsula to the town of Don Sak, perched on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand.
Regardless of the type of overland vehicle you choose, you will need to take a relatively short ferry ride (1.5-2.5 hours) for the final approach to the island of Koh Samui.
Depending on your operator, you might have one last transfer to your local hotel.
When is the best time of year to visit Koh Samui?
For the overall best weather, the dry season period from December through February is your best bet.
Rainfall is at a minimum, and temperatures are a comfortable 25-30°C (77-86°F), making it the perfect time for days at the beach.
Temperatures soar over 30°C (upper 80s°F) in March through May. However, the Thai New Year takes place around mid-April. Fortunately, the celebrations include water fights, which should help cool you down and will literally immerse you in the culture.
June through September can be rainy, but more in terms of passing daily showers. The real monsoon season is from October through November when rain is heavy, winds are strong, and your beach days will seriously be at risk.
Where to after Koh Samui?
From Koh Samui, you could catch a flight up to the fascinating cities in Thailand’s north, such as Chang Mai.
Or, if you still have a hankering for more beaches and jungle scenery, head south down the Malay Peninsula into Malaysia, with the street food capital of Penang lingering temptingly close to the border.
