Koh Phi Phi to Koh Samui Trip Overview
Distance 232 km (145.0 miles) | |
Price range US$ 31-US$ 49 | |
Ride Duration Range 5h 30m-10h 30m | |
Earliest Departure 01:45 | |
Latest Departure 04:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Taking a bus from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Samui

About the ride from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Samui
Exchange one enchanting Thai island for another with a trip to the wildly popular Koh Samui.
Located 239 kilometers (148 miles) away, Koh Samui is one of Thailand's hottest island destinations. Visitors flock to its spectacular shores for good reason, and it's just two ferries and a short drive away from Koh Phi Phi.
To reach this enchanting island, hop on a ferry from Koh Phi Phi to the mainland, then catch a bus or a van to the next port before riding one last ferry to reach your final destination. It might sound complicated, but it's really not. We offer bus + ferry and van + ferry combo tickets to streamline the process. We'll explain it all below…
What is Koh Samui like?
Koh Samui's magical shores attract more than 2.7 million visitors annually, thrilling them with its spectacular views, luscious jungles, and white-sand beaches.
The island has become incredibly popular with digital nomads who stay here long-term, but it's still most popular among short-term tourists.
The island, sprawled over 228.7 square kilometers (88.3 square miles), houses countless tourist treasures. Undoubtedly, you'll fall head over heels for its spectacular beauty and welcoming culture.
Koh Samui is also part of the Chumphon Archipelago, so it's the perfect launching pad for an island-hopping expedition in the Gulf of Thailand.
Fantastic activities to do in Koh Samui
Thanks to its vast size, Koh Samui has numerous incredible attractions that enchant its many visitors. You'll be spoiled for choice when planning your trip, but keep these activities at the top of your to-do list:
Learn to snorkel or scuba dive: Koh Samui is famous for its diving schools and beautiful diving spots. Rent snorkeling gear and discover underwater seascapes directly from the beach, or book a boating excursion to see some other exciting spots.
Koh Samui is also an affordable place to get your PADI certification.
Visit Ang Thong Marine Park: This magnificent eco-park, which comprises a series of smaller islands, is dedicated to protecting its unique hidden beauty. Book a full day's excursion to see everything it offers, but brace yourself for some serious hikes! Some of the viewpoints are not for the faint-hearted.
Party the night away: Koh Samui is renowned for its clubs and raves. Party lovers will easily find all-night dancing events in the jungle and beach. If you want a more relaxed vibe, hit up one of the island's many beach clubs instead.
Explore Hin Lat Waterfall: Because Koh Samui has an array of waterfalls to choose from, you could spend your whole holiday just waterfall-hopping. But, if you're short on time, make Hin Lat Waterfall your number one visit. It's perfect for a swim; you can hike around it, and the view from the top is unbeatable.
Marvel at the Temple on the Lake: Wat Plai Laem is a gorgeous temple adorned with vibrant colors and decorated to look like it rests on a pink lily pad.
How to get from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Samui
There are three steps to travel from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Samui:
Ferries depart from Ao Ton Sai Pier on Koh Phi Phi before arriving at the mainland.
From there, a bus or minivan will pick you up and drive across the mainland to Don Sak Pier.
There, you’ll catch the final ferry from the mainland to Na Thon Pier on Koh Samui.
To make it easy, we offer combo tickets so you don't have to buy each leg separately. You can choose between a bus + ferry or a van + ferry, but the options are essentially the same.
The journey takes at least seven hours and starts at approximately $35 per passenger.
Amenities for this journey include:
Air conditioning in buses or vans, sometimes available on large ferries
WC on board
Life jackets
A luggage allowance of one 20-inch bag and one small piece of hand luggage per passenger
There is an extra fee for additional luggage.
Typically, you'll ride either a high-speed ferry or a speedboat. Due to their larger size, high-speed ferries usually have toilets and air conditioning on board, but take a little longer to arrive.
While speedboats will shorten your time on the water, they often have open sides, so you may get a little wet en route. Make sure to cover all your valuables to avoid any water damage.
Pro tip: Koh Samui's port is on the island's east side, but most of the tourist areas and resorts reside on the west side. Ensure you have plenty of cash to take a taxi to your final destination.
The best things about the journey from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Samui
The journey from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Samui is quite long, so bring some earphones and a battery pack to keep yourself entertained.
As you depart the golden shores of Koh Phi Phi, you'll sail directly toward the mainland through the Andaman Sea, watching the luscious Thai jungle edging closer with every wave.
Because driving between ports isn't the most exciting part of this journey, it's best to take a nap for this leg and then wake up ready to take in the picturesque views waiting for you on the Gulf of Thailand.
On your way to Koh Samui, grab a seat on deck or by the window to watch some of the smaller islands in the archipelago emerge on the horizon. Each one is a gentle teaser for the main event.
When is the best time to visit Koh Samui?
The best time to visit Koh Samui is during the dry season, from December to April.
However, the best weather and the lowest chance of rain are experienced between December and February. These months invite warm, sunny days without heavy rainfall or high humidity. Temperatures typically sit between 77°F (25°C) and 90°F (32°C), perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and climbing waterfalls.
How many days should I spend in Koh Samui?
Spending three to four days on Koh Samui is more than enough time to hit the top spots and soak up the island's magic.
However, if you don't want to rush through the main attractions, extend your visit up to a week. Koh Samui is also perfect for people looking for an extended beachside holiday, so you could stay for up to two weeks to enjoy everything this gorgeous island offers.
Where should I go after Koh Samui?
After navigating Koh Samui's many wonders, you should tick off two other islands in the Chumphon Archipelago: Koh Tao and Koh Phangan.
Koh Tao is the smallest of these three islands and is famed for its diving spots. So, save your snorkeling and scuba diving adventures for a visit to its shores.
Koh Phangan is world-famous for its epic Full Moon Party, but it's also ideal for peace seekers eager to try out breathwork classes, ecstatic dancing, and tantra.
Companies Operating from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Samui
Our travelers reviews about the ride from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Samui
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Popular stations and stops in Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui
Departure stations in Koh Phi Phi
Arrival stations in Koh Samui
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Questions & Answers for Traveling from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Samui
What is the most popular transportation service from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Samui?
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Who are the service providers on this route?
VAN+FERRY: Jarinthon Tour (2553) | Krabi Sea Pearl
BUS+FERRY: Ramon Transport | Phantip 1970 | Sapthaweephol Tour and Travel | Songserm
FERRY: Raja Ferry | Sapthaweephol Tour and Travel | 12Go Transport | Songserm
BUS: Raja Ferry | Phantip 1970
MINIVAN: Krabi Sea Pearl
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