Distance 167 km (104.4 miles) | |
Price range US$18-US$24 | |
Ride Duration Range 5h 30m-10h | |
Earliest Departure 22:30 | |
Latest Departure 23:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Fastest bus: 9h
Cheapest bus: US$24
After you have had your fill of sunshine and island relaxation, why not head from Koh Samui to Khao Sok National Park?
Khao Sok is a lush rainforest with extraordinary limestone cliffs, a breathtaking emerald lake, and plenty of wildlife. It’s the largest area of protected land in the south of Thailand. Still, international tourists haven’t discovered it...yet.
The best thing to do in Khao Sok is to spend time connecting with nature and enjoying Thailand’s natural beauty. There are plenty of hiking trails around Cheow Lan Lake, which will allow you to check out limestone caverns or beautiful viewpoints and cascading waterfalls.
One of the most popular hiking trails is Ton Kloi Waterfall.
Pro Tip: Get a local guide. While you’re allowed to hike on your own, the trails can be a little confusing, and it’s very easy to get lost. Plus, if you get someone to lead you, you will be treated to a little history and learn all about flora and fauna in the area as well.
Hiring a longtail boat is another great way to see the area. You absolutely must see Cheow Lan Lake from the water, and longtails are the perfect way to do so.
Now that you are chomping at the bit to get to the national park, you may be wondering, How do I get from Koh Samui to Khao Sok? Check out your transportation options below.
Khao Sok National Park is located in Surat Thani province in the south of Thailand.
The distance from Koh Samui to Khao Sok is 185 km (~115 miles). Unfortunately, there is no airport close by, so most visitors opt to travel by bus + ferry combo ticket.
Be prepared to take a two-hour ferry ride to get off the island.
The Gulf of Thailand is usually pretty calm, but it is always a good idea to pack some sea sickness medication, just in case.
You should also be aware that the ferry will be canceled if the weather is bad. Don’t worry, though. If your ticket is canceled due to weather, you can rebook for the following day or receive a full refund.
There isn’t a whole lot to see for the overland portion of the trip. But the landscape in Thailand is stunning, so you should still try to get a window seat on the bus. You never know what you may see out the window!
Transport from Koh Samui to Khao Sok National Park is limited. There are only two possible options to get you there without too much hassle. You can either book a bus + ferry combo ticket or organize a private transfer.
When considering your options of how to get from Koh Samui to Khao Sok, the biggest difference will be price. The bus + ferry combo is the budget option, and private transfers are far from it.
Both take the same amount of time. The main benefit of hiring a private transfer is setting your own schedule and traveling on your own or with friends rather than crammed in with many other tourists.
Bus + Ferry
Thailand has its tourist infrastructure figured out. And considering how far it is from Koh Samui to Khao Sok, they have made it exceptionally easy.
Three companies offer combo tickets, all with similar amenities.
Seatran is the first option to choose from. They have one departure per day at 9 am, and tickets start at $26.
The bus + ferry ride will take about six hours. They offer hotel pick-up in Koh Samui for an additional $5. This is a great feature as it will save you time and energy thinking about getting to Nathon Pier.
Once you arrive at Don Sak Pier on the mainland, you will be transferred over to a minibus, which will drive you the rest of the way to Khao Sok. The drive takes about four hours, and you will have the opportunity to stop for bathroom breaks along the way.
The minibus will drop you off at the Khao Sok National Park entrance, about one mile from the main village. It’s an easy walk to most of the accommodation options around if your hotel does not offer free pick up. If you don’t feel like walking, you can take a $2 tuk-tuk ride.
Another option to cover the Koh Samui to Khao Sok distance is to travel with Songserm. This company will help you on to the ferry in Koh Samui at Nathon Pier and drop you off at Khao Sok Van Station.
The biggest difference with Songserm is that you will travel across the peninsula by coach bus rather than by minivan. These may be a little bit more crowded, as they can carry more passengers, but the benefit is that they have bathrooms onboard and reclining seats. The bus will also stop for you to get out and stretch your legs.
The trip with Songserm takes about seven hours and costs $28 per person.
Your final option to get from Koh Samui to Khao Sok by bus + ferry combo is with Lomprayah. It is both the cheapest and quickest option. Tickets start at $19 per person, and the trip should only take four hours and 45 minutes. This is because it does not stop as often as the other minivans.
Ferries and minibuses are often delayed in Thailand, so even if that is the case with Lomprayah you will still make it to Khao Sok in less time than the other options.
Lomprayah also offers three departure times per day at 8:00 am, 12:45 pm, and 15:15 pm. Having choices makes it much more convenient to plan your trip!
This company will provide hotel pick up in Koh Samui for an additional fee. Lomprayah will take you from Nathon Pier to Khao Sok Bus Station if you prefer to organize transport yourself.
Regardless of which company you choose, the bus + ferry combo is the best way to travel from Koh Samui to Khao Sok in terms of value for money and convenience.
Private Transfer
If you prefer to travel in luxury, you can organize a private transfer with your hotel in Khao Sok. These cost between $150-$250, which covers the entire vehicle.
Private transfers are a great option if you’re traveling with friends and can share the cost or if you prefer the privacy and comfort of your own vehicle. You have the option of a minivan (which can seat up to nine passengers) or a car. Discuss all the details with your hotel in Khao Sok, and they will find the best option for you.
Regardless of how you choose to travel to Khao Sok, you will undoubtedly have a fantastic time exploring this hidden gem. Make sure to get there quickly – it won’t be a secret for much longer!
Tubing in Khao Sok is an overall fun activity, just make sure you don’t actsilly. Read on to find out how our day went from good to stupid.
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