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Travel guide

How to get to Koh Samui

Samui is Thailand’s second-largest island, in the Gulf of Thailand off Surat Thani. You can be here in about an hour from Bangkok by air, or take the scenic route by train or bus and ferry.

Last checked September 2026. Timetables and fares change — check with the operator before you travel.

Routes compared

RouteJourney timeCostBest for
Fly direct to Samui Airport (USM)about 65–70 min from BangkokHigherShort trips, families, and anyone who wants to be at the villa the same afternoon
Fly to Surat Thani (URT), then ferryabout 4–6 hours door to doorMidSaving money on flights when you don’t mind a longer travel day
Overnight train or bus + ferryabout 11–14 hours from BangkokBudgetBackpackers, and travellers who enjoy the journey itself
From Koh Phangan or Koh TaoPhangan 20–60 min · Tao 1.5–2.5 hoursBudgetIsland-hopping, or combining Samui with the Full Moon Party
Higher costabout 65–70 min from Bangkok

Fly direct to Samui Airport (USM)

  1. 1Bangkok Airways runs the airport and flies from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) many times a day. Thai Airways sells seats on some of the same flights.
  2. 2There are also direct flights from Phuket, Chiang Mai, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, and seasonal flights from Hong Kong.
  3. 3The open-air terminal is on the north-east of the island. Most villas are 10–40 minutes away by car.

Tip: Fares are higher than other Thai domestic routes and flights fill up from December to April, so book early.

Mid costabout 4–6 hours door to door

Fly to Surat Thani (URT), then ferry

  1. 1Budget airlines (AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai Vietjet) fly from Bangkok’s Don Mueang (DMK) or Suvarnabhumi to Surat Thani in about 1 hour 10 minutes.
  2. 2Combined bus-and-boat tickets can be bought at the airport: a coach to Donsak pier (about 1.5 hours), then a ferry to Samui.
  3. 3Car ferries (Raja Ferry, Seatran) take about 1.5 hours to Nathon or Lipa Noi on the west coast; the Lomprayah catamaran is a little faster.

Tip: Book a ticket that includes the ferry — the last boats leave Donsak in the early evening, so allow for flight delays.

Budget costabout 11–14 hours from Bangkok

Overnight train or bus + ferry

  1. 1Sleeper trains run from Bangkok (Krung Thep Aphiwat station) to Surat Thani (Phun Phin) overnight — book a berth in advance.
  2. 2Or take an overnight coach from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal; Lomprayah and the ferry companies sell joint bus-and-boat tickets.
  3. 3From Surat Thani, continue by coach to Donsak and ferry to Samui as above.
Budget costPhangan 20–60 min · Tao 1.5–2.5 hours

From Koh Phangan or Koh Tao

  1. 1Lomprayah and Seatran Discovery high-speed boats link Koh Tao, Koh Phangan (Thong Sala) and Samui several times a day, arriving at Maenam or Bangrak piers on the north coast.
  2. 2The Haad Rin Queen runs between Haad Rin on Koh Phangan and Big Buddha pier on Samui in about 50 minutes.
  3. 3Sea conditions can be rough in November and December — take something for seasickness and allow spare time.

Getting around the island

A ring road circles the whole island in about 50 km, so nothing is more than an hour’s drive away.

Private transfer

The easiest way from the airport or pier to your villa, especially with luggage. We can arrange one for you — just ask when you enquire.

Taxis

Taxis on Samui are not usually metered, so agree the fare before you get in. Your villa or restaurant can call one for you.

Ride-hailing apps

Grab and Bolt work in the busier areas but cars can be scarce, especially late at night and away from Chaweng — don’t rely on them for an early flight.

Songthaews

Shared pick-up trucks run along the ring road in daylight. Flag one down, tell the driver where you’re going and pay when you get off. Cheap, but not direct.

Hire car

Great for villa holidays and exploring. Thailand drives on the left; bring an International Driving Permit along with your licence.

Scooters

Popular but the ring road is busy and the hills are steep. You need a motorcycle licence (or a permit with a motorcycle category) and a helmet — without them, travel insurance often won’t cover you.

When to go

December – April

Dry, sunny and the busiest season, with the calmest seas. Book villas and flights well ahead, especially over Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year.

May – September

Hot, with occasional short showers. Samui stays drier than Phuket and the west coast at this time, so it’s a good-value summer choice.

October – November

The wettest months, with heavier rain and rougher seas. Prices are lowest and the island is quiet — ideal for long stays.