How to Travel

Are you looking for a tropical holiday in Thailand? Where would you like to go seek some beach time and luxury? The palm-fringed, sun-blessed beaches of Koh Samui gift travellers with elegant coconut groves, pleasantly lush green mountains and accumulated luxury. It is the second biggest island in the whole of Thailand. Let’s talk about getting to Koh Samui.

How to fly direct to Koh Samui?

You can board a domestic plane from the Suvarnabhumi airport to Koh Samui. Book early to get a cheap flight and look for a Koh Samui holiday hotel while you're at it. Check with hotels like the Santiburi Koh Samui to strike early bird deals. As for the flights, Thai Airways fly twice a day to Koh Samui. Bangkok Airlines operates over 18 times in a single day to Koh Samui. If you’ve already booked a week or so elsewhere, you can still catch a flight. Airlines operate from Chiang Mai, Phuket and Pattaya to Koh Samui. You can even get a flight from Singapore, Hong Kong or Kuala Lumpur all the way to this sunny isle. Flying is the most comfortable and convenient way to get to Koh Samui. The airport in Koh Samui is pretty luxurious. Your holiday will start the moment you land.  

How to fly and then catch a ferry to Koh Samui?

If you are travelling on a budget, fly halfway to Surat Thani and then catch a ferry to Koh Samui. However, prepare to spend about 3 hours in a bus to reach the pier from the airport and then sail to Koh Samui. You can purchase your ferry ticket from a booth at the Surat Thani airport.

How to take a train and then a ferry to Koh Samui?

This is another option you can try. You can board a train in Bangkok to reach Surat Thani. From this destination, catch a ferry to the island. Trains are much more comfortable than buses in Thailand (as is the case elsewhere). Thailand has an excellent metre-gauge rail system – one of the best in the entire world. Moreover, train tickets are not that expensive and you’ll enjoy a safe journey.

How to take a bus and ferry to Koh Samui?

The cheapest travel option to Koh Samui is to board a bus from Bangkok to Surat Thani and then a ferry to the island. You don’t even have to reserve a ferry ticket in advance. Catch a bus from eth Bangkok terminal and head south. You’ll spend about 45 minutes en route. You can purchase a bus and ferry combo ticket. While this is the cheapest option, it is by no means luxurious. Come prepared for a rough ride.

How to get to Koh Samui from non-Bangkok destinations?

Like we mentioned earlier, you can fly to Koh Samui from Pattaya, Phuket or Chaing Mai. You can even hire a car from Phuket or Karbi and then take the ferry. You’ll spend about 6 hours travelling.  You can pack some snacks and drinks to stay comfortable. And, always remember those essential bathroom breaks.

How to explore Koh Samui?

Koh Samui is a luxurious space. Don’t forget to pack for plenty of beach and pool time. Check if your resort offers boat trips to places like Koh Madsum and shuttle services to nearby markets. This way, you can save some time and energy for true exploration. Book some spa time for pampering your body and take a day or two to explore beaches off the coast. These one-day tours can take you off the beaten path to serenity. The markets in Chaweng offer visitors glimpses of rich, local life.