Koh Samui Transport

Bangkok Airways has 23 daily flights between Bangkok and Samui. The flight takes about 80 minutes. Other domestic flights run daily to/from the airports of Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Hua Hin. Koh Samui International Airport has direct non-stop flights from Singapore and Hong Kong through Bangkok Airways.

Airport departure tax for international and domestic flights is 500 Baht, paid at the airport.

Koh Samui’s airport is one of the most beautiful in the world. Its “Fantasy Island” atmosphere immediately gives visitors a special holiday feeling when arriving by air. Set on a lush plateau overlooking the sea, the airport consists of two beautiful open-air terminals built of wood and thatched roofs.

Located only 500 meters from Big Buddha beach, the airport is less than 10km from any destination on the island.

The attractive airport has a restaurant, bar, money exchange and hotel reservation counter.

If you have not arranged transport with your hotel, you can either rent a car at the airport or take a taxi. Touts hang outside the terminal, offering rides in cars or mini vans for a fixed rate. Private taxis range from 200-500 Baht depending on the distance. Shared mini van prices range from 30-150 Baht per seat, depending on the distance.

Train-Bus-Ferry combination tickets can be purchased at Bangkok’s Hualampong Railway Station (Tel: 02 223 0341). Aside from the plane, this is the most comfortable way of reaching Samui from Bangkok. Tickets are quite reasonable and range in class from 1st class private cabin, 2nd class air-conditioned, 2nd class non-air-conditioned, 3rd non-air-conditioned bench seat. Night trains in the 1st and 2nd classes convert into beds. The trip takes around 13 hours, plus 1-2 hours by ferry.

Buses from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal in Thonburi make the 12 hour journey every day. Some buses drive right onto the ferry, others let passengers off at the pier outside Surat Thani. Buses are about half the price of the train, a bit faster, but less comfortable and not as scenic.

Koh Samui can be reached by ferry, speedboat and car ferry from one of four piers outside Surat Thani. Schedules and prices are always in flux. Expect more departures during the high season and less in the rainy season.

There is the speedy SeaTran, passenger ferry or vehicle ferry, taking around 1-2 hours respectively.

Express boats from Surat Thani to Koh Samui also continue to the next island, Koh Phangan, though the late afternoon ferries typically only go to Koh Samui.

Songtaews (Bus/trucks) A fun way to meet locals and other tourists is to jump on the local public transport or taxi/bus/trucks that circumnavigate the island. Typical prices range from 10 Baht for short distances to 50 Baht for longer trips.

Motorbike Taxi If you’re going a short distance, motorbike taxis will take you for around 20 Baht. The drivers are easy to spot in numbered vests, usually hanging around at intersections or along roads.

Car and Motorbike rental Vehicles can be rented in any village on the island. Make sure the vehicle is insured and check for any damages before leaving. Thai law requires the driver and front-seat passenger to wear seat belts.

To rent a vehicle you need a driver’s license from your home country or international driver’s license obtained in your home country. Bring a copy of your passport as some rental agencies will request to keep the original.

Keep in mind if renting a motorbike, no matter how experienced a driver you are, the accident rate in Thailand is one of the highest in the world. Thai law requires a helmet be worn by the driver. If you are travelling with children, don’t risk renting a motorbike. Rent a car or jeep.