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How to get to Koh Samui: Annually thousands of people enjoy holiday on Koh Samui. The beaches and the extensive leisure facilities make this island a very special and popular resort. Many wonder: How to get to Koh Samui? Here I have summarized the travel possibilities to get to Koh Samui.

How to get to Koh Samui – Best ways getting there

 

Koh Samui can be very easily reached from all over Thailand. Especially the great popularity among travelers has created connections from all parts of the country to Koh Samui. Since Koh Samui is an island, you get to a small ferry ride only over when you choose to travel by plane.

 

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By plane to Koh Samui:

The aircraft is of course the fastest way to travel to Koh Samui. An estimated flight time from virtually all parts of the country is about 1-2 hours. There are countless connections from Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai and even Pattaya. The prices for the domestic flight can be well below 100 USD. Who chooses an airport on the mainland (Krabi, Surat Thani) and travels the rest of the way by bus / ferry can get with a bit of luck flights for under 30USD.  But the best and most convenient option it is to land directly on Samui International Airport.
The following airlines operate mainly domestic to Koh Samui (direct): Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways

To Surat Thani Nok Air and Air Asia still operate a hand full more flights. Some Airlines also offer a combination ticket which includes the Flight to Surat Thani + bus + ferry to Samui.

Advantages of the flight: The very short travel time is the biggest advantage of a flight to Koh Samui. Those arriving by plane to Koh Samui, has lost little time and can use them on the great island.

Cons: The “most expensive” variant is the flight to Koh Samui. Nevertheless, the flights are quite cheap by our standards. The flight to Koh Samui is pretty much the most faithful domestic connection. The Koh Samui Airport is exclusively operated by Bangkok Airways.

Tip: Book the flights on the Internet or on-site in any Thai travel agency. The airlines always offer enough flights. Often enough to look 1-2 days in advance for a flight ticket. Only on holidays and peak travel times can be scarce. Here you should book in advance.

Find Cheap Flights to Samui here

 

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By train to Koh Samui:

The train from Bangkok to Koh Samui is of course not a direct connection. The journey ends in Surat Thani and from there it goes by coach and ferry to Koh Samui. The combined ticket, which train, bus and boat trip includes can be booked in many travel agencies or directly at the train station in Bangkok or at the airport. Best buy the day before, since it is not always sure that you get a seat for the same day. The prices of the ticket, depending on the class 15-25 USD.
Most trains leave Bangkok from 5pm to 8pm.

It is always recommended to choose an air-conditioned sleeper, because the ride with 12 hours is rather long.

In Surat Thani arrived you just get into the bus to the pier and then embarks the ferry. This procedure takes again another 2.5 hours. Finally arrived at the pier on Samui, of course, wait countless taxis and minibuses on the newcomers bring them to their desired destination. Prices range here depending on destination around 500 baht per taxi. Negotiation is usually futile!

Advantages: Cheap link to from Bangkok to Koh Samui. You see the country and people. Somehow this trip possible nevertheless has its own unique charm. Who will take the night train as a way for arrival Koh Samui, also saves a hotel for the night.

Cons: Very long running time. 1 full vacation day is lost.

Tip: Take the night train in combined ticket from Bangkok. The price is all included (bus, ferry) and the possibility in the sleeping compartment to relax, the ride can equal a lot go by faster.

 

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By Bus to Koh Samui:

Weniger komfortabler, alter Bus

To reach Koh Samui by bus is as simple as any other type of arrival. Several vendors have established connections. So the buses run several times daily from Bangkok (Southern Bus Terminal). Also from many other parts of the country there is no problem to get to Koh Samui. Only the prices vary. So a ride from Krabi to Koh Samui is of course a lot cheaper than that from Bangkok to Koh Samui. Tickets for the bus can be booked directly at the bus terminal or in almost any travel agency or hotel. Most buses go (5pm-8pm) usually in the early evening. Partly tours start early in the morning or afternoon.

The buses are divided into different classes. The Economic Bus is recommended under certain conditions. The lack of air conditioning makes us Europeans at 35 degrees sweat.

The better alternative are the VIP and air conditioning buses.

The air condition buses cost around 400 baht. The VIP combined with better equipment and more legroom (only 24 seats) costs 700 baht good.

The links fold up properly and end up in Surat Thani or Don Sak Pier on. From here, a ferry ride is again inevitable.
The travel time by bus is 12 hours. The crossing by ferry takes another 1.5 hours.

Advantages: Cheap connection for arrival Koh Samui. You can see almost the entire country on a trip from north to south.

Cons: Long travel time. One day lost.

Tip: Book the Night Ride. This saves costs for a night in the hotel.

The trips from Phuket / Krabi and Koh Phi Phi to Koh Samui by bus take about 3-4 hours and cost around 300 baht.