Planning a stay at Koh Samui during your Thailand trip and wondering how to get there from the capital? We've got all the options covered! Plane, bus, train and ferry… Discover the different ways to travel from Bangkok to Koh Samui.

Getting to Koh Samui by plane from Bangkok

Flying with a direct flight

The plane is undoubtedly the fastest way to reach Koh Samui from Bangkok. Indeed, the flight time between Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok and Koh Samui Airport is just over an hour.

Thai airline Bangkok Airways operates numerous daily direct flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui: approximately one every hour.

While flying is the fastest option, it's also the most expensive and popular way for travelers to reach Koh Samui. We recommend booking your tickets well in advance to enjoy better prices and secure your seat.

Flying to Surat Thani, Chumphon or Nakhon Si Tammarat and taking the ferry to Koh Samui

Direct flights to Koh Samui fully booked for your dates? Looking for a more economical solution? Consider flying from Bangkok to the towns of Surat Thani, Chumphon or Nakhon Si Tammarat. The flight duration averages around one hour.

From Surat Thani, Chumphon or Nakhon Si Tammarat airport, you can then take a bus or minibus to the nearest port.

You'll finally be able to board a ferry or high-speed catamaran to Koh Samui. Among the main ferry companies operating from Surat Thani to Koh Samui are: Seatran, Lomprayah and Raja Ferry.

Expect approximately 6 to 9 hours of travel in total depending on connections and the type of ferry used.

Good to know: Most low-cost airlines such as Air Asia, Thai Lion, Nok Air and Thai Smile offer all-inclusive packages (flight, transfer to port and ferry). You'll typically be given a sticker to wear on your t-shirt, which allows staff from the companies to guide you at each stage of your journey.

Getting to Koh Samui by bus/train and boat from Bangkok

Traveling by bus and boat

Don't want to fly? Have some time on your hands? Looking for an economical way to travel? Why not reach Koh Samui by bus and boat?

To do this, head to one of Bangkok's bus stations: Khao San, Ratchadamnoen or the Southern Terminal (Sai Tai Mai). You'll then travel to Surat Thani or Chumphon where you can board a ferry or high-speed catamaran to Koh Samui.

This journey takes approximately 10 to 12 hours in total. To save time, we recommend taking an overnight bus, which allows you to sleep during the journey and catch the first ferries of the day to reach Koh Samui.

Several bus companies (such as Krungsiam, Lomprayah and Montanasip) offer all-inclusive packages with tickets combining both the bus journey and the ferry.

Traveling by train and boat

Want an authentic and enjoyable experience to reach Koh Samui? Taking the train is an excellent alternative to the bus!

The train is one of the most economical ways to reach the islands of the Gulf of Thailand, but it's also the longest form of transport.

To reach Koh Samui from Bangkok by train, simply go to Hua Lamphong Station. Many trains operated by the State Railway of Thailand connect to Chumphon Station and Surat Thani Station.

You can then use a shuttle (bus or minibus) to the nearest port and board a ferry or high-speed catamaran to Koh Samui. Expect at least 14 hours of travel in total.

As with flights and buses, it's possible to choose combined tickets (train + shuttle + boat) rather than buying separate tickets for each stage of your journey.

If you'd like to travel overnight to save time, you can opt for a sleeper train journey. Overnight trains in Thailand are generally more comfortable and spacious than overnight buses.