How to get to Koh Samui by ferry from Surat Thani Airport?

If you are planning a trip to Koh Samui from Bangkok and are unsure how to get to the island, then this article will point you in the right direction. Our flight arrived from Bangkok at Surat Thani Airport. Apart from the flights, we did not book any Ferry or transfer tickets in advance. There are a number of Companies that offer transfer services from Surat Thani Airport to the piers where you get the ferry to Koh Samui. As far as I know there are three ferry piers on the Surat Thani coast providing service to Koh Samui Island:

•  Don Sak Pier;
•  Tha Thong Pier, 6 km northeast of central Surat Thani;
• Ban Don Pier which caters for the slow night boat.

Ferry Information and services offered.

The Companies all provide the same service but differ in price depending on the type of service. Some ferries transport vehicles and passengers and others only passengers. Some offer express and others overnight services. Factors to take into consideration are the following:

•  What time your flight arrives;
•  How quickly you want to get to Koh Samui;
•  Availability.

We were approached by a Company called Raja Ferry. Their service was good and we booked everything at the Airport. They sell a package which includes bus transfer to the pier, as well as the Ferry ride to Nathan Pier in Koh Samui. Transfers from Nathan Pier to our was not included and we needed to organize a taxi from the pier.

The bus ride from Surat Thani Airport took more or less an hour and a half to get to Don Sak Pier.  From there the Ferry takes another 1 to 2 hours to get to Koh Samui.

Other Companies include the following: Seatran Ferry (carrying vehicles and passengers), Songserm Express, Night Boat and Lomprayah Express (High speed Catamaran). Songserm Express leaves from Thathong pier, more or less thirty minutes from Surat Thani center. They are supposed to be faster than Ferries but unfortunately they are quite old and not that fast.

The night boat from Surat Thani to Koh Samui.

The night boat is an excellent choice if you are arriving late in Surat Thani. It leaves from Surat Thani pier. A pillow and mattress is included where you can lie down and gaze up the stars. Or you can get up early and admire the sunrise over the island.

Purchasing tickets at the Piers.

Ticket offices are available at all the piers. There is no booking in advance and it is on a first-come-first-serve basis. Try to be there as early as possible. If you know when you are going to return then purchase a return ticket. This will save you time in the long run. Please keep in mind that some Ferry Companies do not allow you to purchase return tickets.

Procedure to transport a vehicle on the Ferry to Koh Samui.

Car ferries run from 7am to 7pm. There is a ferry service every hour. Not all ferries transport vehicles. Seatran Company is one that does transport vehicles. Make sure to arrive early to reserve a place for your vehicle. Advanced bookings are not possible. There are border controls when you cross the Thai border so make sure you have all the paperwork handy. If you are not the owner of the vehicle ensure that you have a letter from the owner giving you permission for the vehicle to go to Thailand.  Thai insurance for the duration of the trip is obligatory.

How much does a ferry ride to Koh Samui cost from Surat Thani?

The price is between 120 and 180 Thai Bhat for a single ticket. It is advisable to check the prices on the websites of the Ferry Companies. Some allow online purchases.