Ferries to Ko Samui
Ferries to Ko Samui
You can travel to Ko Samui by ferry from nearby islands like Ko Phangan and Ko Tao. From the mainland, ferries also depart from the Chumphon Ferry Pier and from Surat Thani. Across Thailand, youβll find plenty of minibus connections to the various ferry piers, making it easy to reach Ko Samui from just about anywhere.
Interestingly, you can even travel from Phuket to Ko Samui, despite the large stretch of land in between. These are combo tickets that include both minibus and ferry transfers, giving you a seamless travel experience all the way to the island.
But first, letβs take a look at the map of ferry routes across the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Ko Samui sits in the Gulf of Thailand, alongside two other islands: Ko Tao at the top, Ko Pha Ngan (Ko Phangan) in the middle, and Ko Samui at the bottom.
We personally took the ferry from Ko Tao to Ko SamuiΒ but continued straight on to Surat Thani afterwards.Β
Map: Thailand ferry routes: crossings to the Thai Islands.
- Click on the ferry ports to see all crossings
In the following map, you can find several ferries on the southwestern coast of Thailand. Connecting Koh Samui to Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand and, on the other side, Koh Lanta, Phuket and Kho Phi Phi in the Andaman Sea. Bangkok lies to the north. Ko Samui is the most Southern Island in the Gulf of Thailand.
About the crossings to Ko Samui
As mentioned earlier we went on vacation in Thailand in early 2025 with our family. Amongst the crossings were the crossings to Ko Tao. You can find out more about our ferry experiences in this blog about ferrying through Thailand.
Popular Ferry Routes in Thailand
Gulf of Thailand (Eastern Side)
- Koh Samui β Koh Phangan (30 min β 1 hour)
- Koh Samui β Koh Tao (1.5 β 2 hours)
- Koh Phangan β Koh Tao (1 β 1.5 hours)
- Mainland (Surat Thani / Donsak Pier) β Koh Samui (1.5 β 2 hours)
Ferries to Ko Samui π€π΄
Ko Samui is one of the most popular and well-connected islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Whether you're island-hopping or coming from the mainland, there are several ferry routes to choose from. Here's a breakdown of the key routes:
Koh Phangan β Ko Samui
A short and scenic island-to-island connection.
- Ferry time: ~30 minutes
- Departure (Ko Samui): Multiple piers (most commonly Nathon Pier)
- Arrival (Ko Phangan): Thong Sala Pier
- β οΈ Double-check pier options when bookingβsome tickets include hotel transfers.
Koh Tao β Ko Samui
A longer journey with beautiful sea views, often stopping at Ko Phangan.
- Ferry time: ~1.5 to 2 hours
- Departure (Ko Samui): Usually Nathon Pier
- Arrival (Ko Tao): Mae Haad Pier
- Operated by companies like Lomprayah and Seatran Discovery.
Surat Thani β Ko Samui
A popular mainland connection, often bundled as a combo trip.
- Ferry time: ~1.5 hours (from Don Sak Pier)
- Includes: Minibus/train + ferry combo tickets from Surat Thani town, airport, or train station
- Operators: Raja Ferry, Lomprayah, Seatran Ferry
- Ideal for travelers from Bangkok, Krabi, or other parts of Southern Thailand.
Chumphon β Ko Samui
A less common but scenic alternative route across the Gulf.
- Ferry time: ~5 to 6 hours (may stop at Koh Tao and Koh Phangan)
- Operator: Lomprayah
- Best suited for travelers coming from the northern Gulf coast or central Thailand.
Phuket β Ko Samui (Via Land + Ferry)
No direct ferry due to the landmass in between, but easy to arrange as a combo trip.
- Travel time: ~6 to 8 hours total
- Includes: Minibus/van + ferry
- Booking: Available as combo tickets online or at travel agencies
- Great option for overland travelers coming from the Andaman Coast.
With plenty of direct and combo ferry options, you can reach Ko Samui easily from nearby islands or various points on the mainland. Just make sure to check the pier details and travel times when booking your trip.
On board, vessels & route maps
Inter Island ferries: Ko Tao – Ko Phangan and Ko Samui
The Koh Tao to Surat Thani ferry, operated by Lomprayah, is a key route for travelers heading back to the mainland. And vice versa. The journey takes around 3 to 3.5 hours, covering 50 miles, with up to four sailings per day. This ferry makes stops at Koh Phangan and Koh Samui before reaching Raja Ferry Pier (Don Sak), the main arrival point near Surat Thani.
Like many Lomprayah Ferries, this trip is efficient but slightly chaotic, so it's best to be prepared for a busy boarding process. Tickets range from $25 to $30 per person and should be booked at least 24 hours in advance, as online sales close a day before departure and seats often sell out, especially during peak season.
For those planning further travel through Thailand, Surat Thani serves as a convenient gateway to train stations, airports, and bus connections. From here, travelers can continue their journey to places like Bangkok, Krabi, or Phuket.
If you're planning island-hopping, taking a look at a ferry route map can help you understand the best connections between Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Surat Thani. π’ποΈ
Other crossings in Thailand
Ferry Operators & ticket Booking
The routes to Ko Tao, Ko Samui en Ko Phangan
- Lomprayah High-Speed Catamarans (faster, more expensive)
- Seatran Discovery (comfortable, mid-range pricing)
- Raja Ferry (budget option, larger ferries for vehicles)
How to Book
- Tickets can be booked in the booking module below
- Prices vary based on season, speed, and operator.
- Some ferries allow vehicle transport, especially on mainland to Koh Samui routes.
Travel Tips & Considerations
- Book early in peak season (Nov β April), as ferries fill up quickly.
- Sea conditions can affect schedules, especially during monsoon season (May β Oct).
- High-speed ferriesΒ are faster butΒ can be rough in bad weatherβtake motion sickness precautions if needed.
- Island hoppingΒ is easy, but plan connections carefully, as ferry schedules vary.
Key Booking Tips
- Book in advance – at least a few days ahead in high season, especially for popular routes like Koh Samui-Koh Tao or Phuket-Koh Phi Phi.
- Check ferry schedules early, as some routes have limited departures per day.
- Online booking is recommended – this ensures you have a confirmed ticket before arriving at the port.
- Donβt rely on same-day purchases – walk-in tickets may not be available, and some ticket counters close sales a day before departure.
By booking ahead, travelers can avoid the stress of sold-out ferries and enjoy a smooth journey between Thailandβs stunning islands.
Ferry Travel in Thailand
Thailand has a well-established ferry network, connecting major islands like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Lanta. These ferries offer a reliable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly mode of transport for island hopping.
Our platform provides expertise, informationΒ and route details. Travel options range from high-speed catamarans to standard ferries with seating.Β Timetables and availability vary based on season and weather conditions, so booking in advance is recommended.
