Getting From Bangkok To Koh Samui {Options}

Post Last Modified – March 31, 2025 ¦ gr8traveltips.com

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How To Get From Bangkok To Koh Samui – Travel Guide

On our first visit to Thailand a few seasons ago, we arrived in the City of Bangkok, from our home in British Columbia, Canada. We then enjoyed 2 full days and nights touring the sites in and around this incredible city. We then made our way from …

Bangkok to Koh Samui

Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, the Island of Samui, is a very popular tourist destination. It has experienced tremendous tourism growth in the last few years.

Check out this promotional video on Bangkok Airways. This is a very popular airline and based out of Bangkok.

Bangkok Airways Promotional YouTube Video

Bangkok to Koh Samui – Affordable Daily Flights

We booked our flights well in advance, when making our travel reservations back home in Canada. I was pleasantly surprised to see we had a number of flight times throughout the day, to choose from.

In fact when selecting Bangkok Airways, we found that we could choose from up to; 12 flights each day, both to and from; Bangkok to Koh Samui.

Bangkok Airways Airplane

It was great to have the choice of so many flight times during the day. We could decide when to leave Bangkok that suited us best, and not the airline.

Wow … how often does that happen?

The cost of each flight varies, according to each flight and time of departure. The cost difference is minimal for that matter and we were happy to pay the difference, for the flight that suited us best.

It was so relaxing, to be able to continue our journey after having a good night’s sleep, breakfast in the morning and leisurely making our way to the airport, to catch our flight.

Do check the airlines updated schedules, well before booking, as flight schedules always change.

A Brief Look At Bangkok Airways

This domestic carrier began operation in 1968 and has built a solid reputation over the years, as a world class airline. The airline is based out of Bangkok, and now serves over 20 destinations, in its schedule.

Such destinations include numerous stops throughout Thailand as well as; Cambodia, China, India, Singapore and other popular cities.

At last count, there are 40 aircraft in Bangkok Airways fleet, consisting of a wide variety of aircraft. From propeller driven smaller aircraft for shorter flights, to beautiful modern Airbus planes, for their longer journeys.

We were pleasantly surprised to find that our flights were on a larger jet aircraft, which made our trip less than one hour’s time to Koh Samui. We were expecting a smaller prop driven airplane that would have taken much longer.

Friendly Airline Staff

While enjoying our vacation in Thailand, the one thing that stood out among all the rest, was how friendly the Thai people were to visitors. This was the case everywhere we traveled in the country.

Since this first visit, we traveled a second time to Thailand, visiting; Krabi, Koh Lanta and Phuket.

This friendliness, carried on when boarding our aircraft and the service we received, on our flights. From the helpful and friendly staff at the ticket counter, to being greeted in the traditional; Thai manner from the flight crew, when boarding the plane.

The service received, was that which would have been envied by most; North American carriers!

Complimentary beverages and lunch were even served on this short flight. The exceptional service received was a welcome treat, and definitely not expected. We had just become so accustomed to traditional {no frills flights}, operating in North America.

Arriving On The Island of Koh Samui

Arriving at Koh Samui Airport

After our short and comfortable flight, we arrived at our destination on the Island of Koh Samui.

This privately owned airport which I later learned, is actually owned by; Bangkok Airlines. It is without a doubt, the prettiest {tropical island airport} we have ever seen.
 

From the moment you step off the airplane, you cannot help but notice the immaculate grounds and floral gardens at this airport. A welcome site, as you are escorted on to a tram, taking you a short hop to the main terminal.

Even as you enter the restrooms, there are gorgeous fish aquariums inside! The entire airport is spotless, with helpful staff on duty to and assist direct you in any way they can.

Spectacular Koh Samui Airport

Bangkok To Koh Samui – The Choice Is Yours

You have many options of getting to and from; Bangkok to Koh Samui. You can take a long bus ride or train from Bangkok, and then hop a ferry over to the island.

Bus and Ferry

For budget minded travelers, the cheapest way to get to {Koh Samui from Bangkok}, is to catch a bus to Surat Thani. From there, you hop a ferry or high speed catamaran from the pier. The entire journey combined, will take at least 11 hours.

Train and Ferry

One other affordable option, is taking the train from Bangkok’s {Hua Lamphong} train station. There is an overnight train arriving the next morning at; Surat Thani station. You then board a shuttle bus which will take you to {Don Sak Pier}, to catch the ferry.

Note

Again, be sure to check updated schedules before you travel. Things most certainly may have changed since our visit a few years back.

Ferry to Koh Samui

It takes about 90 minutes on the regular ferry and 45 minutes on the catamaran. Prices do vary according to the time of year. This {bus-ferry} or {train-ferry} option, is very popular among backpackers and budget travelers.

Below, I’ve listed the {Ferry Samui} link, to their website for your convenience. The website has ferry and speedboat information, destinations and online booking as well.

 Ferry Samui

Flying To Koh Samui From Bangkok

Depending on your time, schedule and budget, the choice really is yours. Our time was limited, so we opted for the quick; 1 hour flight. Do keep in mind that this was a few years ago, so be sure to check with the airlines, for up to date flights and prices.

Bangkok Airport Check-in Times

Domestic Flights

• Suvarnabhumi airport: at least 1.30 hour prior to scheduled departure time.
• Other domestic airports : at least 1.00 hour prior to scheduled departure time.

International Flights

• at least 2 hours prior to scheduled departure time

As you can see, there are a few options for you to get yourself to and from; Bangkok and the island of Koh Samui and many of the other neighboring islands.

We had a wonderful time in Samui and visiting the surrounding smaller islands, on our holiday and I’m sure you will too!

Safe and Healthy Travels!

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   Did You Know …

“The Island Of Koh Samui Is Located In The Gulf of Thailand And Surrounded By Many Other Smaller Islands Including; Koh Phangan & Koh Tao.”
 
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