How To Get To Koh Samui From Phuket

So your in Phuket and you have heard there’s another tropical paradise just a short distance away called Koh Samui. Now your wondering how do I get there? There are different ways in which you can do so, in this guide we will go over how to get to Koh Samui from Phuket and which option may be best sutied to your needs.

How to get to Koh Samui from Phuket by bus and ferry
Book tickets online
By renting a car
By flying direct

Where Is Koh Samui?

Koh Samui is an island in the Gulf of Thailand. It is a dream come true for anyone visiting, with it’s lush tropical landscapes, amazing weather, diverse nightlife, famous landmarks such as Wat Plai Laem, stunning waterfalls and breathtaking beaches straight out of a Hollywood movie. Koh Samui is located in the province of Surat Thani. Samui in essence, a substantial island, ranking as the second largest in Thailand, surpassed only by Phuket. It is located at a distance of 700 km (430 miles) towards the south of Bangkok, and is situated 80 km (50 miles) from the eastern coast line of Southern Thailand.

What Is The Difference Between Koh Samui And Phuket

Koh Samui and Phuket are the two most popular islands in Thailand, when you compare the two however, Samui feels more like a real island than Phuket. One samui is actually an island (cut off from land) where as Phuket is connected to the mainland via a small bridge/road. And secondly, Samui just has more laid back feeling to it as it is smaller and not as populated as Phuket. Both destinations offer stunning beaches, tonns of activities, a lively nightlife scene and all the other joys that come with being in Thailand, but Samui is the more laid back and less busy of the two.

How To Get To Koh Samui From Phuket

There are a few different options to get to Koh Samui from Phuket, which one too choose may depend on your own personal preferences, budget and time to spare.

How To Get To Koh Samui From Phuket By Bus And Ferry

This is perhaps the most popular option as it can be the cheapest and definitely the more adventurous, giving travellers the chance to see more of the real Thailand.

Koh Samui via bus and boat is the best way if you would prefer to be a passive observer of the scenic route. There are numerous combinations of bus and boat tickets to choose from, catering to a range of budgets.

The cheapest option is the bus journey from Phuket Bus Terminal 2, though it must be noted that it is not as luxurious as other alternatives. Despite being air-conditioned, the bus lacks the convenience of on-board restrooms. However, to accommodate passengers’ needs, the bus makes two intermediate stops along the way.

Upon arrival at the ferry terminal, passengers will embark on a transfer to Koh Samui, where they will be on their own until reaching Na Thon on the island. The bus departs Phuket in the early morning and the journey is expected to take between 8 to 9 hours.

For those seeking a more refined and comfortable experience, a premium bus and ferry option might be preferable. Buses departing from the Lomprayah office offer improved comfort and amenities, and the high-speed ferry to Koh Samui has a small café for refreshments as well as a sundeck for scenic viewing. This option from Phuket to Koh Samui is expected to take approximately 6 hours and 45 minutes.

For those who are willing to spend a bit more, a hotel transfer via van from Koh Samui’s port is a viable option. This mode of transportation offers a more personalized service and eliminates the hassle of searching for a taxi or navigating your way to your hotel. Furthermore, the cost is quite reasonable, as everything is bundled into a single, all-inclusive ticket.

Renting A Car

For those who are not constrained by time and wish to savor the picturesque landscapes of Thailand at a leisurely pace, embarking on a road trip from Phuket to Koh Samui might be an ideal option. The advantage of opting for a rental car is the considerable degree of independence and autonomy it affords. When divided among a group of travelers, the cost of a rental vehicle becomes quite economical. The total distance to be traversed by car is approximately 350 kilometers (219 miles), and a direct journey would take roughly six hours to complete.

It is advisable to plan for a two-day excursion, with an overnight halt at a convenient location such as Surat Thani, prior to boarding an early ferry the following morning. The Raja Ferry Port facilitates the transportation of private vehicles, thereby enabling you to drive your rental car onto the ferry and enjoy the convenience of having your own mode of transportation once you reach Koh Samui. Hence, this route offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, cost-effectiveness, and practicality.

Flying Directly To Koh Samui From Phuket

Bangkok Air is the sole provider of air travel services between Phuket and Koh Samui. This offers a measure of convenience for travelers, as there are numerous flights offered on a daily basis, providing a range of options in terms of scheduling and cost. However, as Bangkok Air holds a monopoly on this route, it also means a lack of competition from other airlines, which has resulted in inflated fares.

Despite the elevated cost, the flight duration of approximately an hour between Phuket Airport and Koh Samui Airport is significantly less than the duration of travel via bus or ferry. Furthermore, the convenience of the quick check-in and security procedures associated with air travel makes it an attractive option for those with a stringent time frame. It is, therefore, safe to conclude that flying from Phuket to Koh Samui is the most opportune mode of transportation for those who value time and efficiency.

So there you have it, you are presented with three popular and highly recommended methods of travel from Phuket to Koh Samui. Whether you’re budget-conscious, in a hurry, seeking luxury, or seeking affordability, there is an option available to meet your needs and preferences.