How to get to Koh Samui

There is the direct flight or bus or train from Bangkok to Koh Samui. By bus to Koh Samui or by train to Surat Thani Province and from Surat Thani Province, there is the ferry transfer to cross over to Koh Samui.

By Air

The most convenient and fastest mode of travel is flying to Koh Samui by air. Bangkok Airways is the only airway running between Bangkok and Koh Samui. There are many flights everyday and there are the promotion flights; one early-bird flight and one late-night flight per day. Please check with Bangkok Airways whether promotion is valid when you book the air ticket. Airline information and air ticket reservation can be available at Bangkok Airways Website www.bangkokair.com

By Bus

If you would like a more economical way to travel, take the VIP bus from the well-known Khao San Road or from the New Southern Bus Terminal at Boromrat Chonnani Road. The VIP buses are more comfortable than the so-called air-conditioned bus. The tickets are easily available in almost every travel agency in Bangkok. Ferry fee is often included in the price. Please confirm it when you buy the bus ticket. Please contact New Southern Bus Terminal at telephone: 02-4345557 or visit http://www.transport.co.th/Eng/HomeEnglish.htm

By Train from Bangkok to Suratthani

Another way to travel is the night train from Hua Lamphong, the Bangkok Railway Station to Suratthani. The sleeping cars are more comfortable to take a ride in this long-hour journey. It is a little bit more expensive than the bus, but you will enjoy a good sleep. Upper beds are less expensive than the lower ones. A private "first class" cabin for two persons is also available. From Suratthani, you can take a ferry ride to Koh Phangan.

The fastest ferry leaves from Donsak pier on the main land. The ferries are not luxurious in any way, but you will see many of the small surrounding islands if you don't fall asleep. Some Thai guys on some ferries may try to convince you that "their" resort on Koh Samui is great. It can be a blank or a prize in that "lottery". For further details, please call 1690, 02-2237010, 02-2237020 or visit www.railway.co.th

Getting Around

By Motorbike

Many of the tourists who come to Samui Island prefer to rent motor bikes to get around the island, go to the beach and go out for the evening. Since it is an inexpensive option, it is the most popular option by far. Please beware that Many local drivers have not received proper instruction in traffic safety and there were accidents happened around the island and some even lost their lives. Moreover, most of the tourists are often riding these motor bikes for the first times in their lives. However careful riders are not necessary to be panic. These accidents are almost always due to a serious lapse in judgment. Please do not forget to grab TAKS Guide Booklet for the safe driving tips.

DRIVING A CAR

Renting a car is easily available from many family-owned shops, famous International car rental companies, and the tour counters at most of the resorts and hotels. Renting Jeep is more common on the island. The rental of a 4-wheel drive vehicle will allow you to freely explore the whole island. You can visit many hillside natural and attractions which are easily accessible from the ring road. You can stop at all these places. Other kinds of vehicles are available from some shops and major car rental companies. If you are especially adventurous and have experience in off-road driving, you may head up unto the mountains. There, if you can negotiate the ruts and sometimes seemingly impossibly steep inclines, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding islands, as well as flora and fauna that is overwhelmingly beautiful. If Samui is paradise, its mountains are its Shangrilah.

Some of these vehicles come with insurance, but the coverage is limited and some even don’t have insurance. Basically, major car rental companies arrange the rent with full insurance coverage. It is better to ask for the details before you rent the vehicle from any place.

BY TAXI

Going by taxi is the last option for the exploration around the island. However, it is the safest and most convenient to get from one place to another if you don't know where the exact place is. Air-conditioned Taxis are available in the major public areas and the price is negotiable and not according to distance even though there is the “Taxi Meter” sign on the roof of taxi. Song Taews (local red taxis) are another type of transportation and they are basically high price during high and peak seasons. The fare is higher at night and is negotiable. During the day time, it is below 100 Thai Baht per person according to the distance. It is sorry to say that many people complain them for the service. These have included rudeness, overcharging, and bad service. Koh Samui officials are putting their efforts to address all these problems.

Information by Tourism Authority of Thailand