Don Sak/Koh Samui, Thailand. - Ferries and Ferry Landings on Waymarking.com

Koh Samui is a sparkling, tropical resort island, filled with beauty and wonder—at least that is what the brochures claim, and on this occasion the brochures are largely correct. The island is a pleasant spot, but it is pricey, for example, a hotel on Samui is twice or thrice the price of a comparable hotel on the mainland, and other costs are similarly inflated. The island is primarily marketed as a beach paradise, however, if you are lucky enough to come from the Great Southern Continent then the beaches are not as impressive as they might seem to other folk, who are not so fortunate.

For those wishing to visit the island, the easiest way to get there is to fly from Bangkok, however, those desirous of a more scenic experience will chose the ferry from the mainland.

Lets start at the beginning. One would most likely commence one's trip to Samui from the provincial capital of Surat Thani, which is ~70kms to the west of the port. Here things get interesting. One of the less desirable features of the island is the highly entrepreneurial nature of the Thai people, who will first convey you to, and then serve you on, the island. Thusly, you could be charged 500 baht or so ($15) for a bus ticket from the city to the port and for the ferry trip. Alternatively, if you want to do it on the cheap, buy a normal bus ticket from the Surat Thani bus station (wm: WM98CG) to Don Sak, and at the pier buy your ferry ticket. You will save a 200b or so. If you want. The other option is to rent a taxi to the pier. You will initially be asked for 2000b, or maybe 3000b—if you look like a total tourist. 1200b is a fair price. Bargain hard. Respect.

As you move towards the island you will be approached by friendly locals offering you assistance and help—offers of transport, hotels, and excursions will abound, however, it has been my experience that the further one is from the island the higher the cost of these services. My advice: wait until you reach the island to book. No matter what you might be told there will be hotels and rooms, and things available. The island is littered with hotels and tours. You will have somewhere to sleep (worst case scenario, the beach and coconuts—lol). Nothing requires prior booking on the mainland.

The ferry trip itself is just a tad tedious, but not bad in any way. Just under two hours and thirty kilometres. There is something of a third world feel to the ferries. Sometimes lots of people, screaming babies, usually hordes of teenagers. Many Thais holiday on Samui (more on that later). You will be crossing open water, normally smooth, but on one occasion I crossed during a storm (great fun), very choppy. Take your meds if needed. Food is sold onboard, and even a spot for a foot or back massage (300b). The ferries cross during daylight, sometimes in the early evening (high season). There are posted times, but it seems to me that departure occurs 30 seconds after the ship is full, and rarely before.

On the island, as you exit the ferry, there is an open, covered waiting area. Inside are two small agencies selling everything travel related (pic in gallery). My experience is that the first of these (as you walk from the ferry) invariably has some good hotel deals and all the info you might need for a fun few days. Get you stuff organised here.

After reaching the island your next challenge will be reaching your hotel. The taxis on the island, and certainly at the ferry landing, are very pricey (the joke is that the sharks are not in the water). I estimate two or three times the price of a comparable trip in Bangkok. I suggest taking a tuk tuk (songtheu, baht bus), from the ferry landing (pic in galley). These buses travel the circumference of the island and take on and off people on request. Maybe 200b will take you around the island, whereas a taxi will set you back 2000b or so.

If I sound cheap, it is because I am, I also hate being ripped off, and hate seeing other westerners being ripped off. Do a little research, save some money, and get a little respect. If, at the end of the day, you are happy with your time on the island, tip generously and maybe make a donation to a worthy cause on the island. Of course, if you really want, just book everything in Bangkok or Surat Thani (or even back in the world), and hand over the credit card.


A little background: I suspect that this is the longest ferry route in Thailand. The Thai word for 'island' is 'Koh' ("K-OR", a hard sound), so the name is 'Island Samui'. You can just say 'Samui', and everyone will know where you want to go. The pier you will land at will be Nathon Pier on the west coast of the island. This is not the main town (that would be too easy), however, there are a range of shops, hotels and restaurants outside the pier. The 'town' is on the north east corner of the island, spread out along the main road. Everything you will need will be there. Even a Starbucks.

ahem, during the uni holidays many Thai uni girls head to Samui (what happens in Samui stays in Samui), and many are looking for a farang boyfriend. Thusly, if you are a swm expect to be approached by a group of half a dozen or so Thai girls (always a group, at first), who will ask "What .. is .. your .. name?", "Where .. you .. come .. from?", or something similarly original. Lots of fun, but remember, nothing is ever free.

Body of water served: Gulf of Thailand. Places served: Don Sak town <--> Koh Samui. Both in Surat Thani Province. Terminal / landing address: Don Sak, Surat Thani Thailand. Seasonal: no Hours of operation (non-scheduled ferry service): From: 6:00 AM To: 6:00 PM Dining room / cafeteria: yes Gift shop: yes

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Date Logged Log User Rating   01/13/2018 madill visited it