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Samui Island

Samui Island Speedboat & Ferry Services from Phuket and more

Ferry & speedboat crossings
Weathered granite boulders on a rocky headland beside calm sea under an overcast sky, distant hills on horizon

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Destination overview

Samui Island Information

Why fly when you can sail for a third of the price! Trips to Koh Samui from Phuket, Phi Phi Island, Krabi, and Railay are fun, incredibly scenic, and great value. They are also entirely possible with PhuketFerry.com. The bus/ferry package consists of an enjoyable bus trip across the narrow width of south Thailand to Donsak Pier. Here you will be guided to your speedboat & ferry by the speedboat & ferry operating staff. The whole trip is really pleasant, just sit back and enjoy the countryside views with your favorite music on or a book in hand. Please make sure that you print out our Travel Tips so that you are prepared well.

All ferries traveling to Samui Island are large, comfortable and very safe speedboats & ferries - all safety checked by the Thai Navy (PhuketFerry.com also check randomly for your assurance). They carry all the necessary onboard safety equipment and lifejackets. Sit up on deck or in a comfortable inside cabin seat and watch the awesome seascape as you make your way to amazing Samui!

Thai flag on a pier railing overlooking calm hazy sea with distant temple and golden Buddha on a headland
Schedules & prices

Departures from Samui Island

The first 8 of 80 departures leaving Samui Island today — pick one to choose your date and book.

See all 80 departures from Samui Island
Schedules & prices

Arrivals in Samui Island

The first 8 of 62 services arriving in Samui Island today — pick one to choose your date and book.

See all 62 arrivals in Samui Island
Popular stations & vehicles

Piers

Bangrak Pier

Bangrak Pier: Gateway to Samui Island's Beauty   Welcome to Bangrak Pier, your gateway to the captivating beauty of Samui...

Haad Rin Queen Pier

Haad Rin Queen Pier: Embark to Koh Phangan   Begin your captivating journey at Haad Rin Queen Pier. This pier is the...

Lipa Noi Pier

Lipa Noi Pier: Your Gateway to Koh Samui's Island Adventures Introduction:   Welcome to Lipa Noi Pier, your doorway...

Maenam Pier

Getting to Maenam Pier, Koh SamuiMaenam Pier (also written Mae Nam Pier) sits on the north coast of Koh Samui, in front of...

Nathon Pier

Nathon Pier: Koh Samui's Main Ferry Gateway Nathon Pier (ท่าเรือหน้าทอน) is Koh Samui's principal ferry terminal, located...

Petcherat Marina Bangrak

Petcherat Marina, Bangrak, Koh SamuiPetcherat Marina is a ferry pier located in the Bangrak area of Koh Samui, close to the...

Pickup & collection points

About Samui Island

About Koh Samui

About Koh Samui

Koh Samui sits in the Gulf of Thailand and is one of the country's best-connected island destinations, with 122 routes bookable routes linking it to the mainland and to neighbouring islands.

The locals simply call it "Samui", the name drawing its roots from either the native "mui" tree or the Malay word "Saboey", (meaning "safe haven"). Samui is an island of great beauty and variety, and also highly accessible by sea, which we love of course! The popular beaches are well connected by a great 55km long road that circumnavigates the island; the dazzling shorelines laced with palm and fruit trees making for a delightful beach-seeking journey.

That mix of easy access and varied scenery is what keeps Samui Island on so many Thailand itineraries. You can spend a week without leaving the coast road, or use the island as a base for onward island-hopping and mainland travel.

How to get to Koh Samui

Most travellers reach Koh Samui by sea, either directly or as part of a combined ticket that pairs a mainland leg with a crossing. Because the island is served from several mainland points as well as from nearby islands, the right departure point usually depends on where you are starting your journey rather than on a single "best" route.

Search your travel date to see the current departure options, journey times and prices from ฿199. Timetables and vessel types vary by operator and season, so the live results are always the most reliable guide.

Ports and arrival points

Koh Samui is served by more than one pier, and the pier you use is set by the operator and the route you book rather than by the island itself. Your confirmed ticket shows the exact departure and arrival point, so check it before arranging a taxi or transfer at either end. Allow extra time to reach the pier during peak holiday periods, when road traffic on and around the island is heavier.

Popular routes to and from Koh Samui

The island connects to Ao Nang, Bangkok, Chumphon, Donsak, Hua Hin, Khao Sok National Park and 8 more destinations.

  • Donsak — the closest mainland connection point on this list, and a common link for travellers arriving overland from Surat Thani province.
  • Chumphon — a useful gateway for travellers coming down the Gulf coast.
  • Bangkok — the busiest long-distance connection, typically travelled as a combined journey.
  • Hua Hin — links the island with the upper Gulf coast.
  • Ao Nang and Khao Sok National Park — popular for travellers crossing between the Gulf and the Andaman side, or breaking the trip inland.

Operators serving Koh Samui

Operators on these connections include Haadrin Queen, Lomlahkkhirin High Speed Ferries and Lomprayah High Speed Ferries Co., Ltd. Each operator sets its own schedule, luggage allowance and boarding cut-off, so read the conditions shown with several operators before you confirm.

Practical travel information

A few things worth knowing before you travel to Samui Island:

  • Arrive at the pier or pick-up point in good time — check-in usually closes before departure.
  • Book ahead for weekends, Thai public holidays and the high season, when popular departures sell out.
  • Keep your booking confirmation accessible; many operators exchange it for a boarding ticket at the counter.
  • Sea conditions can affect departures during the monsoon months, so build flexibility into tight connections.
  • Cancellation and change rules differ by operator and fare — they are listed on each route before payment.

Getting around the island

The 55km ring road makes the main beaches, villages and viewpoints straightforward to reach, and it is the backbone of almost every day trip on Samui. Journeys between the busiest coastal areas are short, though traffic and road conditions can slow things down after dark or in heavy rain.

What to see and do

Beach time is the main draw, and the variety along the coast is the point: busy stretches with restaurants and nightlife on one side of the island, quieter sands and small bays on the other. Inland, the interior is hilly and green, with waterfalls and viewpoints a short drive from the coast. The island also works well as a base for boat trips and for onward travel to nearby islands and the mainland national parks.

Book your trip to Koh Samui

Compare departures, operators and prices across all 122 routes routes serving the island, then book in a few steps. Search availability for your travel dates to see live times and fares to and from Samui Island.

Koh Samui Highlights

Pad Thai noodles with shrimp, egg, fresh bean sprouts, spring onions and a lime wedge on a white plate

Samui Eating

Eating in Samui is always a great tastebud experience. There are many classy restaurants, especially around Chaweng and Lamai beaches, but it's amazing how you can be driving along the road and a quality restaurant appears that's both busy and enjoyable. Thai food options are aplenty of course, and not overly expensive, especially when away from the resort locations. And with the influx of European expats to this wonderful island, there are some nice bakeries and flavors from Italy, Scandinavia, and Mexico to tempt the tastebuds. Eating in Samui is fun and satisfying.
Sunset over a wide low-tide beach with wet sand, scattered rocks and a distant headland under hazy sky

Samui Beaches

Oh, the beaches of Samui are splendid, and very popular with such exquisite diversity. Chaweng beach is the one that the tourists flock to. It's got top hotels, restaurants and bars that populate the very extended beach promenade. Come evening, Chaweng is Koh Samui's big party zone! In contrast, Lamai Beach is a beach for the family, with a long, sweeping, golden sands that go on and on up to a rocky headland. In the day it's ultimate relaxation, though at night it springs to life. Bang Rak Beach is a little cheaper than Chaweng or Lamai, but it's great and contains all the necessary shops and eating places nearby. Bo Phut Beach is a gem and still authentic and traditional. Finally, Mae Nam Beach is fantastic and recently received the accolade of Asia's 9th best beach!
Thai Buddhist temple with golden gable and large seated Buddha statue at dusk, footbridge in foreground

Samui's History

Samui Island has been lived on for around 1,500 years. Originally, the island was found by Malay and South Chinese fishermen en route to other waters. Officially, Samui was placed on its first world map in 1687 and was then known as "Pulo Cornam". Samui was literally car-free till the 1940's and was so laid back, with local industry keeping the island self-sustainable. Backpackers and adventurers rolling up in wooden coconut boats were delighted by this paradise. Samui got much more accessible from 1973 when a perimeter road opened up all the beaches to new resorts and international tourists, and now its famous. Samui is now Thailand's second most popular island after Phuket. It's awesome!
Hazy sea view from a green hillside with tall grasses in foreground and distant island headland under overcast sky

Getting Around Samui

There is an abundance of public taxis on Samui, mostly running on meters for your piece of mind, although it is possible your driver might not be using it! Just negotiate your prices and don't catch a cab too close to the beaches or main tourist areas - you'll find them less expensive. You can hire a motorcycle or a car on a daily rate and the roads are quite good so you'll be able to get around Samui nicely, covering more ground and getting to more places on the map. Make sure the vehicles carry insurance and bargain a bit to get a preferable price. If you're going to use a motorcycle, please be careful, wear your helmets at all times and don't drive when drunk. Be safe and enjoy yourself!
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Where is the pier that my ferry departing from?

Phuket Ferry :

We understand that pier details are important to our customers. That’s why we’ve made the information as clear as possible. Your departing pier address is clearly shown on your e-ticket, which we sent to your email. Additionally, go to our Pier Information page for the most comprehensive local pier information you can find anywhere. Finally, if you still need more information, contact our Customer Service Agents; we are happy to help.

 

Ferry Samui :

FWe understand that pier details are important to our customers. That’s why we’ve made the information as clear as possible. Your departing pier address is clearly shown on your e-ticket, which we sent to your email. Additionally, go to our Pier Information page for the most comprehensive local pier information you can find anywhere. Finally, if you still need more information, contact our Customer Service Agents, we are happy to help.

 

Bali Ferry :

We understand that pier details are important to our customers. That’s why we’ve made the information as clear as possible. Your departing pier address is clearly shown on your e-ticket, which we sent to your email. Additionally, go to our Departure Point Information page for the most comprehensive information you can find anywhere. Finally, if you still need more information, contact our Customer Service Agents, we are happy to help.

What are the tourist seasons ?

Phuket Ferry :

Phuket really just has two seasons, which are known as "high season" and "low season" (or "green season"). During the low season months (May- September), boat numbers are reduced. During the high season (October - April), boats to the surrounding islands are increased so you will have some more options.

 

Ferry Samui :

There are three distinct weather seasons on the tropical island of Koh Samui: the dry season (December until February), the hot season (March until August) and the rainy season (September until November).

 

Bali Ferry :

Bali actually has a variety of tourist periods, notably around the Balinese New Year, 15 December - 15 January, and 1 June - 30 September. During these high traffic periods, boats to the surrounding islands are increased so you will have some more options. The quieter periods are between 16 January - 30 April and 1 October - 14 December historically.

Will bad weather affect my travels?

Ferries are large and can usually operate in the rain, except in extremely bad weather. During storms or strong winds, the journey may take a little longer than usual.

Speedboats are more likely to be canceled than ferries. If a trip is canceled due to bad weather, you can choose to receive a refund or reschedule. Please note that refunds for bad weather are only issued if the ferry operator cancels the trip.

On rough days, we recommend bringing motion sickness medication and taking it about 20 minutes before boarding if you are prone to seasickness. Boat staff may also provide Dramamine upon request, but you will need to remain indoors during rough conditions. On sunny and calm days, the sun deck is open for passengers to enjoy the weather.

What's the boarding process on the day of my trip?

At the pier named on your ticket, look for the staff of the ferry operator listed on your ticket as well. Please present your e-ticket (QR code) from your phone or other device—they’ll provide you with a sticker and/or boarding pass and direct you to your boat. Most piers have staff available to help load your luggage. In Koh Samui, staff are usually stationed at booths near the boarding area; at other locations, they’re typically near the boats, wearing their company uniforms.

 

 

When will I receive my ticket confirmation?

After completing your online booking, your reservation will remain in “Pending” status until it is processed. Once confirmed, we will send your e-ticket via email. The process is usually very quick.

On the day of travel, please present your e-ticket to the ferry staff at the relevant booking counter. If you do not receive your confirmation within 24 hours, contact us immediately.

What are the baggage allowances?

Your ferry e-ticket includes ferry transport, baggage fees, and handling. The free baggage allowance per person is 20–25 kg, depending on the operator. If your baggage exceeds this limit, you can pay the extra fee directly to the ferry operator in cash.

To check the baggage allowance for your specific trip, please refer to the trip details for your selected route.

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