Koh Samui to Bangkok

About the journey from Koh Samui to Bangkok

The 475 kilometer (295 mile) trip from the island of Koh Samui to the capital city of Bangkok will not be a passive trek from A to B, but rather a memorable journey through some beautiful parts of Thailand. Travel from Koh Samui to Bangkok can be achieved by a combined ferry-bus service or a ferry-train service. This offers you the opportunity to enjoy Thailand by both land and sea when traveling from Koh Tao to Bangkok. You also have the option to take to the skies in a direct flight from Koh Samui to Bangkok.

When traveling by land from Koh Samui to Bangkok, and vice versa, some travel operators offer ferry and bus/train travel all through one booking. Your travel operator will make sure arrival and departure timetables line up, so you won’t have to wait too long or risk missing your connecting transport. This takes the stress away from aligning your ferry arrival with your bus or train departure once you get to Thailand’s mainland. 

If you aren’t flying from Koh Samui, you will start your journey from one of the island’s piers or at your travel operator’s offices where you will take a minibus to the pier. There are a few drop off points from the ferry onto mainland Thailand, where you will start the longest part of your journey by bus or train.

Once you arrive in Bangkok, the mouth-watering smells of the Chinatown street food, the mesmerizing architecture of the temples, and the charming traveling tuk-tuks will welcome you warmly into the city. 

 

What to see when traveling from Koh Samui to Bangkok

While traveling from Koh Samui to Bangkok, you can experience everything from the tranquillity of the ocean views on the ferry to the excitement and urban vibrancy as you approach Bangkok. The smooth ferry journey can be enjoyed by relaxing in the comfortable seating areas, but it is recommended to journey out on deck to marvel at the dramatic island scenery. You may also spot the islands that make up some of the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, which are a very worthwhile excursion when on the archipelago.

Between Koh Samui and Bangkok, your bus journey travels up the coast, allowing you to enjoy the seaside scenery. There is also lots of natural jungle landscape along the road to Bangkok. Your bus journey may be overnight, so with not much to see out the window, enjoy a comfortable rest on the reclining seats. 

 

 

How to get from Koh Samui to Bangkok

Taking a bus and ferry

Traveling from Koh Samui to Bangkok requires a bus and ferry trip, which you book through one ticket for maximum efficiency and ease. 

You will start with the ferry journey from one of the piers on Koh Samui which takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on weather. The ferry has comfortable seats, air conditioning, toilet facilities, and decks where you can snap some fantastic photos of the pristine ocean and the islands in the distance.

Once you arrive off the ferry at one of the bus pick up points, there are often facilities available for buying snacks and drinks for the onward journey. The buses which pick you up from the ferry to take you to Bangkok all have air conditioning and can be quite chilly, so make sure to bring an easily accessible layer of warm clothes. 

All buses also have reclining chairs while some offer blankets, as many journeys occur overnight. This means one night less to worry about accommodation. Several bus operators also offer water and a meal for the long journey. 

Minibuses and some other buses may not have toilets, in which case they will stop regularly for toilet breaks. Other buses are likely to stop for rest breaks at areas where you can buy food and water or just hop out for fresh air and to stretch your legs. 

Once you arrive in Bangkok, you will be dropped at a central part of the city such as Khao San Road, where you can enjoy a meal and relax in one of the many bars or cafés. If you would rather have a rest and head straight to your nearby accommodation, the good news is that the local city transport will get you there quickly. 

 

What is the best time of year to visit Koh Samui? 

The best time of year to visit Koh Samui is between January and March, as you will avoid the monsoon season and can make the most of outdoor activities such as hiking, sunbathing, and snorkeling on the island. 

 

What is the best time of year to visit Bangkok?

Visiting in the dry season between January and March is the best time of year as it will ensure you enjoy cooler and drier weather; perfect for exploring this vibrant metropolis.