How to get from
Koh Samui to Chumphon

Koh Samui to Chumphon

 

Chumphon is one of Thailand’s best-kept secrets. The Tourism Authority of Thailand recently named the province of Chumphon a hidden gem, comparing the namesake city to “a beautiful girl without makeup.” It is the perfect place for a nature-loving, adventurous traveler to explore. 

While most people only use Chumphon as a transit spot to get between Thailand’s islands and Bangkok, it is definitely worth an extended stopover if you have the time. The best reasons to stick around Chumphon are simple. It’s known for stunning nature – think beaches, national parks, islands. And interesting cultural events that happen throughout the year which give you a glimpse at Chumphon’s unique way of life. 

 

About the ride from Koh Samui to Chumphon

As the crow flies, the distance from Koh Samui to Chumphon is only 142 km (88 miles). 

Sadly, we can’t travel as crows. So, because of how the ferry and bus systems work in Thailand, the actual journey is about 300 km (186 miles) long. 

You’ll most likely be taking a ferry through the Gulf of Thailand to reach Chumphon. And you’re in luck because the Gulf is beautiful.

 

How to get from Koh Samui to Chumphon

The best way to get from Koh Samui to Chumphon is by ferry. It’s the cheapest and most reliable form of transportation. 

Another way to get from Koh Samui to Chumphon is by bus + ferry combination. 

Other options include a ferry and train combination and another bus and ferry option, more on that below. 

While both Chumphon and Koh Samui have airports, there are no direct flights that operate between the two locations. You would actually have to book two separate flights via Bangkok or another major airport in Thailand. Flying this way would be time-consuming and expensive, not to mention a headache to coordinate. It would really only be worth it if you absolutely cannot take a ferry. So, flying is not recommended.

 

Ferry

The Koh Samui to Chumphon ferry is a great option and only takes approximately three hours and 45 minutes. It departs from Maenam Pier. You will cruise northwest through the Gulf of Thailand and arrive at Thung Makham Noi Pier in Chumphon, just south of the city center. 

Make sure you pay attention to the ferry schedule when you book your ticket. Later ferries may require you to change boats in Koh Tao. It’s a simple change but may add time to your journey. 

Ferries from Koh Samui to Chumphon are operated by Lomprayah, one of Thailand’s most reputable ferry companies. These ferries are a little pricey at about $40 per person, but it is worth it to make it there without the hassle. 

They are relatively comfortable and have indoor and outdoor seating. You can sit inside if you want to relax with AC or head to the outside decks to enjoy the views of the Gulf of Thailand and the sea breeze. The ferry has a toilet and snack bars selling bottled water, soda and small snacks.

A ferry is a great option because you can change or cancel your reservation up to 72 hours before departing. However, it’s important to note the ferry may be canceled in the case of inclement weather. It also tends to fill up quickly during peak season, so make sure to book early! 

A ferry is the best way to travel from Koh Samui to Chumphon because it’s the most direct and easiest to navigate. 

High-Speed Bus + Ferry

The High-Speed Bus + Ferry combination is another good way to travel from Koh Samui to Chumphon. It’s all coordinated for you, so you don’t need to worry about connections. These tickets cost around $35 depending on when you book. It’s also a good option to use Chumphon as a stopover because you end up at the airport. 

You will depart Maenam Pier in Koh Samui, also using Lomprayah Catamarans. The ferry ride is about an hour and 45 minutes. 

Once you arrive on the mainland, you’ll be transferred over to a large, double-decker bus for a 3-4 hour overland journey to the Chumphon Airport – making a bathroom stop along the way. 

It’s also possible to book return journeys from the Chumphon Airport to Koh Samui, so plan ahead! 

 

Ferry + Train

You may be wondering, “how do I get from Koh Samui to Chumphon if I want to take a train”? 

It’s definitely possible and only takes about 5 and a half hours. First, you will need to take a two-hour ferry from Koh Samui Nathon Pier to Lomprayah Pier in Surat Thani. These ferries depart daily at 11:45 am and cost approximately $20 per person. 

From Lomprayah Pier, you will need to get to the Surat Thani train station, 21 km (13 miles) from the pier. It’s relatively easy to get a taxi once you arrive. You can also use Grab, Thailand’s version of Uber.

Surat Thani train station offers several trains to Chumphon per day ranging from $2.50-$38, depending on the ticket class you book. The train ride takes 2-3 hours. Some trains make more stops along the way, so double-check the schedule when you book. 

Third-class seats are the cheapest on Thai trans, but you’ll only have AC if you book second-class or higher. 

There is also a difference between a berth and a seat. Booking a berth is like booking a “sleeper” seat, so you’re able to lie down. You may not need that on a 3-hour train ride, but it may be nice to have the extra space!

 

Bus and Ferry 

The final option to get from Koh Samui to Chumphon is the bus and ferry. The bus 393 Samui departs Nathon Pier in Koh Samui and arrives in Chumphon six hours later. 

The bus will cross the Gulf of Thailand and has three departures per day at 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 4:30 pm. This is a great way to get to Chumphon if you don’t mind long bus rides. It’s even better because the bus only costs $25 for a standard seat.