Koh Samui to Hua Hin

About the ride from Koh Samui to Hua Hin

Even though you probably want to stay in Koh Samui for a little bit longer, it’s time to continue your Thai journey. Don’t worry, though. The next destination on your list, Hua Hin, is also a beach getaway!

When traveling the 573 kilometer (356 mile) distance between Koh Samui and Hua Hin, you have one transportation option:

• Booking a convenient bus and ferry combo that will take you to Hua Hin in around 9 and 10 hours

The ride operator will pick you up at your hotel in Koh Samui and take you to the pier, where you’ll board a ferry. After a 1-hour ferry ride, you’ll arrive in Donsak where the bus will be waiting for you. Once everyone boards the bus, it will take around 8 to 9 hours to arrive in Hua Hin.

The best time to visit Hua Hin is between November and January. Even though the weather is nice at this time of the year, you don’t have to worry about the crowds. Both Hua Hin and Pranburi are a little bit off the tourist radar, so you’ll be able to enjoy the sunlight and beaches without having to deal with crowds.

 

What to see when traveling from Koh Samui to Hua Hin

Your journey from Koh Samui to Hua Hin will start off with a ferry ride. A 1-hour journey will take you across the waters of the Gulf of Thailand. With the sun blazing across the blue water, and the wind in your hair, you’ll have a chance to say goodbye to your island hopping adventure.

You’ll make the rest of your journey on a bus. If you booked a daytime ticket, you’ll have the chance to enjoy beautiful lush green views of the Thai countryside. However, if you booked an overnight trip, there won’t be much to see outside of your window, so you can use this time to rest and relax.

Hua Hin might be off the tourist radar, but it doesn’t mean that you won’t have fun here. The area is considered an elegant beach getaway, thanks to visits from the Royal family and other notable people, who spent their weekends and vacations here 100 years ago.

Hua Hin is only 3 hours away from Bangkok, and that makes it the perfect weekend destination. During your stay here, there are a couple of things you should see and do. The best way to get a feel of a certain place is to visit its streets and markets. Cicada and Hua Hin Night Markets are your go-to place for tasty treats, and unique crafts.

One of the most popular attractions in the town is the quirky Hua Hin Railway Station. If you’re chasing your next viral Instagram post, go visit the station and take a couple of photos. This building is surprisingly photogenic!

If you want to have a panoramic view of the entire area and hang out with monkeys while you climb to the top of the hill, visit Khao Takiab. The hill is located right next to the sea, with magnificent views during the entire trail.

While you’re here, don’t miss out on visiting the magnificent Phraya Nakhon cave, a mysterious landmark. The gold and green pavilion is hidden deep inside the cave, and you’ll need some time and effort to reach it, but it’s definitely worth the sweat.

 

How to get from Koh Samui to Hua Hin

Taking a bus + ferry

The most convenient way to make the journey between Koh Samui and Hua Hin is on a bus and ferry combo. You can choose between traveling during the day, or on an overnight bus. The first one will let you enjoy the beautiful views of the countryside. However, if you choose an overnight bus, you’ll be able to catch up on your sleep and save money on accommodation. The journey usually lasts between 9 and 10 hours, and because of that, there are toilets on board the ferries. 

Both buses and ferries have A/C, and the buses also have WiFi, reclining seats, and meals on board. Both the bus and ferry operators on this route provide free shuttles to various Koh Samui hotels from the pier. The bus ride lasts for about 8 to 9 hours, and the ferry ride takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. Even though the ferry ride is short, you might still experience some motion sickness during your trip.