Koh Samui to Krabi tickets

About the ride from Koh Samui to Krabi

If you're island-hopping escapades are over in the Gulf of Thailand, don't worry because new adventures are waiting on the west coast. 

Spend a few days in Krabi, famous for its glorious white-sand beaches and world-renowned rock climbing, before continuing to the Andaman islands like Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lanta. 

Krabi is an ideal gateway to these islands and a worthy destination in itself. 

There are four ways to cover the distance between Koh Samui and Krabi in Thailand: 

1. Flight 

2. Bus + ferry 

3. Van + ferry

4. Minivan

The transport option you book will likely depend on your budget, time and how environmentally conscious you are. 

The fastest way is to fly from Koh Samui Airport to Krabi Airport, taking under 1-hour, but this is also the most expensive option. 

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly choice, consider taking one of the bus/van and ferry combos. With these options, your journey can take anywhere from 4-8 hours, depending on the company you go with. 

Keep reading to find out which option is the best for you to get from Koh Samui to Krabi.

Five incredible things to do in Krabi

Krabi is the capital and main town of Krabi Province, which covers 4,709 km² – that's a lot of space and a ton of fun to be had. There seems to be an endless list of things to do in Krabi, but here are our must-do activities and places to visit:

1. Railay Beach: Nestled amidst limestone cliffs and accessible solely by boat, Railay Beach boasts secluded paradise vibes — but with a lot more people than you'd expect in an isolated place. Split into four beaches, Tonsai Beach is the hardest to get to and, therefore, the emptiest. 

2. Krabi Town Night Market: Looking for a cheap, authentic, and tasty dinner? The night market in Krabi Town is the place to go. And once you're full of juicy meat cooked on skewers, scour the endless stalls for unique art and keepsakes. 

3. Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua): You may question whether any view is worth climbing 1,237 steps, but Tiger Cave Temple and its panoramic views certainly are. Stand underneath the golden pagoda and Buddha as you soak up the endless Andaman Sea below.

4. Emerald Pool: Hidden in Thung Teao Forest National Park, the hunt for this gem is well worth it. The water is as vivid as its gemstone namesake and the perfect place for a refreshing swim. 

5. Rock climbing: Enthusiasts flock to Krabi for its world-renowned limestone cliffs, offering an exhilarating challenge for climbers of all levels. Conquer your trepidations and take on these natural marvels, rewarded with breathtaking vistas that surpass the trials of the climb.

How to get from Koh Samui to Krabi

There are four ways to travel between Koh Samui and Krabi: 

1. Plane 

2. Bus + ferry

3. Van + ferry 

4. Minivan

Here are the details of each:

By plane

Travel time: One hour

Starting price: $116

Not surprisingly, a plane is the quickest way to get from Koh Samui to Krabi. But with tickets starting at $116, it's also the most expensive. 

The flight is just under an hour, but you also need to account for the time it takes to get to/from the airports, plus the waiting time before and baggage collection, if you have any. 

Leaving from Koh Samui Airport, you'll arrive at Krabi Airport, a 20-minute drive from Krabi Town. 

By bus + ferry

Travel time: Four to seven hours

Starting price: $17

If you're looking for a more budget and environmentally friendly option, the bus and ferry combo ticket might suit you more. 

The first part of your journey will be a ferry from Koh Samui to mainland Thailand. The ferries depart from various ports around the island, so make sure to pick the one closest to your accommodation. 

The ferry takes 1-2 hours and arrives at Don Sak Pier in Surat Thani on the mainland. 

From here, you'll hop on your bus to continue your journey to Krabi, which ends at either the Krabi bus terminal or the operator's office. 

Bus times vary depending on the company you choose, but all offer a comfortable journey with air conditioning. 

By van + ferry

Travel time: Six to 8.5 hours

Starting price: $16

The van and ferry combo is very similar to the bus, although the journey times are slightly longer, taking 6-8.5 hours.

Like the other option, you'll first board a ferry to the mainland before getting in your minivan. 

The minivan may be better for those staying in Ao Nang or Railay, as it offers drop-offs here and in Krabi Town. 

Minivans are also a comfortable way to travel and, thankfully, have air conditioning. 

By minivan

Travel time: Eight to ten hours

Starting price: $18

Looking for more choices when it comes to arrival and departure locations or pick-up times? 

Check out the minivan options that offer a service similar to the van + ferry tickets. You start by hopping on a ferry to the mainland and then continuing the journey to Krabi in a minivan.

Tickets start at $18.

What to expect from the journey from Koh Samui to Krabi

Getting from Koh Samui to Krabi will take a good part of your day, but with your journey beginning with a ferry ride, it feels more like an adventure. 

Wave goodbye to the islands in the Gulf of Thailand, which you can do from the deck of your ferry or your seat inside with air conditioning. 

And, of course, if you're taking a plane, you'll get a birds-eye view of all this instead. So, grab a window seat.

When is the best time to visit Krabi?

Chasing the sun? Head to Krabi between November and February. During these months, you'll have the glorious sunshine without the scorching temperatures that follow later in the year. Thankfully, humidity is also lower at this time. 

Just be aware that this is also the busiest time to visit Krabi. Good luck trying to get Railay Beach all to yourself!

Temperatures begin to climb in March and April, averaging 35°C (95°F). 

Then, from May to October, the rainy season begins. It's not all doom and gloom in these months. There's still sunshine, just with intermittent bursts of rain. On the bright side, prices tend to be lower, as are visitor numbers. 

How many days should you spend in Krabi?

Many people stay for 3-5 days, giving you some time to explore the different areas such as Krabi Town, Ao Nang and Railay. Plus, you can take day trips to the Andaman Islands, like Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta.

Where should you visit after Krabi?

Krabi is the perfect jumping-off point for the islands off the west coast of Thailand. In 30 minutes, you can be on the paradise island of Koh Phi Phi. 

Or, if you're willing to venture a little further, Koh Lanta can be reached in 1.5 hours. Here, you can snorkel amongst corals, relax on the beach, explore the rainforest and kayak through mangroves.