A beautiful view from within central Suratthani-mobile

How to get from
Koh Samui to Suratthani

Koh Samui to Suratthani Trip Overview

Distance94 km (58.8 miles)
Price range$9-$24
Ride Duration Range2h 15m-6h 30m
Earliest Departure22:00
Latest Departure23:00

You will want to take one of the three daily ferries to get from Koh Samui to Surat Thani. While the transport takes around two hours, it provides an exquisite view of the Thailand coastline. Surat Thani is known for having some great beaches. You can also bring your walking shoes and go downtown and visit its shrines and markets. While the weather is warm all year, it is most pleasant between November and January.

Travel Schedule Options from Koh Samui to Suratthani



























































































Taking a ferry from Koh Samui to Suratthani

Fastest ferry: 2h 15m

Cheapest ferry: $15

The fastest: 2h 15m

The cheapest: $15

Pros

Free cancellations

Departure times throughout the day

Ample luggage allowance

Purchasable weather cancellation insurance

Cons

Possible sea sickness

Possible inclement weather cancellations

Makes no rest stops

Food and drinks - not for free

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

WC

TV

The fastest: 2h 30m

The cheapest: $9

Pros

Free cancellations

Many departure locations

Luggage allowance

Multiple departure times per day

Hotel pick up/drop off ($5 fee)

Cons

Possible inclement weather cancellations

High demand: quick to overbook

Long journey

A/C may work weakly

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

WC

Food

The fastest: 2h 15m

The cheapest: $14

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

WC

Food

A beautiful view from within central Suratthani

About the ride from Koh Samui to Suratthani 

The 80 kilometer (50 mile) ferry ride from Koh Samui to Suratthani on mainland Thailand takes about 90 minutes and usually includes blue skies, calm seas and, on a clear day, the limestone karst islands of Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park. Taking the ferry is a classic traveler option and offers an excellent chance to catch up on some rest, reading or rays after partying the night away. 

Smaller high-speed catamaran ferries, for approximately 200 passengers, and larger vehicle ferries leave Koh Samui from four different island piers but all arrive at Suratthani's Donsak Pier. Things can get busy in high season, so booking ferry tickets in advance is advised if you want to avoid a lengthy wait.

The ride itself is comfortable with air conditioned and open air seating areas, usually situated over two decks, and offers a snacks and drinks kiosk, TV room and onboard toilets. There's not a great deal to do in Suratthani and although you will find riverside night markets and overnight accommodation, it's a good idea to book an onward journey by road or by rail so as to make the most of your overland Thai travels.    

 

What to see when traveling from Koh Samui to Suratthani

The ferry ride from Koh Samui to Suratthani takes you on a 80 kilometer (50 mile) southwesterly voyage across the Gulf of Thailand. This stretch of sea is nearly always calm except for during the rainy season between September and November. So, you can expect to experience blue skies and blazing sunshine if you're sitting out on deck. On clear days, the lush green limestone islands of Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park break up the sumptuous blue backdrop and you might even get lucky and spot Irrawaddy dolphins and Bryde's whales, especially if traveling between September and December.

Although this ferry journey is pretty much a perfunctory means of getting back to the Thai mainland, it's also a good opportunity to catch up on some valuable rest time in between traveling. Once you dock at Donsak Pier it will be all systems go as you board a bus or train for your onward journey or look for a bite to eat before planning your next steps. Although Suratthani isn't as geared up for travelers as many other tourist towns and beach resorts it can make for an interesting alternative if you're hoping to experience some authentic Thai culture. There's a scattering of hotels and hostels as well as a couple of night markets and several Buddhist temples mainly located along the Tapi river which flows through the center of the city. 

 

How to get from Koh Samui to Suratthani

 

Taking a ferry

The ferry ride from Koh Samui to Suratthani takes just over 90 minutes so just enough time to catch up on some rest and rays. Larger car ferries, such as Seatran and Raja, include indoor and outdoor plastic seating areas as well as bathrooms and small shops selling snacks and drinks. 

Some ferries may also include an air conditioned VIP area on the upper deck where you can kick back in leather lounge chairs and watch a movie. There is a small charge for the privilege of going into the VIP area, approximately 30 Baht (less than $1). Although this charge is often waived in high season to accommodate the extra passengers. Smaller ferries, such as Songserm, will also include air conditioned and open seating areas, TVs and a snacks and drinks kiosk. Just remember: smaller ferries can feel every wave in choppy seas. Which is worth bearing in mind if you're nursing a hangover after one too many Sang Thips at last night's Full Moon Party.

No matter where you're seated, ferry rides are an excellent opportunity to gather your thoughts as you stare wistfully out to sea. Alternatively, you can use the time to chat to fellow passengers and maybe practice your Thai or listen to traveler tales. There's a lot to be learned in 90 minutes including that all important information about hidden beaches, dive spots and where to find the best darn Pad Thai on the streets of Bangkok. 

Companies Operating from Koh Samui to Suratthani

Average time

2h 15m - 3h

Average price

$15

(536)

Average time

2h 30m - 6h 30m

Average price

$9 - $11

(465)

Average time

3h - 5h

Average price

$12 - $15

(114)

Popular stations and stops in Koh Samui and Suratthani

Departure stations in Koh Samui

Lipa Noi Pier (Raja Ferry Port)

Nathon Pier 3 (Seatran Ferry Pier)

Koh Samui - Any hotel

Nathon Pier Koh Samui

Koh Samui Transfer

Arrival stations in Suratthani

Surat Thani Airport (URT)

Suratthani Train Station

Seatran Coach Bus Terminal

Raja Ferry Ticket Office

Surat Thani Bus Station (Suttisa Tour)

View more

Why travel with Bookaway?

Bookaway.com makes it simple and easy to find, compare, and buy city-to-city tickets via bus, train, ferry, and more. We support over 13 languages and 23 currencies worldwide, and we believe that everyone should easily be able to find and purchase what they are looking for. We don’t just want to help you get where you want to go - we want you to enjoy the ride.