Bangkok To Koh Samui Thailand {Travel Guide}

Post Last Modified – October 26, 2023 ¦ gr8traveltips.com
How To Get From Bangkok To Koh Samui – Travel Guide
Table of Contents
On our first visit to Thailand a few seasons ago, we arrived in the 🌆 City of Bangkok, from our home in British Columbia, 🍁 Canada. We then enjoyed 2 full days and nights touring the sites in and around this incredible city.
We then made our way from …
Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, the 🏝 island of Samui is a very popular tourist destination. It has experienced tremendous tourism growth in the last few years. Check out this promotional 📹 video on ✈ Bangkok Airways. This is a very popular airline and based out of Bangkok.
Bangkok Airways Promotional YouTube Video
Bangkok to Koh Samui – Affordable Daily Flights
We booked our flights well in advance, when making our travel reservations back home in Canada. I was pleasantly surprised to see we had a number of 🛫 flight times throughout the day, to choose from.
In fact when selecting Bangkok Airways, we found that we could choose from up to 12 flights each day, both to and from; Bangkok to Koh Samui.
Bangkok Airways Airplane
It was great to have the choice of so many flight times during the day. We could decide when to leave Bangkok that suited us best, and not the airline.
Wow … how often does that happen? ❓
The cost of each flight varies, according to each flight and time of departure. The cost difference is minimal for that matter and we were happy to pay the difference for the flight, that suited us best.
It was so relaxing to continue our journey after having a good night’s sleep, breakfast in the morning and leisurely making our way to the airport, to catch our chosen flight.
Do check the airlines updated schedules well before booking, as our flights were pre-pandemic. Things most certainly have changed since this global outbreak.
A Brief Look At Bangkok Airways
This domestic carrier began operation in 1968 and has built a solid reputation over the years, as a world class airline. The airline is based out of Bangkok, and now serves over 20 destinations in its schedule.
Such destinations include numerous stops throughout Thailand as well as; Cambodia, China, India, Singapore and other popular Cities.
At last count, there are 40 aircraft in Bangkok Airways fleet, consisting of a wide variety of planes to suit their selected destinations. There are propeller driven smaller aircraft for shorter flights, to beautiful modern Airbus style planes for their longer journeys.
We were pleasantly surprised to find that our flights were on a larger jet aircraft, which made our trip less than one hour’s time to Koh Samui. We were expecting a smaller prop driven airplane that would have taken much longer.
Friendly Airline Staff
While enjoying our vacation in Thailand, the one thing that stood out among all the rest, was how friendly the Thai people were to visitors. This was the case everywhere we traveled in the country.
Since this first visit, we have traveled once again to Thailand, visiting; Krabi, Koh Lanta and Phuket.
Of course this carried on when boarding our aircraft and the service we received during our flights.
From the helpful and friendly staff at the ticket counter, to being greeted in the traditional; Thai manner from the flight crew when boarding the plane.
The service received, was that which would have been envied by most; North American carriers!
Complimentary beverages and lunch were even served on this short flight. The exceptional service received was a welcome treat and definitely not expected. We had just become so accustomed to traditional {no frills flights} operating out in North America.
Arriving On The Island of Koh Samui
Arriving at Koh Samui Airport
After our short and comfortable flight, we arrived at our destination on the 🏝 island of Koh Samui.
This privately owned airport which I later learned, is actually owned by; Bangkok Airlines. It is without a doubt, the prettiest {tropical island airport} we have ever seen. 😀
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From the moment you step off the airplane, you cannot help but notice the immaculate grounds and 💐 floral gardens at this airport. A welcome site as you are escorted on to a tram, which takes you a short hop to the main terminal.
Even as you enter the 🚻 restrooms, there are gorgeous 🐠 fish aquariums inside! The entire airport is spotless with helpful staff on duty, that will direct you in the right direction for all your wants and needs.
Spectacular Koh Samui Airport
Bangkok To Koh Samui – The Choice Is Yours
You have many options of getting to and from; Bangkok to Koh Samui. You can take a long 🚍 bus ride or 🚃 train from Bangkok, and then hop a ⛴ ferry over to the island.
Bus and Ferry
For budget minded travelers, the cheapest way to get to {Koh Samui from Bangkok}, is to catch a 🚍 bus to Surat Thani. From there, you hop a ferry or high speed catamaran from the pier.
The entire journey combined, will take at least 11 hours.
Train and Ferry
One other affordable option is the taking the 🚃 train from Bangkok’s {Hua Lamphong} train station. There is an overnight train arriving the next morning at; Surat Thani station.
You then board a shuttle bus which will take you to {Don Sak Pier}, to catch the ferry.
Note
Again, be sure to check updated schedules before you travel. Things most certainly may have changed since our visit a few years back.
Ferry to Koh Samui
It takes about 90 minutes on the regular ⛴ ferry and 45 minutes on the catamaran. Prices do vary according to the time of year. This {bus-ferry} or {train-ferry} option, is very popular among 🎒 backpackers and budget travelers.
Below, I’ve listed the {Ferry Samui} link, to their website for your convenience. The website has ferry and speedboat information, destinations and online booking as well.
Flying To Koh Samui From Bangkok
Depending on your time, schedule and budget, the choice really is yours. Our time was limited, so we opted for the quick; 🛫 1 hour flight. Do keep in mind, this was a few years ago, be sure to check with the airlines below, for up to date flights and prices.
Bangkok Airport Check-in Times
Domestic Flights
- Suvarnabhumi airport: at least 1.30 hour prior to scheduled departure time.
- Other domestic airports : at least 1.00 hour prior to scheduled departure time.
International Flights
- at least 2 hours prior to scheduled departure time
As well, for your convenience, I have added the official website to the airlines where you can check out schedules and fares.
As you can see, there are a few options for you to get yourself to and from; Bangkok and the island of Koh Samui and many of the other neighboring islands.
We had a wonderful time in 🏝 Samui and visiting the surrounding smaller islands on our holiday, and I’m sure you will too!
😎 Safe and Healthy Travels!
All personal 📸 photographs on this post are the property of gr8traveltips.com and are copyright protected. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. 🚫
✨ Did You Know …
“The Island Of Koh Samui Is Located In The Gulf of Thailand And Is Surrounded By Many Other Smaller Islands Including; Koh Phangan & Koh Tao.”

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