Planning a trip from Bangkok to the islands in the Gulf of Thailand?
Here's a complete guide to help you choose the best route — whether you're heading to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, or Koh Tao. This guide includes transport combinations, durations, recommendations, and essential tips.
Route : Bangkok → Koh Samui
Option 1: Train + Bus + Ferry
Depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station (Bangkok) on an evening sleeper train.
→ Arrive at Surat Thani (recommended as it is closer than Chumphon) or Chumphon.
→ Continue by minibus/bus/van from the train station to the operator’s office or pier.
→ Board a ferry to Koh Samui.Approximate travel time: 16–17.5 hours
Important:- Book separate tickets with 2–3+ hours buffer time between transfers to avoid missed connections.
- No refunds for delays as services are run by different providers.
- Ferries typically follow the circular route: Koh Tao → Koh Phangan → Koh Samui, not direct.
Option 2: Bus + Ferry
- Take an overnight or daytime bus from Southern Bus Terminal, Khao San, or Krung Thep Aphiwat.
→ Transfer to a ferry via Chumphon or Surat Thani, depending on the operator. Surat Thani is generally more convenient.
→ Continue to Koh Samui. - Approximate travel time: 11.5–16+ hours
- Starting price: From USD 30++
Option 3: Direct Flight (Bangkok Airways)
- From: Suvarnabhumi Airport
- To: Koh Samui Airport
- Duration: ~1 hour 5 minutes
- Price: ~USD 133–150++
Route : Bangkok → Koh Phangan
Option 1: Train + Bus + Ferry
- Take an evening sleeper train from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station.
→ Arrive at Surat Thani (recommended) or Chumphon.
→ Transfer by minibus/bus/van to the pier or office.
→ Ferry to Koh Phangan. - Approximate travel time: 16–17.5 hours
Important:
→ Book separate tickets with 2–3+ hours buffer time between transfers to avoid missed connections.
→ No refunds for delays as services are run by different providers.
→ Ferries typically follow the circular route: Koh Tao → Koh Phangan → Koh Samui, not direct.
Option 2: Bus + Ferry
- Depart by bus from Southern Bus Terminal, Khao San, or Krung Thep Aphiwat.
→ Ferry via Chumphon or Surat Thani (Surat Thani is recommended for convenience).
→ Arrive at Koh Phangan. - Approximate travel time: 15.5–17 hours
*Same buffer and ferry route notes as above apply.
Option 3: Flight + Bus + Ferry
- Fly from Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi Airport to Surat Thani.
→ Transfer to Donsak Pier or Tapee Pier by minibus/van/bus.
→ Ferry to Koh Phangan. - Total travel time: Varies
- Please allow 4–5+ hours buffer when booking separate legs due to possible delays. Ferries are not direct.
Route 3: Bangkok → Koh Tao
Option 1: Train + Bus + Ferry
- Depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat by evening sleeper train.
→ Arrive at Chumphon (recommended) or Surat Thani.
→ Transfer by minibus/bus/van to the pier.
→ Ferry / Sleeper ferry to Koh Tao. - Approximate travel time: 16–17.5 hours
- Please allow 2–3+ hours for transfers when booking separate segments. Ferries may stop at Koh Phangan and Koh Samui before reaching Koh Tao.
Option 2: Bus + Ferry
- Take an overnight or daytime bus from Southern Bus Terminal, Khao San, or Krung Thep Aphiwat.
→ Ferry via Chumphon (recommended) or Surat Thani.
→ Continue to Koh Tao. - Approximate travel time: 15.5–17 hours
- Buffer time and ferry notes apply as above.
Option 3: Flight + Van + Ferry
- Fly from Don Mueang Airport to Chumphon.
→ Continue by minibus/bus/van to the pier (Lomprayah or Sleeper ferry).
→ Ferry to Koh Tao. - Total travel time: Varies
- Allow 4–5+ hours if booking each leg separately.
Return Trip (Islands → Bangkok)
The same routes above can be taken in reverse. When booking a return trip, apply the same buffer times between connections, especially if booking with different operators.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I book each segment separately?
Yes, you can. However, please allow enough time (2–5 hours depending on route) between connections. If one segment is delayed, operators do not offer refunds for missed connections.
2. Are the ferries direct to each island?
No. Most ferry operators follow a circular route connecting Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui. Travel time may vary depending on the route and stops.
3. Should I choose Surat Thani or Chumphon?
- For Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, Surat Thani is generally more convenient.
- For Koh Tao, Chumphon is usually the better choice (shorter ferry ride and sleeper ferry options available).
4. What happens if my train/flight is delayed?
If you booked segments separately and miss a connection, refunds are not guaranteed, as services are operated by different companies. Always book with sufficient buffer time.