How to get to Samui from Bangkok

If you're planning your first trip to Thailand, be sure to plan a trip to the islands, which still boast magnificent tropical flora and fauna, as well as picturesque and secluded beaches that you definitely won't find in Bangkok or Pattaya. Koh Samui is an excellent choice, suitable not only for a beach holiday but also for those who appreciate sightseeing. If you're heading to Thailand on a romantic getaway, you might also want to consider wedding ceremony on Koh Samui, which will leave you with incredible impressions and indescribable emotions. Koh Samui can rightfully be considered a tropical paradise, perfect for couples in love.

Unfortunately, there are currently no direct flights to Koh Samui, and most departures are from Thailand's capital, Bangkok. For independent travelers, here's our brief guide on how to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui.

The most comfortable and fastest option is undoubtedly air travel. Samui Airport receives regular flights from Bangkok almost every hour, but not all companies offer direct connections.

1. Bangkok Airways www.bangkokair.com This airline offers direct service between the capital and the island, with flights departing almost hourly during the day. Ticket prices range from 3,000 to 5,000 baht, depending on the fare type. The best deals can be found on the airline's website 45 days in advance. When purchasing a ticket, pay attention to the service fees, which will be added to the ticket price. When checking in, be sure to have the credit card used to purchase the ticket. Otherwise, you may be charged a second time.

2. Thai Airways www.thaiair.com This company offers flights to Koh Samui at roughly the same price as Bangkok Airways. The quality of service is comparable, but the number of flights is significantly smaller.

3. Air Asia (www.airasia.com) offers flights only to Surat Thani*, with several daily flights. From there, you'll need to take a bus and ferry to Koh Samui. Their prices are very reasonable; you can even find sales and get by for under 1,000 baht. Then, you can buy a combined bus and ferry ticket. Departing Bangkok at 11 a.m., you'll arrive on the island by around 4 p.m. This option will take you longer, but you'll save several thousand baht.

4. Nok Air www.nokair.com offers its customers a combination ticket: flight from Bangkok to Surat Thani + bus to the pier + high-speed catamaran. The entire journey takes approximately four hours, with prices starting from 1,000 baht one-way.

5. Train between Bangkok and Surat Thani, then bus and ferry to Koh Samui. Trains in Thailand aren't known for their luxury or comfort, but overall, they offer decent travel conditions. The journey takes up to eight hours to Chumphon and up to eleven hours to Surat Thani, so it's best to choose a sleeper car ticket.

6. By bus from the Southern Bus Terminal. VIP buses have only 24 seats, making them very spacious. The ferry fare is included in the price. Tickets can be purchased at the bus station; the first bus departs at 6:00 PM, the last at 8:30 PM; tickets are almost always available. The price also includes a bottle of water, a blanket, and a voucher for a small snack.

*Surat Thani is the capital of the local province of Surat Thani Province, considered the gateway to the islands of the east coast of Thailand: Samui, Tao and Phangan.