Koh Samui Thailand Travel Informations
Flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui
 Most tourists going to Koh Samui travel from Bangkok. While traveling from Bangkok, flying is the best option. Bangkok Airways fly direct flights to Koh Samui every hour. This way, it is possible to avoid Surat Thani. Trains and buses ply only up to Surat Thani, which is half a day’s travel from Koh Samui. Only drawback is that Bangkok Airways has monopolized the route, resulting in higher ticket rates for flights Koh Samui. More information on timings and ticket reservation for flights Koh Samui is available at Bangkok Airways website www.bangkokair.com
If you are looking for cheaper options, fly to Surat Thani in mainland and then catch a ferry to Koh Samui. Budget airlines operating in Bangkok-Surat Thani segment are Thai Airways, Thai Air Asia and Orient Thai (One-Two-Go). The last two give value for money, if booked well in advance. This even helps you to forget the inconvenience of forward travel to Koh Samui.
Surat Thai airport is one-hour drive away from Donsak pier, from where boats depart for Koh Samui. The one and a half hour boat trip is extremely enjoyable, though the boat itself has only basic facilities. On the way, you can see beautiful tiny islands. This will take you to Nathon, the capital of Koh Samui.
Train from Bangkok to Koh Samui
 Trains are equally good for traveling up to Surat Thani. Night trains run from Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok and the journey is quite comfortable. First class fare is double the second-class one. However, first class offers private cabins for two.
Train tickets cannot be booked online. Booking tickets can be done at Railway stations or through travel agents. Some of them offer online booking, but their reliability is questionable. Train tickets from Bangkok to Koh Samui, includes ferry transfer at Surat Thani. Contact 1690, 02-2237010, 02-2237020 or visit www.railway.co.th
Bus from Bangkok to Koh Samui
 Buses run along the Bangkok-Surat Thani route, though this is not recommended. Buses are suitable only for daytime short journeys. They are not as comfortable as other modes of transport. If you are very particular, don’t go for anything less than VIP buses. The buses usually leave Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok at 8.00pm. Buses take lesser time than trains and they leave you at the Donsak ferry. Ferry fare is usually included in the bus ticket. For more information, contact New Southern Bus Terminal at telephone: 02-4345557
Car from Bangkok to Koh Samui
 Car is the perfect way to see Thailand. Thai roads are good and are less congested than many tourist places. Even though this is a costlier option, it is worth the money, as you get to move around at your leisure. Car rentals like Avis and Budget rent car for tourists for traveling to Koh Samui. Take Highway no.4 and continue along the Phetchaburi-Prachuap Khiri Khan- Chumphon route. Further, take Highway no.41 and then highway no.401. Thailand has left-hand-drive. If this is difficult for you, you can hire an English-speaking driver. Car ferries operate from Donsak to Koh Samui every hour.
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