The boat situation is slightly more complicated as there are four ferry ports on the main land and three on Samui, but the important thing is there are frequent departures in both directions. The price and travel time can vary hugely depending on the boat taken, but the range is from two and a half to six hours and around 150-350 baht. If you opt for the combination train-boat or bus-boat ticket this will be included in your fare, with someone to meet you at the station in Surat Thani and arrange the shuttle transfer.
There are invariably a couple of hours in total wasted from waiting around. Don Sak is the busiest and closest to Samui but is a 30 minute drive away, while there are also boats from Ao Ban Don and Tha Thong which is closer to Surat Thani town. Khanom is miles away and rarely used. In reality the travel agents in Surat Thani can arrange you transfer and ticket on the next available ferry, but enquire with more than one to ensure they have got it right. Tickets can also be purchased at our office 'Tropical Easy' in Maenam. Ferries are all slow and take about 2.5 hours, but the night sailing takes six hours. Almost all ferries arrive at Nathon town on the west of the island where you will find numerous forms of transport waiting to take you to the beach of your choice
From Surat Thani
Car, Passenger Ferries from Surat Thani, Don Sak to koh Samui:
Seatran Ferry Pier to Nathon Pier Koh Samui
Daily; 05:00 - 19.00 (every hour).
Raja Ferry Pier to Li pa Noi Pier Koh Samui
Daily; 06.00 - 19.00 (every hour).
Journey time is approx 1.5 hours and ticket price (one way) 140 baht/person (adult), 70 baht/person (child 4-12 years old).
Express boat from Surat Thani (Lame Toua, Song Serm Pier Donsak) to (Nathon Kho Samui)
Daily; bus leaves from Surat Thani Town 8.00, 2.00
Journey time is apporx 1 hour and ticket 380 BAHT.
From Chumphon & Lang Suan
High speed ferries from Samui - Koh Phan Ngan - Koh Tao - Chumphon
From To Dept. Arr. Price/person
Koh Samui Koh Phan Ngan 08.00 08.20 250
12.3 12.50 250
16.30 16.45 300
Koh Phan Ngan Koh Tao 08.30 09.45 350
13.00 14.15 350
Koh Tao Chumporn 10.15 11.20 550
14.45 16.30 550
High speed ferries from Chumphon - Koh Tao - Koh Phan Ngan - Samui
From To Dept. Arr. Price/person
Chumporn Koh Tao 07.00 08.45 550
13.00 14.45 550
Koh Tao Koh Phan Ngan 09.30 10.45 350
15.00 16.10 350
Koh Phan Ngan Koh Samui 07.15 07.45 300
11.00 11.20 250
16.20 16.40 250
