Pick the route before the ticket
The useful route depends on where you start: Koh Samui for flight connections, Donsak or Surat Thani for mainland travel, Chumphon for the northern Gulf, and Koh Tao for island hopping. Different operators can use different piers.
Koh Samui connections
Do not book by the words “Koh Samui” alone. Match the ferry pier to your airport or hotel transfer, include road-transfer time and leave a buffer for baggage and check-in.
Surat Thani and Donsak are not the same place
Many combined tickets include a bus or minivan between Surat Thani airport, railway station or town and the ferry pier at Donsak. Read every segment of the ticket so you know where the transfer starts.
Protect the connection
Sea conditions and operational changes can affect travel time. Avoid a tight ferry-to-flight connection, recheck your operator on travel day and keep the ticket and pier name available offline.
- Check the operator, departure pier and arrival pier—not only the islands.
- Arrive early during Full Moon, weekends and public holidays.
- For vehicles, reserve the correct vehicle category and confirm check-in time.
Frequently asked questions
Which pier serves Koh Phangan?
Thong Sala is the main arrival point, while some services use other piers. Confirm the exact arrival pier on the operator ticket.
How long is the ferry from Koh Samui?
Journey time varies by vessel, operator and pier. Use the current operator timetable rather than a generic duration.
Can I take a car or scooter?
Vehicle ferries operate on selected mainland routes. Reserve the vehicle space and verify documents and check-in rules with the operator.
Should I buy a combined ticket?
It can simplify a mainland or airport connection, but check exactly which bus, pier and ferry segments are included.
What this guide is based on
Information was checked on the date shown at the top of the page. Schedules, hours, prices and service conditions can change—the direct source is final.
- Lomprayah High Speed Catamaran ↗Official operator routes
- Seatran Ferry ↗Official vehicle-ferry operator
- Raja Ferry — sailing schedules ↗Official operator schedule
- Tourism Authority of Thailand — Surat Thani ↗Official destination source