Koh Samui is an island, and the only ways to get here are by plane or ferry. Ferries are chosen by travellers coming from Surat Thani, those bringing a car or motorbike, or anyone looking to save money. Here's a detailed breakdown of all ferry options from the mainland.

Main Route: Don Sak → Nathon

Don Sak pier (Donsak) in Surat Thani province is Samui's main sea gateway. Two major ferries operate from here: Raja Ferry and Seatran Discovery. Both carry passengers, cars, motorcycles, and cargo vehicles.

Destination pier: Nathon — Samui's administrative capital on the western side of the island. The sea crossing from Don Sak to Nathon covers approximately 45 km.

Raja Ferry

The largest ferry operator on the Samui route. Runs around the clock with frequent departures.

  • Schedule: ferries depart roughly every 1–1.5 hours from both sides, from ~5:00 to 22:00. Night crossings are less frequent but available.
  • Journey time: approximately 1.5 hours (90 minutes).
  • Prices (2025): passenger — ฿90–120; motorcycle — ฿80–100; car — ฿250–400 (size-dependent); bicycle — ฿50.
  • On board: air-conditioned passenger lounge, open deck, café.

Seatran Discovery

The second major operator, running in parallel with Raja. Vessels are slightly newer but the passenger experience is comparable.

  • Schedule: departures from 5:00 to 21:00 at ~1–2 hour intervals.
  • Journey time: ~1.5 hours.
  • Prices (2025): similar to Raja, occasionally slightly higher — ฿100–130 per passenger.

Note: tickets for both ferries are bought on arrival at the pier — no advance booking needed. Exception: peak season (December–January) and Thai public holidays (Songkran in April, Loy Krathong in November) — car queues can form. Walk-on passengers without vehicles are always accommodated.

Lomprayah High-Speed Catamarans

Lomprayah operates several routes to and from Samui using fast catamarans. More expensive, but quicker.

Chumphon → Mae Nam Route

Lomprayah catamarans depart from Chumphon (Chumphon province, ~230 km north of Surat Thani) and arrive at Mae Nam pier on the north of Samui, with stops at Koh Tao and Koh Phangan.

  • Schedule: 2–4 sailings per day depending on season.
  • Journey time: Chumphon to Samui — approximately 3.5–4 hours (with stops). Don Sak → Samui (short route) — ~1 hour.
  • Prices (2025): ฿350–650 per passenger (depending on origin and stops).
  • Important: personal cars and motorcycles cannot be transported — passengers and hand luggage only.

Combined Bus + Ferry Tickets

Bangkok to Samui via Lomprayah is available as a combined ticket: bus Bangkok → Chumphon + catamaran Chumphon → Samui. Cost — ฿700–900 total, journey time approximately 10–12 hours. A budget option without a flight.

Ferries to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao from Samui

Getting to the neighbouring islands from Samui is straightforward.

Samui → Koh Phangan

Several piers and operators serve this route:

  • Haad Rin Queen / Songserm: Nathon → Haad Rin Beach. ~45 minutes, ฿200–300.
  • Raja Ferry: Nathon → Thong Sala (Phangan's main port). ~30 minutes, ฿100–150.
  • Lomprayah: Mae Nam (north Samui) → Thong Sala, then Koh Tao. Faster, ~20 minutes to Phangan.

Samui → Koh Tao

Koh Tao is the region's premier diving destination, approximately 60 km from Samui.

  • Lomprayah: ~2 hours, ฿450–600.
  • Seatran Express: ~1.5 hours, ฿400–500.

Practical Tips

Bringing a Car or Motorcycle

Personal vehicles from the mainland to Samui can only travel on Raja or Seatran from Don Sak. No fast catamaran or Chumphon-based service carries vehicles — passengers and baggage only. Drive aboard or wheel your motorcycle up the ramp. Pay for passenger + vehicle separately.

Seasickness

The large car ferries (Raja, Seatran) are stable and barely rock even in choppy conditions. Lomprayah catamarans are far more motion-sensitive. During storm season (October–November), catamarans sometimes face delays or cancellations. Car ferries operate in almost any weather.

Getting to Don Sak from Samui Airport

If you flew into Samui and need to leave by ferry, a taxi to Nathon pier takes 20–40 minutes depending on your district. Transfer cost — ฿300–600.

Buying Tickets

Raja and Seatran car ferry tickets are sold at the pier, no advance booking needed. Lomprayah tickets are available on the official website or at counters in Nathon and the airport. In peak season, book Lomprayah online in advance for popular departure times.

Quick Comparison

  • Need to bring a car or motorcycle: Raja or Seatran from Don Sak only.
  • Budget option from mainland: Raja / Seatran, ฿90–130 per passenger.
  • From Bangkok without flying: bus + Lomprayah via Chumphon, ~฿700–900 all-in.
  • Between islands (Samui — Phangan — Tao): Lomprayah or Raja depending on route.

Samui's ferry network operates reliably and consistently for most of the year. The only critical period is the start of storm season (October–November), when fast catamarans may face delays. Car ferries continue running through these conditions.