How to Get to Koh Samui from Bangkok – A vacation filled with adventure and fun
The tropical beauty of Koh Samui attracts millions of people every single year. This is not so surprising as the island is one of the most beautiful tropical destinations in the world. The island is also steeped in culture fostered by the many golden temples and historical sites. Most visitors come to Koh Samui to enjoy its gorgeous beaches, but the island also offers plenty of water sports centred around places like Ang Thong National Marine Park.
Location
The island is located at a distance of 700 metres from Bangkok. Getting here can be tricky and requires you to change your transportation several times. However, if you’ve decided to stay at a Koh Samui resort the likes of Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort, for example, you can get the hotel to arrange transport for you. But it’s better to have an insight into the Koh Samui transportation network.
By plane
To get here fast without having to change your transportation several times along the way, choose to fly to Koh Samui from Bangkok; this way, you’ll get to the island directly. A few years back, Bangkok Air was the only airline offering flights to Koh Samui, which meant that flights were expensive. But over the last few years, several other airlines have decided to offer flights to Koh Samui. You cannot expect first-class treatment – flights are basic, and you’ll be offered some refreshments along with entertainment, but this should be okay as the journey is short. To bring down the cost, you can travel to Surat Thani by flight and take a ferry from there. Airlines like Nok Air Fly and Air Asia offer inexpensive transportation compared to airlines that fly directly to the island of Koh Samui. Note that taking the ferry will mean staying on route for two more hours; it can be more than two hours if you have to wait. But the ferry will offer you spectacular views of the island. If you decide to travel between December and February, know that flights sell out quickly and the rates go up; the solution would be to book your flight in advance.
By bus and ferry
The bus and ferry combination is another transport option you have. You can take the bus from Khaosan Road. The bus is air-conditioned and spacious with sleeper seats. You’ll travel through the night for a few hours and be transferred to a ferry. The ferry ride will be accompanied by the gorgeous vistas of the island.
By train and ferry
If you’ve decided not to fly to the island, every transportation method you choose will include a ferry or a boat. The combination of train and ferry is an excellent way to get to the island. You can take the daytime train; however, a night train is much more comfortable and fun. If you choose first-class, you’ll be offered a two-person cabin for privacy. Second-class entails a comfortable open carriage with sleeper seats. The trains sell food as well, most of which is Thai food. If you want something easy to eat, you need to bring your own snacks. Once you’ve arrived at the destination, you’ll have to take a shuttle bus to the pier. From the pier, you’ll take the ferry to get to the island. To travel by water, you have two options: a high-speed catamaran and a regular 90-minute ferry ride. A ferry ride is a great option if you want to take in the sights, but a catamaran will get you to Koh Samui in half the time. To make things easier for yourself, you should consider paying for a package that would guarantee you a seat on the train and a good spot on the ferry. But keep in mind that the entire trip will take nearly 17 hours, if not more.
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