Phuket to Koh Samui: Travel via Bus & Ferry
- Crossing time 6h 15m–8h 30m
- Operators 3
- Departures a day 4
780+ THB
From Phuket to Koh Samui

From Phuket to Koh Samui: A Bus and Ferry Thai Adventure
Planning your trip from Phuket to Koh Samui? Brace yourself for an exciting journey packed with breathtaking views and a glimpse into Thailand's rich cultural tapestry. This popular route among travelers combines scenic bus rides and comfortable ferry services. All is wrapped in the warm embrace of Thai hospitality.
As you travel from Phuket Town to the serene Koh Samui, prepare to be captivated by the diverse landscapes. And enjoy the genuine smiles of the locals. This isn’t just a journey; it's an immersive experience into the heart of Thailand's charm.
How to Get to Koh Samui
Starting from Phuket Town, head towards the Vichit Bus Station where your journey to Samui by bus and ferry begins. The journey from Phuket to Samui is not just a mode of transportation; it's an experience in itself. Enjoy the comfortable air conditioning as you travel to Donsak Pier in Surat Thani Province where the bus arrives.
Here, you'll switch from bus to ferry. The ferry services to Koh Samui are efficient. They offer a chance to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Gulf of Thailand. On reaching Nathon Pier, you're just a step away from the island's enchanting landscapes.
Bangkok Airways and Other Transport Options
For those preferring a quicker route, Bangkok Airways offers flights directly to Koh Samui. However, the bus and ferry combination is highly recommended for its scenic value and affordability.
Ticket Price and Booking Tips
The ticket price for the bus and ferry combo is reasonable, especially outside the peak season. It's advisable to book your bus tickets and ferry tickets in advance, especially during high demand periods.
Exploring Koh Samui
Once you arrive in Koh Samui, you'll find yourself stepping into a realm brimming with adventure and discovery. This enchanting island is a mosaic of experiences, where serene beaches coexist with lively streets bustling with activity.
Every corner of Koh Samui offers something unique. There are soft and sandy shores where you can bask under the sun. And there are also vibrant food stalls. Each is serving a delicious array of Thai food that tantalize your taste buds with exotic flavors and aromas.
Beyond the immediate charms of Koh Samui, the adventure continues with the nearby islands of Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, each easily accessible by a short ferry ride. These neighboring islands are jewels in their own right. They offer a variety of experiences from tranquil, untouched beaches to bustling night markets and diving spots known worldwide. Koh Tao is often referred to as a diver's paradise. It is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. On the other hand, Koh Phangan is famous for its full moon parties and lush, mountainous landscapes.
Local Delights and Comforts
Along the way, both on the bus and at the piers, you'll find shops selling snacks and essentials. The local food stalls are a must-try, offering authentic Thai flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Your journey from Phuket to Koh Samui is more than a mere transfer. It's a journey through the heart of Thailand's stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Whether you're on a bus, on a ferry, or exploring the islands, every moment is a new discovery.
Essential Travel FAQ
How many operators offer services on this route? 3 operator(s) is/are offering services on this routes.
How many departures are offered each day? 4 departure(s) per day.
At What time the first trip of the day leaves ? The first trip leaves at 09:00 am.
How long is the Trip Time ? The trip time is around 7 hours.
What is the Price for this trip ? The lowest Price per person is 640 THB.
LiVa Tips
Comfort is Key: Ensure your comfort with air conditioning on buses and ferries.
Local Cuisine: Don't miss the food stalls for authentic Thai food.
Advance Bookings: Book your bus and ferry tickets ahead, especially for travel during the peak season.
Explore Nearby Islands: Koh Tao and Koh Phangan are great additions to your itinerary.
Stay Hydrated: Keep hydrated throughout your journey, especially on sunny ferry rides.
We also welcome you to share here your own experiences with us.
If you have any questions or need assistance, we encourage you to visit our help page and leave a message. Your feedback is important to us, and we are here to assist you.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to print my ferry ticket or is mobile ok?
You don't need to print your ticket. Your boarding voucher is in your account: open Bookings, then View trip details, and click Download PDF. On the day of travel, show the QR code on it — on your phone is fine — to the ferry operator staff at the pier named on your ticket, and they will direct you to your boat.
If you'd prefer paper, print the PDF yourself.
What happens if my ferry is cancelled due to weather?
We are sorry when weather stops a sailing. Ferries usually run in rain; speedboats are more often stopped by rough seas.
If your trip is cancelled because of weather, your booking in Bookings shows a message once our team has confirmed the cancellation. You can then either move to the next available service with Change this booking, or cancel with Cancel & refund for a full refund.
If the sailing is running but you choose not to travel, the normal cancellation policy applies.
Why is my account locked?
We lock an account for a short time after several failed sign-in attempts in a row. It is an automatic safety measure: it stops someone else guessing your password, and it happens whether or not the person typing was you.
You do not need to contact us. The lock lifts on its own — see How long am I locked out for?
What is the difference between a locked and a blocked account?
Locked is automatic and temporary. It happens after repeated failed sign-in attempts and it lifts by itself — within a minute in most cases.
Blocked is a decision made by our team, and it does not lift on its own. If your account is blocked you will need to contact us; waiting will not change it, and neither will resetting your password.
If you are not sure which applies to you, get in touch and we will tell you.
How do I unlock my account now?
Wait, and try again. Every lock lifts on its own — a minute the first time, and never more than an hour however many attempts have failed. There is nothing to click and nobody to contact.
If you have forgotten your password, do not keep guessing: each wrong attempt makes the next wait longer. Use Forgot password instead. Resetting your password gets you straight back in.
My account locked but I never tried to sign in
Then someone else was trying to sign in as you, and the lock did its job — it stopped them.
Your account is safe: a lock means the attempts failed. Nobody got in. You do not have to do anything, and the lock will lift on its own.
We would still recommend two things:
- Change your password, especially if you use the same one on another website.
- Add an authenticator app in your account security settings, so a password alone is never enough to sign in as you.
If you get these repeatedly, contact us and we will look into it.


