Travel Tips for Koh Samui to Donsak Ferry
- Crossing time 45m–1h
- Operators 2
- Departures a day 3
450+ THB
Schedules & prices
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How to get from Samui Island to Donsak
Koh Samui to Donsak Ferry
The Koh Samui to Donsak ferry is the main sea link between the island and mainland Surat Thani province, connecting Samui Island with Donsak. Most crossings run between Nathon Pier on Koh Samui and Donsak Pier (also written Don Sak) on the mainland, which is why travellers often search specifically for the Nathon Pier to Donsak Pier crossing when planning this leg of a Thailand island trip. This route is also known locally as เรือข้ามเกาะสมุย, the ferry that crosses to Koh Samui.
Operators and Boats on This Route
Three operators run this crossing: Lomprayah, Raja Ferry, and Seatran Ferry. Each runs a different mix of boats, from vehicle ferries that carry cars and motorbikes to faster catamarans for foot passengers only, and ferry is used depending on which operator and sailing you book. Onboard comfort and journey time vary by operator and boat type, so it's worth comparing sailings for the one that best fits your schedule and whether you're travelling with a vehicle. On-board onboard facilities are available depending on the operator and vessel.
Other Ways to Reach Donsak from Surat Thani
Travellers arriving by land have several options before boarding at Donsak Pier. Surat Thani has its own train station and bus terminal, both connected to Donsak Pier by shuttle buses and minivans that are often bundled with ferry tickets or bookable separately. Surat Thani Airport is also a common arrival point, with transfer services running to the pier. On the island side, Nathon Pier is the main gateway for the Donsak crossing, though Koh Samui has other piers too, including Bophut Pier and Big Buddha (Maenam) Pier, which mostly serve speedboat and catamaran links to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao rather than the Donsak route.
Journey Time, Price, and Schedule
The crossing takes around the scheduled journey time, with 3 available on this route and fares starting from ฿450 per person. Sailings run all year round, and exact departure times differ by operator, so it's best to check the live schedule on this page before booking rather than relying on a fixed timetable, since operators can adjust sailings seasonally or around weather conditions.
Booking Your Ferry to Koh Samui
Once you've picked a sailing, you can book your Lomprayah High Speed Ferries Co., Ltd. and Songserm Express Boat ferry ticket directly on this page, selecting your preferred departure time and passenger or vehicle details. If you're travelling on to Koh Phangan, most operators offer connecting boats from Donsak or via Koh Samui, so check combined tickets when you book. Planning the return leg is just as simple: use the Donsak to Koh Samui ferry page to book your journey back to the island.
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.
