 Samui
Transportation and transfer guide
 Samui
is an island located about 80 kilometers from Suratthani,
the nearest mainland city. You can fly here with Bangkok Airways
directly from Bangkok. They also have direct flights from
Phuket, Krabi and Singapore. Pelangi Airlines now offers 2
charter flights per week direct from Kuala Lumpur, with availability
subject to demand.
Those on a budget can take the trains from any of the above
cities for as little as 1/10 the cost of flying. Many people
book sleeping berths in the overnight trains from Bangkok.
You will disembark at Suratthani station very early in the
morning, from where you are taken by bus to the ferry for
the 1 to 2 hour crossing from the mainland.
Buses are the least expensive option for those on a tight
budget. They also travel to Suratthani from all major cities
in the region. If you have a car or motorcycle that you wish
to bring to Samui, you can drive to Donsak Ferry Terminal
and put your vehicle on board.
Plane
The direct flight from Don Muang airport in Bangkok to Samui
is by far the most convenient way to come. Samui Airport is
privately owned and operated by Bangkok Airways and the price
of the ticket is high by comparison to other comparable destinations
throughout the country, however the airport is a sight for
sore eyes (and sore bodies.) This delightful little facility
has won International awards for its environmentally friendly
design and bucolic charm.
Note: Bear in mind you will be required to pay a 450 baht
per person surcharge upon your departure from Samui airport,
payable in baht.
An economical option to consider is a flight from Bangkok
to Suratthani with Thai Airways. The cost of the ticket is
substantially less than the Bangkok Airways direct flight
to Samui. However from Suratthani you will still have to take
a bus from the airport to the ferry for the 1 hour 20 minute
boat ride across. Because of the ferry and flight schedules,
this itinerary seems more practical going than coming.
BANGKOK AIRWAYS
Tel: (662) 229-3434
Bus
While it has certain drawbacks, the bus is easily the most
economical way to travel, and an adventure in itself. You
can buy tickets and board at the major Bangkok public bus
stations, or if you are stopping at Khao San Road, you can
catch an overnight bus departing in the evening, to all southern
destinations including Samui. You will stop very early in
the morning at Suratthani, which is the mainland access city
to Samui, where you will transfer to another bus for the trip
to the ferry that crosses to the island.
Be aware that not all buses are the same. Spending a few
baht more can make a significant difference in comfort. The
most comfortable are probably the overnight "Super VIPs."
These air-conditioned double decker vehicles have toilets,
seats that lean back quite far with leg rests at the bottom,
and they also supply blankets for the journey. All buses stop
at least once for refreshment, but little or no food or drink
is served on board. An evening video is almost always shown
on an overhead TV, and played at volumes that may make sleep
difficult. However once the film ends around 10:00 pm, if
you're lucky, you may sleep through much of the night.
Khao San Road Known to readers of every budget traveler's
guide, this little corner of the city is the first stop for
many first-time travelers to Thailand who wish to spend a
little time in Bangkok before continuing their journey. Catering
especially to "backpackers", most find Khao San
Road a very hospitable place, and the easiest way to ease
into the country with a minimum of culture shock. All the
merchants and travel agents speak English, there are second-hand
bookshops, coffee shops and inexpensive guesthouses, and many
spend a few very comfortable days there chatting with travelers
from all over the world before moving on to their next destination.
AIR-CONDITIONED COACH
Tour buses run directly from Bangkok to Samui, and Samui to
Bangkok via the vehicle ferry from Donsak in Suratthani Province.
Southern Bus Terminal :
Boromratchchonnani Rd, Bangkok Tel: (662) 435-1200, 434-7192
Train
You can economize by making the trip from Bangkok (or elsewhere)
to Samui by taking the train, and if you have the time, it
can be good fun. Most people opt for a second-class berth
in a fan-cooled or air-conditioned compartment, while a private
first-class cabin for two can be very romantic! Either way,
the cabin service is usually quite good
While the trip is long and the noise of the train may wake
you up often, new friendships are sometimes made during the
journey. Don't forget to take a bottle of water and tissue
paper on board with you. The conductor will waken you prior
to your early morning arrival in Suratthani, but you might
want to take a small alarm clock with you in case.
NOTE: If no sleeping berths or (reclining) seats in second
class carriages are available, think very carefully before
buying a third class train ticket. The seats are straight
backed and fairly rigid, and the carriages can get very full
and warm. It might be the longest journey of your life.
When you disembark at Suratthani, employees of the bus company
will be waiting to stow your bags in the correct bus that
will take you to the ferry pier for the boat ride to Samui.
When you board the ferry, if you're still sleepy, you can
buy a seat in the "VIP" aircon lounge for 40 baht.
The seats recline and are very comfortable.
These Rail-Bus-Ferry tickets can be purchased at the train
station in Bangkok. For the return trip from Samui, you can
buy them on the island at Songserm and other travel agents.
STATE RAILWAY OF THAILAND
Thon Buri Station Southern Line
Advance tickets are available at all principal stations or
the Bangkok Advance Booking Office.
Tel.(662) 225-0300 ext 5200-3.
Boat
If you are planning to drive to Donsak Ferry pier and put
your vehicle on board, plan to arrive at least 45 minutes
prior to the departure of the boat you wish to take, so that
you are not too far back in the queue.
Samui is an explorer's dream. It is just big enough to offer
a wealth of diversity of landscape, vistas, flora and fauna,
and yet small enough to seek adventure in its many out-of-the-way
places, while hardly ever losing sight of sea. Below are some
ways in which you can do this.
By Taxi
For many reasons, the least suitable for exploring, but the
safest and easiest way to get from point A to B if you don't
know where B is! Drivers of public (red) taxis have operated
uncontrolled for years. Regrettably they have been the source
of many complaints. These have included rudeness, overcharging,
and occasionally worse. Efforts are now being made to address
all these problems. In the meantime however: obtain a copy
of our TAKS "Getting the Most from Samui" guide
booklet when you arrive. Use the instructions and the chart
inside to ensure that you pay fair rates and avoid confrontation.
If you rent a Jeep
Available from many family-owned agencies and some large companies
whose names you will recognize, the rental of a 4 wheel drive
vehicle will allow you a lot of freedom. It will serve as
your basic transport, but you can also use it to circumnavigate
the entire main ring road of the island (about 1 hour) and
more. You can visit many hillside natural and man-made attractions
which are easily accessible from the ring road. You can stop
at them all, going at your own pace. If you are especially
adventurous and have experience in off-road driving, you may
head up unto the mountains. (Rented dirt bikes are another
option for those who want to go off-road.)
There, if you can negotiate the ruts and sometimes seemingly
impossibly steep inclines, you will be rewarded with spectacular
views of the surrounding islands, as well as flora and fauna
that is overwhelmingly beautiful. If Samui is paradise, its
mountains are its Shangrilah.
Some of these vehicles come with insurance, but the coverage
is limited. You had better ask for the details.
By Motorbike
Many of those who remain down on earth, seem to opt for motor
bikes to get around town, go to the beach and go out for the
evening; making these inexpensive rentals the most popular
option by far. They are fast, fun and easy to park. But BEWARE.
Many local drivers have not received proper instruction in
traffic safety, and tourists are often riding these bikes
for the first times in their lives. Many SERIOUS ACCIDENTS
happen. People are killed, and the statistics are alarming.
However a prudent person need not panic. These accidents are
almost always due to a serious lapse in judgement. Remember
that while Samui may be a paradise you are still a mortal.
Upon your arrival, see the TAKS Guide Booket for the safe
driving tips you will need.
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