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How to get from Bangkok to Koh Samet: All Options

How to get from Bangkok to Koh Samet: All Options

Koh Samet is a paradise island filled with white sand beaches and a location not too far from Bangkok, making it a great and popular destination to travel to from there. Boasting crystal clear waters, great diving spots and covered in lush natural forests, this idyllic haven offers an authentic island way of life environment. If you are looking for a peaceful getaway then this is the place you are going to want to be, and planning your trip from Bangkok to Koh Samet is made easy with the online booking platform 12Go.

Bangkok to Koh Samet

HOW TO GET FROM BANGKOK TO KOH SAMET

In this blog post I am going to breakdown the routes, information and steps you need to take when planning and booking your ticket online for travelling from Bangkok to Koh Samet. At the moment, there are 5 ways you can make this commute which I will delve into more detail about throughout this article. Alongside this blog, a great way to discover all of the key points you will need to know ahead of purchasing your trip ticket is via the online booking platform 12Go.

Within this article, first I will explain all of the different types of routes you can take for your trip from Bangkok to Koh Samet, alongside how to pre-book your ticket online, departure and arrival times, how long each commute will take, and the price per ticket. Following on from this, I will let you know how you can then reach your departure station in Bangkok as well as your final destination once you have arrived in Koh Samet. Finally, I will conclude this article with the best time to go to Koh Samet, how long to spend there and the must-do highlights you will want to check out.

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Koh Samet Bus

BEST WAY TO BOOK A TICKET ONLINE FROM BANGKOK TO KOH SAMET

This article is filled with great information that is going to help you plan the ideal trip from Bangkok to Koh Samet, however, if you don’t have the time right now to read it all but do want to book your ticket online, then the most important thing you will want to know is how to do just that. The quick and short answer is via the online booking platform 12Go, as this is the best and most reliable place to purchase your ticket through.

Although, if you are interested in finding out some more key information not just about how to get from Bangkok to Koh Samet, but for when you arrive into Koh Samet then you will definitely want to keep reading this blog.

Flight Bangkok - Pattaya $ 122.65–144.27 4h 15m – 6h 20m
  •   Economy 06:10, 06:30, 07:00, 07:30, 08:10, 10:30, 12:40
Bus Bangkok - Koh Samet $ 9.46–12.16 4h – 4h 50m
  •   Minibus 08:00, 09:00, 10:00, 12:00
  •   Bus + Ferry 07:30, 08:30, 09:00, 09:30, 11:00, 11:30
  •   Bus + Speedboat 07:30, 08:30, 09:00, 09:30, 11:00, 11:30
Taxi Bangkok - Koh Samet $ 109.96–243.68 3h
  •   Comfort Car + Private Speedboat 3pax
  •   Luxury VIP Van + Private Speedboat 9pax
  •   Luxury SUV + Private Speedboat 4pax
  •   Van 9pax
  •   Economy 3pax
  •   SUV 4pax
Van Bangkok - Koh Samet $ 10.54–18.10 4h 10m – 5h 40m
  •   Van + Ferry 07:00, 08:30, 09:00, 11:00
  •   Van + Speedboat 07:00, 09:00, 11:00
  •   Minibus + Speedboat 07:00, 09:00, 11:00
Taxi Suvarnabhumi Airport - Koh Samet $ 95.76–181.87 2h 30m
  •   Van 9pax
  •   Economy
  •   SUV 4pax
Taxi Don Mueang Airport - Koh Samet $ 113.67–164.19 2h 30m
  •   Van 9pax
  •   Economy
  •   SUV 4pax
Taxi Bangkok to Koh Samet

5 OPTIONS OF TRAVEL FROM BANGKOK TO KOH SAMET

When travelling from Bangkok to Koh Samet you have 5 journey routes to choose from which can all be pre-booked online. These routes include the following forms of transport;

  • Taxi
  • Van
  • Bus
  • Plane
  • Private transfer
  • Ferry

All travel routes conclude in a ferry journey that arrives at Nadam Pier in Koh Samet. Please note that not all journeys will include the ferry ticket cost, please check this before booking your trip. More information around each journey can be found below…

Option 1 – Taxi and ferry
There are three departure point options when taking a taxi followed by ferry from Bangkok to Koh Samet, which take between from 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours in commute time, all arriving at Nadan Pier, these are;

  • Bangkok transfer
  • Suvarnabhumi Airport
  • Don Mueang Airport

All journeys are operated by Kim Transfer Thailand with the taxis being able to fit up to three, four or nine people per vehicle. Depending on how many people you will need to book the taxi for, will depend on the price of the ticket. Ticket prices are per trip, not person, and cost between $173 and $337 each. To find out more about this commute and pre-book your ticket, head over to 12Go.

Option 2 – Bus and ferry
This option for travelling from Bangkok to Koh Samet is booked as a combined ticket, costing from $14 up to $19 per ticket, making it the most affordable way to commute. The journey takes between 4 hours to 4 hours and 20 minutes in travel time, with some bookings having the choice of taking either a normal ferry or speedboat.

When choosing this option, you will depart from Ekkamai in Bangkok and arrive at Nadan Pier in Koh Samet. The earliest departure for this journey is at 7am with the latest being at 12pm, with 9 running throughout those times. You can book your tickets online now via 12Go.

Option 3 – Van and ferry
At current, there is one van and ferry option to book online from Bangkok to Koh Samet. This departs from Mochit New Van Terminal in Bangkok at 11am and arrives into Nadan Pier on Koh Sumat at 2.45pm, costing $20 per ticket and taking 3 hours and 45 minutes in commute time. Choosing this journey is both affordable and quick, you can pre-book your tickets online via 12Go.

Option 4 – Plane, bus and ferry
Taking this route from Bangkok to Koh Samet can be a tricky one as you will at first need to take two flights which are with a self transfer connection, followed by a bus then ferry, making it the longest journey to take. The cost for the flights is $506 per person, with the bus and ferry being at an additional cost.

The first flight departs from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok and arrives in Phuket Airport, with the second flight departing from Phuket and arriving into Rayong Airport. There are two options for these per day, the first one leaving at 10.30am with the second leaving at 12.40pm with both getting to Pattaya at 4.50pm, meaning it can take between 4 hours and 10 minutes to 6 hours and 20 minutes in commute time. To book these flight, you can find all the information necessary though 12Go.

Option 5 – Private transfer
When booking a private transfer from Bangkok to Koh Samet you will have the luxury of exactly that, a private transfer. You can choose from either a 5, 7 or 12 seater vehicle but if you are taking luggage this will reduce the amount of passengers that can travel in it. This travel option allows you to choose both the pick up location and time, dropping you off at Ban Phe Pier where you will then have to take a ferry over to Koh Samet. The cost per person for the private transfer is $87.25, and an additional cost will occur when booking a ferry from Ban Phe Pier to Nadan Pier.

Ferry Koh Samet

KEY POINTS

These key points are great to know ahead of booking your ticket online and travelling from Bangkok to Koh Samet

Most affordable form of transport
The cheapest way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Samet is with the 7am bus and ferry option as this only costs $14 per ticket, as well as being a combined ticket. This journey departs from Ekkamai in Bangkok and arrives at Nandan Pier in Koh Samet at 11.50am, taking 4 hours and 50 minutes in commute time. If you are interested in pre-booking a ticket for this option then you can do so via 12Go.

Quickest form of transport
The fastest travel option from Bangkok to Koh Samet is with a taxi departing from Suvarnabhumi Airport, followed by a ferry, taking just 2 hours and 30 minutes in commute time. When pre-booking this option online you can request the time you would like to depart via 12Go.

Arrival times at departure stations

Taxi
There is no stated time that you must arrive ahead of travelling from Bangkok to Koh Samet by taxi, however if you are more than 15 minutes late after the stated time which you have booked, you will be charged an additional fee. I suggest you ensure to be at the pick point at least 15 minutes prior to the leaving time to avoid this from occuring.

Bus and van
When travelling via bus or van from Bangkok to Koh Samet you are required to arrive for check-in at the latest 30 minutes before the departure time stated on your ticket. To make sure you are there in plenty of time with everything you need, arriving an hour before the leaving time is always a good idea.

Private transfer
Similar to travelling with a taxi, when making the journey from Bangkok to Koh Samet with a private transfer there is no stated time that you need to be at the departure station for. This being said, you do not want to arrive after the pick time, so getting there at least 15 minutes before would be the best thing to do.

Luggage allowance for each form of transport

Taxi
When travelling via taxi and then ferry, from Bangkok to Koh Samet, each passenger is allowed to take one piece of luggage with them. If you need to take extra or oversized luggage then you are asked to inform 12Go of this prior to travelling.

Bus and van
If you have decided to travel with a bus or van then ferry from Bangkok to Koh Samet, you will be allowed to take with you 1 piece of hand luggage and 1 suitcase weighing no more than 20 kg per passenger.

Private transfer
Passengers travelling from Bangkok to Koh Samet via private transfer can take 1 piece of luggage which equates to no bigger than 24 inches in size. If the luggage surpasses this requirement then you may be charged extra or not be allowed to take it with you.

Most expensive form of transport
The highest priced ticket for travelling from Bangkok to Koh Samet is when booking a flight, as these cost $506 per person, as well as having to then purchase another transfer commute from the airport to the island.

Entrance fee onto the island
Koh Samet is part of the Khao Laem National Park which means there is a fee to be paid upon arrival which is 200 Baht per person.

Ferry information
Please note that not all journeys booked online include the ferry cost in their ticket price, it is important to check this before booking. If you are booking a combined ticket then your ferry ticket cost will be included in that price, and you are ensured to make the transfer connection in good time.

Additional taxi information that is good to know
You will not need to pay any additional fees for toll roads if you are being picked up from either Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok when pre-booking the taxi option from Bangkok to Koh Samet.

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Bangkok to Koh Samet Bus

HOW TO BOOK A TICKET FROM BANGKOK TO KOH SAMET

Booking your ticket online from Bangkok to Samet is made easy with 12Go. This online booking platform includes all of the information you will need to know before booking your ticket and prior to boarding your chosen form of transport and route. You will be able to compare commute times alongside ticket pricing, as well as view the arrival and departure time and stations, understand the time you need to arrive ahead of travelling, how much luggage you are allowed to take with you and any other key points you need to be aware of.

When pre-booking your ticket from Bangkok to Koh Samet via 12Go, you will also have a reliable point of contact should you need to change any of your travel plans or information, as well as if they need to inform you of any changes on their side. You will also be assured to make the connections necessary on each commute.

Speedboat Ferry

GETTING TO YOUR DEPARTURE STATION IN BANGKOK

As Bangkok is the biggest city in Thailand, as well as being its capital, you will have no problem finding the perfect way to get to the required departure station ahead of your trip from Bangkok to Koh Samet. With several different forms of transport to choose from, planning this part of your journey will be easy.

One of the best and most affordable ways to travel around Bangkok is via the Skytrain as it avoids all of the traffic, making it a time saving way to commute with amazing views along the way. However, if there isn’t a Skytrain station located near to you, then the next best option is with a public bus. Another great way to make the commute is with an authentic tuk-tuk vehicle, which is also a fun way to finalise your time in Bangkok.

More forms of transport include;

  • Taxi
  • Motorbike
  • Boat

When organising your trip from Bangkok to Koh Samet, make sure to consider the arrival time that you need to be at the departure station for, as this will then help you to plan the first part of your journey more smoothly.

Van from Bangkok to Koh Samet

GETTING TO YOUR FINAL DESTINATION IN KOH SAMET

On the island of Koh Samet there is just one main road running through from the North to the South with limited transport. The easiest way to get around is by foot, however, if you are travelling with luggage too big to carry you also have the option of taking a Songtaew, motorbike, ATV or boat.

Speedboat Ferry

THE BEST TIME TO VISIT KOH SAMET

It is well known that the best time to visit Koh Samet is during the months of November through to and including February as this is when the island hosts great temperatures with the least amount of rain. To make the most out of your time spent in the paradise destination, you will want to make sure to plan your trip from Bangkok to Koh Samet within these months as all activities are outside so you will want to ensure you have the best climate to truly enjoy it all in.

It is advised to not visit Koh Samet during monsoon season which is during the months of July through to and including October. Within this time, even though temperatures can be high and the ocean still warm, the rainfall can be so heavy that some, if not most, days you will not be able to leave your accommodation.

Koh Samet Beach

HOW LONG TO SPEND IN KOH SAMET

As Koh Samet is quite a small island you can embrace a lot of what it has to offer within 3 days, however extending your trip to 5 days is never a bad idea. There are many water activities to get involved in, alongside relaxing across the white sand beaches, enjoying the nightlife and exploring through hidden gems situated across the island. Making sure you have enough time to soak it all up but ensuring you don’t overbook your stay is essential.

Koh Samet

MUST-DO HIGHLIGHTS IN KOH SAMET

Explore the underwater world
Koh Samet is great for scuba diving and snorkelling, hosting over 16 beaches there is so much water to explore through and discover the magical underwater world. Swim amongst sea creatures such as sting rays, black-tip sharks and the very interesting looking puffer fish.

Be amazed by a fire show
Once the sun sets you will want to check out the evening entertainment and what better way than watching an awe-inspiring fire show on the beach. You can also enjoy this whilst eating mouth watering traditional Thai food at Ploy Taloy.

Visit the temple
Admire the island’s only temple that stands seven metres tall. The Wat Ko Kaew Pitsadan is a gorgeous white concrete Buddha statue situated in the middle of the city centre.

Discover Koh Samet’s National Park
Filled with lush green rainforests and wonderful waterfalls, this is a magical place to wander through. As the whole island is a National Park, you will have 131 square metres of land to explore through, which can be done by foot or be admired from a distance with a boat tour.

Get a bird’s eye view of the island
For those who love an adrenaline pumping activity, you will definitely want to have a go at parasailing whilst being in Koh Samet. This will lift you 500 feet above sea level and allow you o get a spectacular view overlooking the island whilst having fun. 

Beach on Koh Samet

MORE THAILAND BLOGS

If you found this blog informative and interesting, and you are looking to travel to more places throughout Thailand, then here are some other blogs that you will definitely want to check out. These include great places to stay, amazing activities to do and additional routes for getting to other islands…

20 BEST OVERWATER BUNGALOWS IN THAILAND

12 BEST ECO RESORTS IN THAILAND: COMPLETE GUIDE

15 AWESOME VIEW POINTS ON KOH SAMUI, THAILAND

10 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON KOH LANTA, THAILAND

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HOW TO GET FROM BANGKOK TO KOH TAO: COMPLETE GUIDE

HOW TO GET FROM KOH PHANGAN TO KOH TAO BY FERRY

HOW TO GET FROM KOH PHANGAN TO BANGKOK: ALL OPTIONS

HOW TO GET FROM PHUKET TO KOH PHANGAN