Koh Samui Thailand

PLANES

There is only one domestic airline that flies in Koh Samui: Bangkok Airways. They also run and own the only airport. There are 12 flights a day to and from Bangkok. They also fly to and from Phuket. Chiang Mai, U-Tapao and Pattaya. If your net destination is Singapore, then you can also fly direct from Samui.

When you're traveling from Samui to Bangkok and you want to save some money, fly with Thai Airways from Suratthani. You will save around 950 baht but will add three hours to your journey.

When leaving Samui Airport, be prepared to pay the 400 baht airport tax for domestic flights and 500 baht for international flights. Make sure you buy your tickets early to avoid disappointment, and always reconfirm your flight at least 24 hours in advance.

TRAINS

When traveling from Bangkok to Samui, it is usually best that you get a night sleeper train. These trains are more comfortable and ensure smoother bus and ferry connections. All trains run from Hualamphong Station. We advise that you buy a combination ticket that will include all your transport right through to Samui.

Train tickets can vary greatly in price depending on the carriage class and whether the carriage is air-conditioned or fan. Expect to pay at least 650 baht for a ticket. When you're traveling from Samui up to Bangkok, the ferry leaves from Nathon at 2pm and connects to a bus to take you to Suratthani train station.

There are many trains leaving every evening going to Bangkok. We advise that you book the ticket early to secure a better connection. Try to book the train two to three days in advance to ensure a seat. When leaving Samui, go to Suratthani to catch a train to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Singapore or Malaysia.

AUTOMOBILES

Bangkok to Samui buses leave from the South Terminal in Bangkok. There are V.I.P first-and second-class buses. These are all air-conditioned. For an easier journey, buy a bus/boat combi-nation ticket. The price for a V.I.P bus is around 450 baht including the ferry transfer from Nathon to Suratthani. The journey takes around 12 hours.

As a rule, buses are not to be relied upon, especially if you are making a connection to a flight. For buses from Suratthani to Bangkok, the ferry leaves Samui at 2pm. To get to Suratthani town from Samui, it will take approximately three hours. You will probably have to wait for about two hours in the town for the bus up to Bangkok.

This bus will drop you off on the infamous Kao San road in Bangkok. When leaving Samui, there are buses traveling to Penang and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia as well as Singapore. Whether traveling from the airport or from Nathon pier, the cheapest mode of public transport is a songthaew (the red mini vans). If you do get a private taxi (usually yellow), agree on a price with the driver first.

BOAT

If you have a car or motorcycle that you wish to bring to Ko Samui, you can drive to Donsak Ferry Terminal and put your vehicle on board.

The car ferry service starts at 05:00am and operates simultaneously from both Donsak and Samui ferry piers every hour on the hour until 17:00pm.

The ferry crossing takes approximately one hour twenty minutes.

EXTENDING YOUR STAY

Foreigners are allowed to stay 30 days in the Kingdom without a visa. If you have a tourist visa, these are generally valid for 60 days with the opportunity to extend to 90 days. Visa extensions cost about 500 baht. Overstaying your visa costs 250 baht per day, with a maximum fine of 20,000 baht.

To extend your visa, or for other immigration questions, go to Samui's immigration office. From Nathon, go south on the ring road 2 km to the traffic lights. Turn right and you will see the office on the right-hand side. Office hours are Monday to Friday 8.30am to noon and 1pm to 4.30pm. Songserm Ferries run a regular service between Suratthani and Nathon, but the schedule can change on an almost daily basis. Check times with your tour operator or Travel Solutions.