Alternatives for getting to Samui

Posted by Full mooner on July 28th, 2010 filed in Tourist tips, expat life

As many of you out there will be fully aware, getting to Koh Samui is really not a cheap option from Bangkok if you choose to fly. Bangkok Airways built the only airport on the island and they also run it. For years it was just their airline that flew here so the cost of flights was pretty much up to them.
Then a few years ago we all heard that Thai Airways were going to be given the chance to fly to Samui, great a little fare competition we all thought, not a chance! The price has increased over time and it is still extortionate to fly here from anywhere in Thailand.
There has been talk of a new airport that will be built by the government but that has not surfaced. Instead we are all constantly on the lookout for cheaper, faster alternatives.
The bus or train is by far the cheapest at anything between 500 and 1,500 baht depending on the standard of comfort that you seek. Hiring a car can be great fun but the cost will be almost equal if not more than flying if just one person.
The airport at Surat Thani offers a lot more affordable flights to Bangkok and beyond and it is possible to get buses direct from the pier on mainland Thailand. Also I am still hearing that Lomprayah will be launching an all-in-one ticket which will cover a catamaran ferry to mainland, and then bus to the Surat Airport followed by a no-frills flight to Bangkok.

As many of you out there will be fully aware, getting to Koh Samui is really not a cheap option from Bangkok if you choose to fly. Bangkok Airways built the only airport on the island and they also run it. For years it was just their airline that flew here so the cost of flights was pretty much up to them.

Then a few years ago we all heard that Thai Airways were going to be given the chance to fly to Samui, great a little fare competition we all thought, not a chance! The price has increased over time and it is still extortionate to fly here from anywhere in Thailand.

There has been talk of a new airport that will be built by the government but that has not surfaced. Instead we are all constantly on the lookout for cheaper, faster alternatives.

The bus or train is by far the cheapest at anything between 500 and 1,500 baht depending on the standard of comfort that you seek. Hiring a car can be great fun but the cost will be almost equal if not more than flying if just one person.

The airport at Surat Thani offers a lot more affordable flights to Bangkok and beyond and it is possible to get buses direct from the pier on mainland Thailand. Also I am still hearing that Lomprayah will be launching an all-in-one ticket which will cover a catamaran ferry to mainland, and then bus to the Surat Airport followed by a no-frills flight to Bangkok.

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