All aboard for the ferry to Samui

Posted by Full mooner on January 13th, 2012 filed in transportation

Although many holidaymakers arrive on Koh Samui at the island’s unique open-plan international airport, it is not the only means of reaching this tropical paradise island. There are regular passenger ferries and high-speed catamarans which depart from several points on the mainland and are a much cheaper and fun way of getting here.

The port at Donsak is around 50kms from the town of Surat Thani and the closest point on the mainland to Samui. As it is the nearest, it is also the busiest and the best place to find a ferry for those who have not bought a ticket in advance. During the peak tourist season from November to April there are departures at least every hour, with some of the ferries sailing on to Koh Phan Ngan and Koh Tao.

When the weather is fine and the sun is shining, standing on the ferry’s deck in a cooling breeze is definitely the way to go. Travellers are provided with a wonderful sight as the golden beaches and iconic Samui palm trees slowly come into view. The crossing from Don Sak to Nathon Port takes around 2.5 hours on a good day. There are alternate ports at Tha Thong and Ban Don, both nearer to Surat Thani.

Night ferry services depart from Ban Don. Boats leave at around 23:00 and get to Samui at 05:00 the next morning. This is a good option for people arriving late in Surat Thani and also saves on a night’s accommodation for people on a budget. There are basic bunks on the boat where voyagers can rest and wake up feeling reasonably fresh.