Koh Samui (Bangrak Pier) Ferries

The port of Koh Samui (Bangrak Pier) plays a key role in the ferry network of Thailand, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 2 ferry routes operated by 3 ferry companies, Koh Samui (Bangrak Pier) serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Koh Samui (Bangrak Pier), with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier) - Koh Samui (Bangrak Pier) connecting Koh Samui (Bangrak Pier) with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Seatran Discovery, Songserm, Lomprayah High Speed Ferries run regular services from Koh Samui (Bangrak Pier), offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Koh Samui (Bangrak Pier) offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Koh Samui is accessible via its international airport with direct flights from Bangkok taking approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. From the airport, Bangrak Pier is just a 10-minute taxi or songthaew (shared taxi) ride away. Travelers can also reach Koh Samui by ferry from the mainland port of Donsak in Surat Thani, with the journey taking about 90 minutes. If arriving from Bangkok by land, combined bus and ferry tickets are available, with the entire journey taking approximately 12-14 hours. Ample parking is available near Bangrak Pier for those arriving with rental cars, though spaces fill quickly during peak season.

Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui blends pristine beaches with lush tropical landscapes to create a truly enchanting island escape. As Thailand's second-largest island, it serves as a vital ferry gateway to the stunning archipelago that includes Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Visitors arriving at Bangrak Pier step into a world where turquoise waters meet palm-fringed shores, promising both relaxation and adventure in equal measure.

Koh Samui enjoys a tropical climate with distinct dry and rainy seasons. The ideal time to visit is between December and April when days are sunny, humidity is lower, and rainfall is minimal. February to April offers the hottest temperatures, perfect for beach activities and swimming in crystal-clear waters. The island's famous Full Moon Parties on neighboring Koh Phangan drive increased ferry traffic around monthly lunar cycles. September and October bring the heaviest rainfall with occasional service disruptions, while May through August offer good value with fewer tourists and only occasional afternoon showers, making ferry crossings generally smooth and pleasant.

Bangrak Pier serves as an excellent launching point for exploring Thailand's stunning Gulf islands. Koh Phangan, famous for its Full Moon Parties and increasingly popular yoga retreats, is just a 30-minute ferry ride away. The diving paradise of Koh Tao can be reached in approximately 1.5-2 hours, offering some of Thailand's best and most affordable scuba experiences. The pristine Ang Thong Marine National Park, an archipelago of 42 islands with limestone karsts, hidden lagoons, and untouched beaches, makes for an unforgettable day trip just 45 minutes from Koh Samui. The island's strategic location makes it the perfect base for an island-hopping adventure through the Gulf of Thailand.

Beyond its postcard-perfect beaches, Koh Samui offers a wealth of experiences within easy reach of Bangrak Pier. The iconic 12-meter tall Big Buddha temple (Wat Phra Yai) sits just minutes away, offering spectacular views and cultural insights. Nature lovers shouldn't miss the refreshing Na Muang Waterfall or the curious Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks (Hin Ta and Hin Yai). For culinary adventures, the Fisherman's Village in Bophut comes alive on Friday evenings with a vibrant street market where you can sample local specialties like fresh seafood, mango sticky rice, and spicy Thai curries. The nearby Bangrak Beach, with its relaxed vibe and local eateries, provides the perfect spot to watch ferries glide across the bay while enjoying authentic southern Thai flavors.

Though now a tourism hotspot, Koh Samui remained largely unknown to the outside world until the late 1970s, with no paved roads until the early 1980s. The island was once Thailand's largest coconut producer, with monkeys traditionally trained to harvest coconuts, a practice visitors can still occasionally witness today. Interestingly, Bangrak Pier's nickname 'Big Buddha Pier' comes from the massive golden Buddha statue visible from arriving ferries, serving as a maritime landmark for generations of sailors. Despite its development, Koh Samui maintains a law restricting buildings from being taller than the tallest palm trees, preserving its natural skyline and tropical character.