Koh Samui (Mae Nam Pier) Ferries

The port of Koh Samui (Mae Nam 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 4 ferry routes operated by 1 ferry companies, Koh Samui (Mae Nam Pier) serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

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

Popular routes from this port include Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal Pinklao - Koh Samui (Mae Nam Pier), Bangkok Khao San - Koh Samui (Mae Nam Pier) connecting Koh Samui (Mae Nam 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 Lomprayah High Speed Ferries run regular services from Koh Samui (Mae Nam 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 (Mae Nam Pier) offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Mae Nam Pier on Koh Samui is easily accessible from various points in Thailand. Most international travelers arrive via Koh Samui Airport, with a 15-minute taxi ride to Mae Nam Pier. From the mainland, regular ferry services operate from Surat Thani and Donsak Pier, with journey times of approximately 90 minutes to 2.5 hours depending on vessel type. Shuttle buses connect Surat Thani Airport and train station directly to the mainland piers. For those driving, secured parking is available near Mae Nam Pier, though spaces can be limited during peak season.

Nestled in the azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui blends pristine beaches with lush tropical landscapes. As Thailand's second-largest island, it serves as a vital ferry hub connecting travelers to neighboring islands and mainland destinations. Visitors stepping off at Mae Nam Pier enter a world where coconut groves meet luxury resorts, traditional fishing villages, and vibrant nightlife – all wrapped in the island's signature laid-back charm.

Koh Samui enjoys a tropical climate with distinct dry and rainy seasons, making timing your visit crucial. December through April offers the most reliable weather with sunny days, calm seas, and ideal ferry conditions, though February and March are particularly dry and sunny. The island comes alive during April's Songkran (Thai New Year) festivities, while May brings the exciting Samui Regatta. September and October see the heaviest rainfall and occasionally disrupted ferry schedules. The shoulder months of May and November often provide an excellent balance of good weather, fewer tourists, and attractive accommodation rates.

Mae Nam Pier serves as a gateway to several stunning destinations in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Phangan, just 30 minutes away by ferry, is famous for its Full Moon Parties and increasingly popular wellness retreats. The diving paradise of Koh Tao can be reached in about 1.5 hours, offering some of Thailand's best underwater experiences and affordable diving certification courses. Day trips to Ang Thong Marine National Park (45 minutes by speedboat) reveal a breathtaking archipelago of 42 islands with limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches. The mainland port of Donsak provides access to further land-based exploration of southern Thailand's treasures.

Koh Samui offers a wealth of activities beyond its postcard-perfect beaches. The iconic 12-meter tall Big Buddha at Wat Phra Yai stands as the island's most recognized landmark, while the nearby Wat Plai Laem showcases vibrant Thai-Chinese temple art. Nature enthusiasts shouldn't miss the spectacular Na Muang Waterfalls or the curious Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks (Hin Ta and Hin Yai). Samui's culinary scene ranges from exceptional seafood at Fisherman's Village in Bophut to authentic street food at Lamai Night Market. For a truly local experience, explore the coconut plantations that have earned Samui its nickname as the 'Coconut Island.'

Koh Samui remained virtually unknown to the outside world until the 1970s, with no proper roads until 1973 and electricity only arriving in the 1980s. The island is home to approximately four million coconut trees, and coconut harvesting using trained monkeys remains a traditional practice. Interestingly, Koh Samui has its own micro-climate, often enjoying sunshine while nearby islands experience rain. The island's name is believed to derive from the Chinese word 'saboey,' meaning 'safe haven' – a fitting description for this tropical paradise.