Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) Ferries

The port of Koh Samui (Nathon 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 3 ferry companies, Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

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

Popular routes from this port include Krabi Town - Koh Samui (Nathon Pier), Phuket Town - Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) connecting Koh Samui (Nathon 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 Songserm, Lomprayah High Speed Ferries, Seatran Discovery run regular services from Koh Samui (Nathon 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 (Nathon Pier) offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Nathon Pier functions as the main ferry gateway to Koh Samui, with regular connections from the mainland port of Donsak in Surat Thani province. Travelers typically reach Surat Thani via train or bus from Bangkok (approximately 10-12 hours) or from Phuket (about 4-5 hours by bus). Those arriving by air can fly into Surat Thani Airport and take a shuttle bus to Donsak Pier (about 1 hour), or fly directly to Koh Samui Airport and take a taxi to Nathon Pier. For those arriving at the pier by car, several parking facilities are available nearby, though rates tend to be higher during peak tourist seasons. The pier area is well-served by songthaews (shared taxis) and motorcycle taxis for onward island transportation.

Koh Samui stands as one of Thailand's most cherished island destinations, blending pristine beaches with lush mountainous jungles. As the second-largest island in Thailand, it offers visitors a perfect balance of developed tourist areas and untouched natural beauty. The island serves as a key ferry hub in the Gulf of Thailand, connecting travelers to nearby islands and mainland ports. From relaxing beachside retreats to vibrant nightlife and cultural experiences, Koh Samui delivers the quintessential Thai island experience with its own distinctive character.

Koh Samui enjoys a tropical climate with distinct dry and rainy seasons that shape the island experience. The ideal visiting window falls between December and April when sunshine is abundant, humidity is lower, and rainfall is minimal. February to April offers the hottest temperatures, perfect for beach activities and water sports. The rainy season spans September to November, bringing occasional heavy downpours but also lower accommodation rates and fewer tourists. Ferry services operate year-round but may face occasional disruptions during monsoon season storms. May through August offers an excellent compromise with generally good weather, moderate tourist numbers, and more competitive pricing.

Koh Samui's strategic position makes it an excellent launching point for exploring Thailand's stunning Gulf islands. Koh Phangan, home to the famous Full Moon Party and pristine beaches, is just a 30-minute ferry ride away. The diving paradise of Koh Tao can be reached in approximately 1.5 hours, offering some of Thailand's best underwater experiences and affordable diving certification courses. For mainland adventures, regular ferries connect to Donsak Pier in Surat Thani (1.5-2.5 hours depending on vessel type), providing access to Thailand's southern regions. The journey between islands offers spectacular views of limestone karsts and the azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand, making the transportation itself part of the adventure.

Koh Samui offers diverse experiences beyond its postcard-perfect beaches. The iconic 12-meter tall Big Buddha at Wat Phra Yai dominates the northern coast and provides cultural insight along with panoramic views. Nature enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Na Muang Waterfalls, two cascading falls set amid lush jungle that offer refreshing swimming opportunities. Culinary adventurers can sample authentic southern Thai cuisine at Nathon's fresh market, where seafood dishes feature prominently alongside spicy curries unique to the region. The Fisherman's Village in Bophut presents a charming blend of old Chinese shophouses transformed into boutiques, restaurants, and bars, creating one of the island's most atmospheric areas to explore, especially during its Friday night walking street market.

Before becoming a tourist hotspot, Koh Samui was primarily known for its coconut plantations, and the island still produces over two million coconuts monthly, many harvested by specially trained monkeys. The island remained without paved roads until the 1970s, and the first tourists were actually backpackers who arrived by coconut boats from the mainland. Interestingly, Nathon Pier was constructed during World War II as a strategic port by occupying Japanese forces. Despite now hosting over a million visitors annually, approximately 90% of Koh Samui remains undeveloped, with protected forest covering much of its mountainous interior.