The Samui IslandKoh Samui (เกาะสมุย in Thai language) is the island of thousands of coconut trees and the third largest island in Thailand (only Phuket and Koh Chang are larger in size). The total area of the island is about 247 km² and it is located in the Gulf of Thailand, 700 km South of Bangkok in the Surat Thani province. There is a 55 kilometer long ring road on the island which makes it convenient to travel from beach to beach.

Well known beaches are Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, Big Buddha, Choeng Mon, Hua Thanon and Maenam. Samui do also has many sister islands; Koh Tao (top diving destination in Asia), Koh Phangan (known for it'sFull Moon Party etc.), Angthong National Marine Park, Koh Tan and the spectacular Koh Nang Yuan.

There were no roads or cars on Samui until the early 40's, but in 1973 a 52 km long concrete road was built around the island. The airport on Koh Samui was built in 1989 and it was renovated in 2007. It is often considered as one of the most beautiful and exotic airports in the world.

Going here from Bangkok

There are some different options to choose from:
Flight

There are many daily flights from the International and domestic Airport in Bangkok; Suvarnabhumi Airport (opened in September 2006). Bangkok Air flies direct to Samui Airport. A flight schedule with Bangkok Airways is found here. Also Thai Airways has a two daily flights to Samui Airport (since February 2008).

Thai Airways and Air Asia also flies to Suratthani. From there, just catch the bus or taxi to the ferry in Donsak.

Bus

If you prefer a more economical way to travel, we recommend a so called VIP bus from the well-known Khao San Road or from the Southern Bus Terminal at Boromrat Chonnani Road. The VIP buses are more comfortable, and has less seats than a so called A/C bus. You can buy a ticket in almost every travel agency in Bangkok. The ferry ticket is sometimes included in the price.


Train

Another comfortable way to travel is the night train from Hualamphong, (the Bangkok railway station) to Suratthani. The sleeping cars has rather comfortable beds. To travel by railway is a little more expensive than the bus, but you will probably get a better sleep. Upper beds are less expensive than the lower ones. A private "first class" cabin for two persons, is also available. Ideal for couples!


Ferry

The fastest ferries departures from the two main piers in Donsak on the main land with the operators Seatran, and Raja Ferry. The price is about 150 baht for passengers and 420 baht for cars (2009). You will see many of the small surrounding islands if you don't fall asleep.

You might also take the Lomprayah catamaran which departures from Chumphon. The also offer bus rides from Banglamphu in Bangkok. On smaller ferries (such as the ones operated by Songserm from smaller piers situated at the Suratthani coastline), you might be contacted by Thai guys trying to convince you that "their" resort on Samui is the one to choose. It can be a blank or a prize in that "lottery".