The journey from Surat Thani to Koh Samui is a staple of trips to Thailand, offering travellers views of gorgeous water as they transition from a cultural centre to one of the most beautiful islands in the world. The trip from Surat Thani to Koh Samui can be made by ferry or plane, and it’s an easy trek–even for tourists renting a car in Surat Thani. Before we jump into the how-tos of this journey, let’s take a look at the history of the route.

A Brief Look Back

Surat Thani is often thought of as the gateway to the southern Gulf of Thailand, and it has a long-standing history as a crucial transportation hub. Its roots trace back to ancient times when it served as a trading port, and today, Surat Thani has embraced its role as a launching-off point for travellers venturing to the islands of the gulf. Koh Samui, Thailand’s second-largest island, is one of the most-visited.

Setting Off from Surat Thani

The voyage from Surat Thani to Koh Samui presents one of the rare opportunities in which travel is as beautiful as the destination. Here’s how it goes:

By Ferry

The most popular and scenic route to Koh Samui is by ferry. Several operators run services from Donsak Pier, located about an hour’s drive from Surat Thani. These ferries can accommodate both passengers and vehicles, and depending on the route and the weather, take from an hour and a half to three hours.

By Plane

If you’re less interested in your surroundings and more interested in speed, you can fly to Koh Sumui. However, you’ll have to travel from Bangkok, and flights can be pricey, depending on the time of year.

The Journey Begins

Planning a successful trip is all about strategizing, and renting a car is one of the smartest moves travellers can make in this part of the world. Renting a car offers the flexibility to travel around Surat Thani and see its hidden gems at your leisure–a leisure that, by virtue of the larger ferries, can continue right into Koh Samui. For visitors who can’t tear themselves away from this beautiful country or need a car to work abroad for a month or two, long-term car rentals are also available.

With your schedule in your own hands, you’re ready to embark on the journey to one of Thailand’s most cherished destinations. Here are more reasons why it’s a fantastic idea:

  • Flexibility: Discover Surat Thani’s lush landscapes, hidden temples, and local markets without being tethered to public transport schedules. Once you’re on Koh Samui, you can take your time travelling to the Secret Buddha Garden, visiting elephant sanctuaries, and staring in wonder at the Big Buddha Temple.
  • Convenience: With a car, it’s easy to travel with luggage, especially if you’re carrying more than just a backpack.
  • Scenic routes: Driving through some of Thailand’s most picturesque countryside is easy with a rental, making every moment of your journey an experience in itself.

Beyond the Journey

While the path from Surat Thani to Koh Samui is a journey worth savouring, understanding how to best travel around these beautiful, complex places enriches your Thailand experience. Here are a few treasures to explore before you set sail:

  • Ang Thong National Marine Park: This stunning archipelago of forty-two islands that’s a day trip away from Koh Samui offers snorkelling, hiking, and kayaking.
  • Surat Thani Night Market: Night markets are a part of any trip to Thailand, and, like any other, this one allows you to immerse yourself in the local flavours and culture.

Back to the Mainland

All journeys must end, and knowing the route from Surat Thani to Bangkok for your return or onward travels is essential. Surat Thani is well-connected by bus, train, and flights to Thailand’s capital, so there are numerous ways you can find your way back to the bright city lights or start the next leg of your Thailand adventure.

The Road Ahead

The voyage from Surat Thani to Koh Samui is more than just something required to get from point A to point B–it’s a highlight of the Thailand experience. Gazing out at the Gulf of Thailand’s blue waters, the journey can be relaxing and beautiful at the same time. 

Once you land, with a strategic car rental, you’ll have the freedom to plot your own path through this beautiful country, creating memories that will last long after you’ve left the shores of Koh Samui. Drive Car Rental is ready to help!

Bangkok - Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK Airport) Bangkok - Donmuang Airport (DMK) Bangkok - Donmuang Office Bangkok - Srinakarin Office Bangkok - On Nut BTS Station Bangkok - BTS PHAHON YOTHIN 24 Bangkok - Phayathai BTS Bangkok - Sathorn Bangkok - Singha Complex Nonthaburi - MRT Muang Thong Thani Nonthaburi - Central Westgate Buri Ram Airport (BFV) (Partner Location) Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) Chiang Mai - Office Chiang Rai Airport (CEI) Pattaya Downtown Central Chonburi Chumphon Airport (CJM) (Partner Location) U-Tapao Airport (UTP) Krabi Airport (KBV) Khon Kaen Airport (KKC) Phuket Airport (HKT) Phuket - Patong Beach Khao Lak - PTT Station Hat Yai Airport (HDY) Hua Hin Airport (HHQ) Lampang Airport (LPT) (Partner Location) Loei Airport (LOE) (Partner Location) Nakhon Phanom Airport (KOP) Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (NST) Phitsanulok Car Rental (PHS) (Partner Location) Phrae Airport (PRH) (Partner Location) Phuket - Bang Rong Pier Ranong Airport (UNN) (Partner Location) Roi Et Airport (ROI) (Partner Location) Sakon Nakhon Airport (SNO) Sukhothai Airport (THS) (Partner Location) Samui Airport (USM) Samui - Bophut Office Surat Thani Airport (URT) Tak - Mae Sot Airport (MAQ) (Partner Location) Trang Airport (TST) Trat Airport (TDX) Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP) Udon Thani Airport (UTH)

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タイ 10210

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73 Choet Wutthakat Rd, Don Muang Office located next from Donmuang District Office 1 KM. (Nearby SRT Red Line Donmuang Station Exit 2) (please call +66 (0) 2 044 7277 or +66 (0) 84 700 4378 for assistance),
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タイ 10210

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727 Srinakarin Rd. Suanlang Office located in Nissan Showroom Srinakarin Road (Nearby MRT Yellow Line Kalantan Station Exit 1) (Between Thanya Park shopping Mall and Bangchak gas station) (please call +66 (0) 84 700 4375 for assistance),
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タイ 10250

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Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sat-Sun: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

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タイ 10110

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Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00 - 17.00 H.

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タイ 10900

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Daily: 9.00-17.00

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タイ 10400

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Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00 - 17.00 H.

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Bangkok ,
タイ 10500

電話

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Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00 - 17.00 H.

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タイ 10310

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Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00 - 17.00 H.

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Meet & Greet at Bangchak Gas Station Chaeng Watthana 38 (1 station away from M1 station) A representative will meet you. please call +66 84 700 4378 for assistance,
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タイ 11120

電話

+66(0)84 700 4378 

Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00-17.00 h.

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Meet & Greet at the Bang Yai Market Station, MRT Purple Line, Exit 4. A representative will meet you. (please call +66 84 700 4378 for assistance),
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タイ 11140

電話

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Opening Hours

daily 09:00-16:00 h.

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Meet & Greet: Burirum Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall, Flight number mandatory. please call +66 (0) 966 236 964 or +66 (0) 639 306 097 for assistance,
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タイ 31150

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タイ 50200

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+66 (0) 5 379 3683 +66 (0) 84 700 4381 

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タイ 20150

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Delivery and pick-up service,
Chonburi ,
タイ 20150

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4385

Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00-17.00 H.

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Chumphon ,
タイ 86160

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タイ 21130

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タイ 81130

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タイ 83110

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タイ 83150

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タイ 23150

電話

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タイ 90115

電話

+66 (0) 94 429 6688

Opening Hours

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自宅住所

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Hua Hin ,
タイ 77110

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4375

Opening Hours

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自宅住所

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Lampang ,
タイ 52000

電話

+66 (0) 97 996 8499 +66 (0) 97 958 8798

Opening Hours

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自宅住所

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Loei ,
タイ 42000

電話

+66 (0) 944 573 222 +66 (0) 883 271 940

Opening Hours

Daily: 24 hours

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自宅住所

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Nakhon Phanom ,
タイ 48000

電話

+66 (0)81 970 6551

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport

自宅住所

Meet & Greet at Arrival Hall, A representative will meet you. Flight number mandatory Please call +66 (0) 94 684 5252 for assistance,
Nakhon Si Thammarat ,
タイ 80120

電話

+66 (0) 94 684 5252

Opening Hours

Daily: 8.00-18.00 H.

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自宅住所

Please visit the "M Transport" counter situated in the arrivals terminal building. For any assistance, feel free to call +6681-348-5445.,
Phitsanulok ,
タイ 65000

電話

+66 (0) 81-348-5445

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-18.30

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自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Phrae Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. Please call +66 (0) 86 421 6498 or +66 (0) 92 969 6159 for assistance,
Phrae ,
タイ 54000

電話

+66 (0) 86 421 6498 +66 (0) 92 969 6159

Opening Hours

Daily: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

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自宅住所

Meet & Greet at Bang Rong Pier. A representative will meet you. please call +66 84 700 4389 for assistance,
Phuket ,
タイ 83110

電話

+66 (0) 8-4700-4387 +66 (0) 8-4700-4389

Opening Hours

Daily: 09.00-17.00 H.

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自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Ranong Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. Please call +66 (0) 86 277 8501 for assistance,
Ranong ,
タイ 85000

電話

+66 (0) 862 778 501

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-17.00 H.

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自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Roi Et Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. Please call +66 (0) 966 236 964 or +66 (0) 639 306 097 for assistance,
Roi Et ,
タイ 45000

電話

+66 (0) 966 236 964 +66 (0) 639 306 097

Opening Hours

Daily: 08:00 - 17:00

Sakon Nakhon Airport

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Sakon Nakhon Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. Please call +66 (0)81 970 6551 for assistance,
Sakon Nakhon ,
タイ 54000

電話

+66 (0)81 970 6551

Opening Hours

Daily: 08:00 - 17:00

Sukhothai Airport (Partner Location)

自宅住所

Meet & Greet at Airport Location, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall, meeting point 89/7 Moo4, Jarodviteetong rd. Thani, Mueang ,
Sukhothai ,
タイ 64000

電話

+66 (0) 828 521 732

Opening Hours

Daily: 06:00-19:00

Car Rental Koh Samui: Rent a Car at Samui Airport

自宅住所

The counter is located in the Arrival Hall at Samui Airport. (Please call +66 (0) 84 700 4388 for assistance),
Koh Samui ,
タイ 84320

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4388

Opening Hours

Daily 08:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Samui – Bophut Office

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4388

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Car Rental Surat Thani Airport- Great Value Car Hire

電話

+66 (0)81 970 5745

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-20.00 H.

Tak – Mae Sot Airport (Partner Location)

電話

+66 (0) 868 985 606

Opening Hours

Daily: 08:00 - 18:00

Trang Airport

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4383

Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00-17.00 H.

Trat Airport

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4385

Opening Hours

Daily 11:00 AM - 15:30 PM

Car Rental Ubon Ratchathani Airport

電話

+66 (0) 94 848 4455

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-18.00 H.

Udon Thani Airport

電話

+66 (0) 81 970 6551

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

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