Koh Samet is an island found on the eastern side of the Gulf of Thailand. It is also situated in close proximity to Bangkok. Because of this, it is an excellent choice for a weekend getaway location if you want to get away from the commotion of the city for a bit and spend some time at the beach. You may travel there from Bangkok in a number of different ways, and in this article, we will go through each of those ways in depth so that you can select the mode of transportation that is most suitable for your needs in terms of cost and schedule.
How to get from Bangkok to Koh Samet?
You’ll find a more relaxed atmosphere on Koh Samet than you will in areas like Koh Samui, along with its stunning beaches of pure white sand and glistening seas. Additionally, given its proximity to Bangkok, getting there will take significantly less time for travellers. Since this island does not have its own airport, flying to this destination is not a possibility. Furthermore, given the island’s proximity to Bangkok, travelling there by aircraft would make no sense either.
Due to the fact that it is an island, the final portion of the journey must be completed via ferry. It is highly recommended that you travel to Rayong and take the ferry to Koh Samet from the Ban Phe dock. Please be aware that due to the fact that Koh Samet is situated within the Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park, all visitors are required to pay an entrance fee to the national park upon their initial arrival on the island.
Transportation from Bangkok to Koh Samet:
- Taxi or Minivan + Ferry – A great choice, especially if you are travelling with family or a group of friends who can split the costs.
- Bus + Ferry – The trip may take a little longer because there are more stops, and it may not be cheaper.
How to go to Koh Samet by taxi or minivan + ferry
Since the distance isn’t too far, this option is definitely the most comfortable and doesn’t cost too much. You can be picked up from any hotel in Bangkok and taken straight to the Ban Phe ferry pier in Rayong for a higher price. Please keep in mind that if you choose this option, you will need to buy a ferry ticket to get to the island once you get to Ban Phe.
Near Khao San Road, you can buy cheap tickets that include a minivan and a ferry to Koh Samet with a stop in Rayong. The Khao San Travel Mart tour company runs these buses, which leave Bangkok in the morning.
You can also choose a minivan at Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal or Southern Bus Terminal. Most of the time, these run about every two hours.
- Distance: About 200 kilometers by land and 6.5 kilometers by sea.
- Duration: Between 3 and 4 hours by land and around 30 minutes by sea.
- Price: The price ranges from 500 to 5,500 baht, depending on the size of the car, the number of people in it, and where the ride starts.
- Departure area: Not sure about door-to-door service, but combined tickets can be bought on Khao San Road in Bangkok, at the Eastern Bus Terminal, or at the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok.
How to go to Koh Samet by bus + ferry
There is also a regular bus service between Bangkok and Koh Samet. These buses also leave from the Eastern Bus Terminal in Bangkok. They cost about the same as minivans. The trip might take a little bit longer if there are more stops along the way. You can buy a bus ticket and a ferry ticket at the same time.
- Distance: About 200 kilometers by land and 6.5 kilometers by sea.
- Duration: Between 4 and 5 hours by land and 30 minutes by sea.
- Price: Around 500 baht for the combined ticket.
- Departure area: Bangkok East Bus Terminal.
Can you fly from Bangkok to Koh Samet?
There is no airport on Koh Samet island, so you can’t fly directly from Bangkok to Koh Samet. However, you can take a flight from Bangkok to Utapao Airport, which is located about 45 kilometers south of Pattaya city, and then take a taxi or private transfer to the Ban Phe Pier, which is the main gateway to Koh Samet. From there, you can take a ferry or speedboat to the island.
Alternatively, you can take a bus or private transfer from Bangkok to Ban Phe Pier directly, which takes about 3–4 hours, depending on traffic. Then, take a ferry or speedboat to Koh Samet.
It’s important to note that ferry schedules and availability may vary depending on the season and weather conditions, so it’s a good idea to check ahead of time and plan accordingly.
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