Koh Samet is an easy island escape from Bangkok. Take a bus or minivan to Ban Phe Pier, then a short boat crossing. The journey takes about 3.5 to 5 hours.
Koh Samet lies off the coast of Rayong Province and is one of the simplest island getaways from Bangkok. The standard route is a bus or minivan to Ban Phe Pier in Rayong, followed by a short boat crossing to the island. Door to door, the journey takes about 3.5 to 5 hours, and a combined bus-and-boat ticket costs roughly THB 350 to THB 670.
Journey at a Glance
| Option | Typical time | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public bus from Ekkamai plus ferry | 4 to 5 hours | About THB 190 (bus) plus THB 50 to THB 70 (ferry) | Budget and independent travellers |
| Combined bus or van and ferry ticket | 4 to 5 hours | About THB 350 to THB 670 | A simple, single-ticket journey |
| Shared minivan plus speedboat | 3.5 to 4.5 hours | From about THB 750 | A faster boat crossing, with pick-ups from areas such as Suvarnabhumi Airport and Khao San |
| Private car or van plus boat | 3.5 to 4.5 hours | From about THB 3,000 | Families, heavy luggage and flexible timing |
Step-by-Step: Getting to Koh Samet
Step 1: Travel from Bangkok to Ban Phe Pier
Public buses to Ban Phe leave from Bangkok’s Ekkamai Eastern Bus Terminal. Cherdchai services are listed at around 07:00, 09:00 and 11:00, with fares of about THB 190. The road journey takes roughly 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic.
Shared minivans and private transfers are also available. Some depart from central areas or Suvarnabhumi Airport, which can save a separate trip across the city.
Step 2: Cross by Boat to Koh Samet
Two boat options operate from Ban Phe Pier:
- Regular wooden ferry: runs to Na Dan Pier, takes about 40 minutes, and costs roughly THB 50 to THB 70 one way.
- Speedboat: takes about 15 minutes and costs more than the ferry. Speedboats can often drop passengers closer to their chosen beach.
Step 3: Continue to Your Beach or Hotel
Songthaews (shared pick-up trucks) meet arrivals at Na Dan Pier and carry passengers to beaches and hotels around the island. If you travel by speedboat, check whether it serves a pier near your accommodation.
Choosing the Right Option
- Cheapest: take the public bus from Ekkamai and the regular ferry. Together they cost about THB 240 to THB 260 one way.
- Easiest: a combined ticket covers both the transfer from Bangkok to the pier and the boat crossing, so there is only one booking to make.
- Fastest on the water: shared minivan with speedboat, from about THB 750.
- Most comfortable: a private car or van with a boat transfer, from about THB 3,000, suits families and travellers with luggage.
Practical Tips
- Depart in the morning where possible. Ferry services become less frequent in the evening, so an early start leaves a margin for traffic.
- Choose a speedboat for speed. The crossing is much shorter than the wooden ferry, though it usually costs more.
- Plan for road traffic. The bus leg is the most variable part of the journey, so avoid tight onward connections.
- Arriving by air? Shared van-and-boat services from Suvarnabhumi Airport are a convenient alternative to travelling into the city first.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to travel from Bangkok to Koh Samet?
Allow about 3.5 to 5 hours in total. The bus or van to Ban Phe takes roughly 3 to 4 hours, and the boat crossing takes about 15 to 40 minutes.
2. What is the cheapest way to reach Koh Samet?
The public bus from Ekkamai Eastern Bus Terminal (about THB 190) combined with the regular ferry (about THB 50 to THB 70) is generally the lowest-cost option.
3. How much does a combined bus and boat ticket cost?
Combined tickets typically range from THB 350 to THB 670, depending on the vehicle type and the boat chosen.
4. Where do buses to Ban Phe depart from in Bangkok?
Public buses commonly leave from the Ekkamai Eastern Bus Terminal. Shared minivans and private transfers may offer pick-ups from other areas, including Suvarnabhumi Airport.
5. What time are the buses from Ekkamai?
Cherdchai services are listed at around 07:00, 09:00 and 11:00. Timetables can change, so confirm departure times before travelling.
6. What is the difference between the ferry and the speedboat?
The wooden ferry takes about 40 minutes to Na Dan Pier and costs roughly THB 50 to THB 70. The speedboat takes about 15 minutes, costs more, and can often drop you closer to your beach.
7. How do I get from the pier to my beach or hotel?
Songthaews wait at Na Dan Pier and take passengers to beaches and hotels across the island. If you take a speedboat, confirm with the operator where it will land.
8. Can I travel from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Koh Samet directly?
Yes. Shared van-and-boat services are available from the airport, with fares starting from about THB 750.
9. Is a private transfer worth the cost?
Private cars and vans start from about THB 3,000. They suit families, groups and travellers with luggage who want flexible timing and door-to-door convenience.
10. What is the best time of day to travel?
Morning departures are recommended. Ferry services become less frequent later in the day, and an early start gives you more time to absorb any road delays.
