Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) Ferries
Find and book ferry tickets to and from Koh Samui (Nathon Pier)
An iconic view of Koh Samui (Nathon Pier)
Unlock your adventure to Thailand at the incredible port of Koh Samui (Nathon Pier)! It's your essential gateway to the stunning nearby islands. Imagine seamless connections and breath-taking scenic journeys – that's what awaits you.
As a bustling hub for both passengers and freight, Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) boasts an impressive 6 ferry routes operated by 1 top-tier ferry companies. Get ready for a convenient sailing experience from Koh Samui (Nathon Pier), with schedules perfectly tailored to the seasons, ensuring you always find your ideal departure, no matter the demand, weather, or tourism buzz. Your unforgettable escape begins here!
Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) offers wonderful connections to popular routes like Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) - Koh Samui (Nathon Pier), Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier) - Koh Samui (Nathon Pier), Koh Phangan (Haad Rin Queen Pier) - Koh Samui (Nathon Pier). You can customize your trip by choosing between a swift high-speed ferry to get there in a flash or a classic vessel for a more scenic, relaxing journey. From quick local hops to leisurely overnight voyages, your island adventure starts here.
Getting to your destination is a breeze with several excellent ferry operators departing regularly from Koh Samui (Nathon Pier). You'll find companies like Songserm ready to whisk you away.
Each offers a variety of onboard amenities to make your journey pleasant, from comfortable seating and delicious food and drink options to private cabins and even vehicle transport.
With a range of ticket options available depending on the company and vessel, there's something to suit everyone, whether you're traveling solo, with family, or on a business trip.
Whether you're dreaming of an exhilarating island-hopping escape, making your way back to the comfort of home, or embarking on a brand-new journey, your perfect voyage begins right here with Koh Samui (Nathon Pier).
Route Overview
Date Updated: 2025
Reaching Koh Samui's Nathon Pier
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.
Popular Routes
Koh Samui: Thailand's Tropical Island Paradise
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.
Seasonal Paradise: When to Experience Koh Samui
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.
Ferries to Koh Samui (Nathon Pier)
No routes found
Island Connections: Ferry Adventures from Koh Samui
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.
Island Experiences: Koh Samui's Must-See Attractions
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.
Fascinating Tidbits: Koh Samui's Hidden Stories
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.
FAQs