It’s easy to get to Koh Samet, especially from Bangkok, but you can also go direct to Koh samet from Pattaya and Utapao Airport.
First, check out the easy options to get to Koh Samet. In most cases, you need to get to Bangkok, then you can go direct to Koh Samet, or to the ferry pier at Ban Phe.
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Simply enter ‘Koh Samet’ as your destination on 12go.asia, if there’s no results, search for a route to Bangkok or Utapao, then on to Koh Samet. From Bangkok, 12go offer various options, including big bus, mini van, and taxi, and you can pick up combination bus and ferry tickets direct to Koh Samet very cheaply.
Similar to 12go, Klook offer transport to Koh Samet from Bangkok, Pattaya and Utapao Airport.
NOTE: Some services to Koh Samet only operate on a seasonal basis.
How to Get to Koh Samet from Bangkok
Ekamai (eastern) bus terminal to Ban Phe: Cherdchai bus service departs every hour (on the hour) between 05:00 and 17:00. tickets cost approximately 155 baht, and the journey time is 3 and a half to 4 hours. The bus stops just a short distance from Nuan Thip pier.
From Bangkok airports to Ban Phe: There are no direct routes to ban Phe from any airport in Bangkok, but you can still easily and cheaply make your way to Ekamai BTS (sky train) terminal, from there it’s about a 50 meter walk to Ekamai bus terminal.
Suvarnabhumi Bangkok airport to Ekamai bus terminal: From the airport take the airport rail link (ARL) to Phaya Thai. From Phaya Thai take the sky train to Ekamai.
Bangkok Don Muang airport to Ekamai bus terminal: Take the A1 bus to Morchit (Mo Chit) BTS (sky train) terminal, then the sky train to Ekamai. The A1 bus service departs to Morchit bus terminal every 10 to 20 minutes from Don Muang between 07:00 and 24:00 from gate 6 on the first floor.
There’s also regular bus services from Ekamai and Morchit to Rayong, it’s not the best option, but it’s an option. From Rayong bus terminal to Ban Phe takes about 30 minutes in a cheap songthaew/taxi.
Minivan from Bangkok to Koh Samet
You can take a minivan from Khaosan Road or Ekamai and Morchit bus terminals in Bangkok, costs around 300 baht and takes between 3 and 4 hours. There is very limited luggage space, unless you are traveling light you may have to purchase an extra ticket for your luggage.
How to Get to Koh Samet from Pattaya
The mini bus ride from Pattaya to Ban Phe takes an hour or less, on a per person basis they are relatively cheap, costing around 400 baht per person one way. If you are traveling alone or as a group of 2 or 3 people this is one of the most convenient and cheapest ways to get to Koh Samet from Pattaya.
Most taxi services in Pattaya offer a service to Koh Samet, either be car or mini bus, with prices ranging from approximately 1000 baht for a car, or 1,300 to 1,700 baht for mini bus.
Checkin Tour: Pattaya to Ban Phe daily, Minibus and Boat one-way 400 baht per Person, round-trip 800 baht per Person.
How Long Does it Take to Get to Koh Samet?
To help plan your Koh Samet trip itinerary you need to know the first ferry leaves Ban Phe at 08:00, and the last ferry leaves 17:00. you will find different times published on various websites, but play it safe and be there before 17:00. You can still make it to Koh Samet after the last ferry, but it will be by a much more expensive private speedboat charter.
Journey time from Bangkok Ekamai (eastern) bus terminal to Ban Phe with Cherdchai bus service is between 3 and a half to 4 hours, the bus departs every hour (on the hour) between 05:00 and 17:00. You should also allow at least 3 and a half hours from Morchit (Mo Chit) or other locations in Bangkok by mini van or taxi.
If you are going to take the bus to Rayong from any bus terminal in Bangkok allow a minimum 4 to 4 and a half hours because it is likely to make multiple stops along the way. From the Rayong bus terminal allow another 30 minutes to get to Ban Phe by taxi or songthaew.
Journey time from Pattaya to Ban Phe by taxi or mini van is approximately 1 hour.
Which Ferry from Ban Phe to Koh Samet
There are 6 ferry piers operated by different companies, situated within easy walking distance of each other. Nuan Thip is the most popular, closely followed by Tarua, but Nuan Thip – Tarua – Municipality – Sri (seree) Ban Phe – Chok Krista, all have hourly departures to Na Dan (Nadan) pier, the main ferry pier on Koh Samet.
You might find you bought a transfer and ferry ticket deal with an allocated pier – your hotel might include a free boat transfer to Samet, or your bus or mini van drop you off in front of a particular pier, so the choice is made for you. If you are still uncertain just go to Nuan Thip pier.
Koh Samet Ferry Departure Times
Nuan Thip – Tarua – Municipality – Sri (seree) Ban Phe and Chok Krista pier ferry services leave at least every hour between 08:00 and 17:00 every day of the week. you might find the ferry does not depart until a minimum number of passengers have boarded, which is most like to happen in the low season.
Ferry Prices: The cost of a one way ticket for the standard wooden ferry from Ban Phe to Koh Samet is around 50 baht. There is no need to buy a return ticket at the same time, but that’s up to you. You can purchase ferry tickets at the ticket counter on the pier, or as you board the boat.
Ferry to Beaches on Samet
The main piers also have less regular ferry services to various beaches on Koh Samet, most notably Vongduan, Saikaew and Ao Wai. Samet is only a small island, and you actually won’t save much time (if any) taking a ferry to your preferred beach, but it’s an option.
New High Speed Ferry Service from Ban Phe to Koh Samet.
There’s a new high speed 74 seater catamaran ferry service which takes just 15 minutes to get from Ban Phe to Koh Samet. The high speed ferry service departs from Tarua pier 5 times every day between 07:30 and 17:00.
Speedboats to Koh Samet
Be warned, it may be fast, but I can tell you from experience the speed boat ride to Samet is pretty “harem scarem” if there is any significant wave height.
Prices for speedboats vary depending on which beach you go to, shared speedboats charge around 300 baht per person one way. A private speedboat costs anywhere between 2000 and 4000 baht for a return trip, they always quote you the highest price but it’s possible to haggle a significant discount.
Car Parking at Ban Phe
You can not take your car to Koh Samet, the only form of transport you can take with you is a bicycle, on the high speed ferry, you can leave your car quite safely in Ban Phe. I’ve always taken my own car, and never had difficulty finding a parking area. Most of the piers have their parking areas, or will be happy to direct you to a
parking area which will cost you around 100 baht per day.
Getting to Your Hotel on Koh Samet
Songthaew taxis wait at Na Dan (Nadan) pier, when filled up with passengers they head to the beaches and resort areas, dropping passengers off along the way. The price per person depending on the distance traveled, but expect to pay between 50 and 200 baht.
Koh Samet National Park Fees
The songthaew from Na Dan usually stops at the national park office so national park entry fees can be collected. The fee is 200 baht. If you go by speedboat or ferry to a beach, park rangers are usually waiting to collect the fee when you arrive on the beach.
For more information on nightlife, dining and things to on Koh Samet, take a look at Explore Koh Samet.
You might also want to read this post about Pattaya island day trips and vacations.