FLY N' FERRY TRIP
Flights to Koh Samui can be very expensive, but fortunately there is a cheaper option for transport to Koh Samui and that is a combination flight/bus/ferry service. This is a popular option for those who want to save on transport and prefer to use the money in other ways. I'll take the liberty of describing chronologically how such a journey works, it will be more illustrative that way. Itinerary:
1. Arrival in Thailand at the main airport Suvanabhurmi
- Please note that you must arrive on time, ideally no later than 10:00 am or allow one night in Bangkok. The last flight from the second airport Don Mueang is with Nok Air around 14:00, with Air Asia 15:30 you have to catch the ferry, the last one goes at 18:00 or 19:30 (see next point).
2. Transfer to the second airport Don Mueang
- Getting around is very easy thanks to the Shuttle Bus, which operates reliably between the two airports. The bus is free, but you need to show proof of flight reservation from Don Mueang Airport (printed reservation is sufficient). The journey takes about 1 hour. The shuttle bus usually runs every half hour from the 2nd floor of the airport, at Gate 3. The bus does not go through the centre and the busiest arteries, so there should be no traffic jams.
Attention, it is important to check the departure times from Don Mueang and choose the arrival time to Thailand accordingly. Generally speaking, if the arrival time is, for example, 10:00, an hour later, if everything goes smoothly (immigration, picking up your bags, transferring, getting off the plane), you should stand with your luggage and wait for the shuttle. At 11:30 you should be on the bus and an hour later at Don Mueang airport. Here you just need to be an hour ahead of time, so you are about 2 hours away from your flight (if you chose the Nok Air option around 14-14:30, you will have more time with Air Asia, which flies around 15:30). The above applies in case there are no flight delays, delays in formalities or shuttle service. If you arrive later, there's still a chance you can make the second flight, but also a risk if something goes wrong. If you are in a time crunch, instead of taking the bus service between the airports and from Surat Thani to the ferry, you can use some fast taxis, but be prepared for an adrenaline rush and a dent in your wallet 🙂 .
4. Transfer from Suratthani Airport to Donsak Port
- Upon arrival you will collect your luggage and at the arrival hall you will be directed to the bus, which is included in the price of the ticket, again just show your reservation. The lobby is very small, so there is no need to worry about getting lost. The staff will be waiting for you, everything is taken care of perfectly. The bus ride to the port takes about 1.5 hours
5. Journey from Donsak Harbour to Koh Samui
- Now you are almost "home", just wait for the ferry, which is included in the price of the ticket and the bus will take you directly to it. The ferry runs every hour, so you'll only be waiting a few dozen minutes. It is a large boat that can hold passengers and vehicles, so it is very stable and safe. Depending on which airline you choose, the ferry will take you to either Nathon or Lipa Noi port. The journey takes about 1.5 hours. In total this journey takes about 5 hours, a difference of 3.5 hours compared to a direct flight. Of course, it is a more demanding option for transfers and transfers, but because everything is included in the ticket price and there is nothing to deal with on the spot, anyone can do it. The undeniable advantage is the price, this combination of transportation works out to 1500 Baht per person one way. For comparison the price of a flight from Bangkok to Samui is around 4-5000 Baht per person one way! Another advantage is that you can just book your trip to Koh Samui and purchase the return flight later, unless there are some holidays, there are almost always seats available.
How to book a trip from Don Mueang to Koh Samui?
- Transport to the island is provided by Nok Air, www.nokair.com and Air Asia, www.airasia.com
Tickets can be purchased on the website via the booking engine. The service to the island is called Fly N'Ferry by Nokair and Island transfer by Air Asia (pictures attached). It is possible to pay by card and booking is absolutely no problem. As I mentioned, it is important to arrive in Bangkok no later than around 9:00am as the flight from Don Mueang leaves no later than 2:00pm (approximately, times are subject to change). Alternatively, it is possible to stay one night in Bangkok at a hotel near Don Mueang airport (preferably in the Chatuchak area, from where it is possible to take a taxi to the airport in 20 minutes). Morning flights to Koh Samui start at 6:00 a.m.
Blue Ocean Siam Management Co.,LTD.
Responsible person:
Mgr. Jakub Šafránek
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