🔄 Updated 20 Jun 2026
Short answer: Surat Thani is the gateway to the Gulf islands. From the town or airport, transfer to a pier (usually Donsak), then ferry to Koh Samui in about 1.5 hours; Koh Phangan and Koh Tao continue from the same hub. Combined bus-and-ferry tickets are popular.
Your travel options
| Mode | Duration | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coach + ferry to Samui | ~2.5–3h total | ฿–฿฿ | Combined ticket from town/airport |
| Ferry to Koh Phangan | ~2.5–3.5h total | ฿฿ | From Donsak / via Samui |
| Ferry to Koh Tao | ~3–4h total | ฿฿ | Farthest of the three islands |
Which should you choose?
The easiest option is a combined bus-and-ferry ticket bought in Surat Thani town or at the airport — a coach takes you to the pier and the ferry is included. Check the last ferry of the day if you arrive in Surat Thani in the evening.
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