Thailand Guide

Getting around Koh Samui

Koh Samui is known for short airport hops and named boat piers rather than a rail grid, so sleep near the bay you will walk. Use a car after dark instead of a first-week scooter on the hills.

Back to Koh Samui
USM carsSongthaewsNamed piers
Getting around Koh Samui
Photo: Slyronit (CC BY-SA 4.0)
USM10 to 20 minutes to Chaweng
LomprayahBangrak or Maenam to Thong Sala about 30 minutes
SeatranAbout 45 minutes to Thong Sala
Island hopSongthaew or Grab; agree the fare
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USM to Chaweng is 10 to 20 minutes by car, and Bophut and Maenam run 15 to 25. Lamai is 20 to 30, and there is no useful songthaew from the terminal; book a Trip.com car or use the taxi board. Daytime songthaews link the east-coast road, and agree the fare before you climb in.

Boats to Koh Phangan leave named piers, and Lomprayah from Bangrak or Maenam to Thong Sala is about 30 minutes. Seatran is about 45, and a ticket that says Samui without a pier is not finished. Pair this page with Bangkok to Koh Samui, and skip a rented scooter on the first night.

Which hop for which job

  • USM car: First bags. Chaweng is 10 to 20 minutes.
  • Songthaew: East-coast day hops if you agree the fare.
  • Grab: After dark and luggage.
  • Lomprayah: Bangrak or Maenam to Thong Sala, about 30 minutes.
  • Seatran: About 45 minutes if the catamaran is sold out.

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Common questions

Bangrak or Maenam for Lomprayah?
Both run to Thong Sala in about 30 minutes. Write the pier on the ticket. Seatran is the 45-minute backup.
Can you scooter from USM at night?
No. Book a car. Learn the ring road in daylight if you already ride.