How Travel From Krabi To Koh Samui: VAN & FERRY.

Traveling between Thai provinces can be intimidating at times, but with this guide on how to navigate the journey from Krabi to Koh Samui, we can make your experience smooth sailing. Let’s get right into it!

How we booked: 

We booked this service through 12.goasia. A site we often use when booking travel between Thai provinces. It is convenient, well-written, and easy to navigate as someone who comes from the USA. Of course, there will be a few hiccups, especially if you are not fluent in Thai, but overall we’d recommend starting here when traveling between Thai provinces. 

Although we opted for the Bus and Ferry route, this site gives you the option to also travel by plane and taxi for this specific journey.

After selecting your preferred date of transport and transport style, you can then filter your options by departure time, price, etc.

The Process:

Day 1: 

The day starts with a direct van transfer from your hotel if that is the option you’ve selected. This was the most convenient for us, as the alternative is figuring out a ride to the Krabi Bus Station. Once, at the station, your driver will purchase your ticket for your next van which will take you on the long journey to the ferry. 

NOTE: It can all seem a bit overwhelming or like there is a lack of communication as you sit there at the terminal waiting for your next van (which no one told you that you were switching to), but when the time came the Thai locals were always there to help and assist us onto the next phase of the trip. 

Krabi Bus Terminal

You’ll then get on your “permanent” van and take the 2+ hour journey from the Krabi Bus Station to the Ferry Pier. The driver will stop for bathroom breaks and allowed us to buy snacks from the food stalls. After about a 2 hour drive, we arrived in the town of Surat Thani where we opted to stay the night at an accommodation instead of continuing straight to the ferry. If booked again, we would definitely finish the journey as there isn't much to see, do, or eat once there. 

Day 2: 

In the morning we walked about a block from our hotel to what I would consider a station and caught a Seatran Van to the Ferry Pier.  At the ferry pier, you must show your reservation from 12.goasia to get your ferry ticket.

After that is SMOOTH SAILING (all pun intended!)

The Ferry: 

The ferry itself was nothing short of amazing. It was airconditioned, well maintained, and very clean. There is a small store onboard that allows for snack purchase, and you can select whatever seat you’d like (within your class selection). We were originally unaware of this, but it seemed like there was a “First class” section that you needed access to. THe only difference in our opinion was the view from the front of the ferry. 

Overall: 

We’d definitely take on this journey again in the future. The process is straightforward and now that you have this guide it is even easier for you!