MAINLAND TO SAMUI FERRY CROSSING
There are invariably a couple of hours in total wasted from waiting around. Don Sak is the busiest and closest to Samui but is a 30 minute drive away, while there are also boats from Ao Ban Don and Tha Thong which is closer to Surat Thani town. Khanom is miles away and rarely used. In reality the travel agents in Surat Thani can arrange you transfer and ticket on the next available ferry, but enquire with more than one to ensure they have got it right. Tickets can also be purchased at our office 'Tropical Easy' in Maenam. Ferries are all slow and take about 2.5 hours, but the night sailing takes six hours. Almost all ferries arrive at Nathon town on the west of the island where you will find numerous forms of transport waiting to take you to the beach of your choice.
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The boat situation is slightly more complicated as there are four ferry ports on the main land and three on Samui, but the important thing is there are frequent departures in both directions. The price and travel time can vary hugely depending on the boat taken, but the range is from two and a half to six hours and around 150-350 baht. If you opt for the combination train-boat or bus-boat ticket this will be included in your fare, with someone to meet you at the station in Surat Thani and arrange the shuttle transfer.
There are invariably a couple of hours in total wasted from waiting around. Don Sak is the busiest and closest to Samui but is a 30 minute drive away, while there are also boats from Ao Ban Don and Tha Thong which is closer to Surat Thani town. Khanom is miles away and rarely used. In reality the travel agents in Surat Thani can arrange you transfer and ticket on the next available ferry, but enquire with more than one to ensure they have got it right. Tickets can also be purchased at our office 'Tropical Easy' in Maenam. Ferries are all slow and take about 2.5 hours, but the night sailing takes six hours. Almost all ferries arrive at Nathon town on the west of the island where you will find numerous forms of transport waiting to take you to the beach of your choice.
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