Koh Samui

Pad Mc · #1 28-07-2006, 03:58

Done some searching on this, but not much info...

Just wondering about the various routes that can be taken from Patong/Phuket to Samui? I hope to go Overland/Sea for a few days in mid september.
I know there are regular flights to the island, but i'm interested in the overland route and any BM's that may have traveled it?

How long does the overland journey take? Since its monsoon/low season are less boats or ferrys going?

Any info greatly appreciated.

Padraig.

LivinLOS · #2 28-07-2006, 08:13

Theres a ferry boat that goes over to donsak and a slightly faster passenger boat that ends up at a different port..

From there you have busses to phuket but 9 out of 10 times they drop you in Surat Thani for a change of bus and I have been left (angry) waiting for hours in Surat. There is a direct bus but I never know which one it is and travel agents all lie and say 'yes this is direct' and then you find out its not.

The Surat bus takes about 5 - 6 hours I think.. It could probably be driven in 5 hours direct to donsak but I think with changes etc you look at 6 hours. Basically early pickup.. Crowded bus.. Wait at Surat (usually).. Wait at ferry.. 1.5 hour or so ferry.. Then connect from Samui ferry drop to Samui Hotel.. Takes nearly all day.. If your on vacation I would say fly.. If your going to Koh Phan Gan (as I more often am) though you can take a ferry there so it saves transiting Samui..

The overland route is nice enough to look at (I especially like Phang Nga and Krabi) but your in a crowded bus and you dont get to appreciate it.

Pad Mc · #3 29-07-2006, 21:21

Cheers for the Info LivinLOS.

I may follow this advice as it will give me more time in Samui/koh Phangan. I only intend to stay 3 or 4 days between the two islands. No point in wasting it on a bus, when theres probably plenty of cool places to see while i'm there.

31 days and counting...