How to get to Koh Samet from Bangkok

Checked October 2026. Schedules and prices change often; treat them as a guide and confirm locally.

The short version

Travel from Bangkok to Ban Phe in Rayong (about 3–3.5 hours by road), take a ferry (about 30–45 minutes) or a speedboat (about 10–20 minutes) to Na Dan Pier on Koh Samet, pay the national park entry fee on the island, and you are there. Leaving Bangkok in the morning, you can be on the beach by early afternoon.

Step 1: Bangkok to Ban Phe

By bus or minivan: the classic departure point is Ekkamai, Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal, with buses and minivans to Ban Phe throughout the day; the trip takes about 3–3.5 hours depending on traffic. Some bus companies also run from Mo Chit, and several sell combination tickets including the ferry. Victory Monument is no longer the main minivan hub.

From Suvarnabhumi Airport: there are direct minivans towards Ban Phe, which is handy if you land in the morning.

By car or taxi: a private transfer or taxi takes you door to door to the pier. It is the most comfortable option for families or groups and lets you choose your departure time.

Step 2: choose your pier and boat

Ban Phe is a small town with several piers about a kilometre apart, among them the Municipal pier, Nuan Thip, Ban Phe, Chok Krisada, Samed and Sri Ban Phe. Your bus or minivan will usually drop you at, or close to, the pier it works with.

• Ferry (slow boat): about 30–45 minutes to Na Dan Pier. In October 2026 the Nuan Thip big boat cost 70 THB one way or 120 THB return; other operators quote roughly 50–150 THB.
• Shared speedboat: about 10–20 minutes, roughly 150–400 THB per person, running from about 08:00 until late afternoon or early evening.
• Private speedboat: around 1,800–2,500 THB for the boat, useful for groups or late arrivals.

Step 3: arriving on Koh Samet

Most boats arrive at Na Dan Pier, the island’s main pier, where a small pier fee (20 THB per person) is charged. Koh Samet is part of Khao Laem Ya – Mu Ko Samet National Park, and visitors pay an entry fee: 200 THB for foreign adults and 100 THB for children (Thai nationals pay less). Pay only official park staff and keep your ticket.

From Na Dan, green songthaews (shared pickup taxis) wait to take you to the beaches. TipThong Hut is about 820 m from the pier, close to Sai Kaew Beach, so it is a short ride or an easy walk if you travel light.

Useful tips

• Leave Bangkok early: the last speedboats and ferries run in the late afternoon and early evening.
• Bring some cash: there are ATMs on the island (near Na Dan Pier and Sai Kaew), but small fees are paid in cash.
• Plastic bags and foam boxes are not allowed on Koh Samet, so bring a reusable bag.
• Seas can be rougher in the rainy season (roughly May to October); the ferry is steadier than a speedboat.
• Coming from U-Tapao Airport (about 52 km away)? A taxi or transfer to Ban Phe is the quickest option.

More Koh Samet guides

• The best beaches on Koh Samet
• Where to stay on Koh Samet
• Koh Samet Guide