The Surat Thani–Koh Samui crossing is one of the Gulf's busiest ferry corridors, used by islanders, backpackers and resort guests alike. Ferries depart from Lomprayah Tapee Pier in Surat Thani city as well as from services connecting the train station and the airport. If you arrive by train or fly into Suratthani Airport, combined transfer-and-ferry tickets mean you step off one service and onto the next without a separate booking.
The sea crossing itself takes around 105 minutes, giving you time to settle in, catch some air on deck, and watch the Gulf coastline recede. Ferries arrive at Nathon Pier (the main car-ferry terminal on the west coast of Samui), Mae Nam Pier to the north, or Bangrak Pier near the resort-heavy northeast.
With 18 operators and departures spreading throughout the day from the early hours, this is the workhorse route into Samui. Tickets start from THB 408. High-speed catamaran services cover the crossing faster; car ferries carry vehicles. Check your departure pier when booking — Tapee Pier is a short distance from Surat Thani city centre.