By Hotels Guide Thailand editorial team
How to get from Bangkok to Thailand's islands
Flights, trains, buses and ferries from Bangkok to Phuket, Krabi, Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Tao, Ko Samet and Ko Chang compared.
Thailand’s islands are reached from Bangkok by a combination of planes, trains, buses and boats. The fastest option is almost always a flight, but overland routes can be cheaper and are part of the adventure.
Summary
| Destination | Fastest | Overland option |
|---|---|---|
| Phuket | Direct flight to Phuket (about 1 h 20 min) | Overnight bus |
| Krabi, Ao Nang, Railay | Direct flight to Krabi | Overnight bus or train to Surat Thani, then bus |
| Ko Lanta | Flight to Krabi, then minivan with car ferries | Same as Krabi |
| Ko Phi Phi | Flight to Phuket or Krabi, then ferry | — |
| Ko Samui | Direct flight to Samui | Train or bus to Surat Thani, then ferry from Don Sak |
| Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Tao | Flight to Samui, then ferry | Train or bus to Chumphon or Surat Thani, then ferry |
| Ko Samet | — | Bus to Ban Phe (3–4 h), then ferry |
| Ko Chang | Flight to Trat, then car ferry | Bus to Trat (5–6 h), then car ferry |
Flying
Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani, Ko Samui and Trat all have flights from Bangkok. Most full-service flights use Suvarnabhumi (BKK); many low-cost flights use Don Mueang (DMK). Allow plenty of time if you need to transfer between the two airports, which are about an hour apart by road.
Combined tickets
“Joint tickets” combine a bus or train with a ferry on a single booking, for example from Bangkok to Ko Tao via Chumphon or to Ko Samui via Surat Thani. They are convenient and inexpensive, though slower than flying.
The overnight train
The State Railway of Thailand runs sleeper trains from Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to the south, stopping at Chumphon and Surat Thani. Second-class sleeper berths are comfortable and good value. Book ahead in the high season and around holidays.
Tips
- In the monsoon season, ferries can be delayed or cancelled. Leave a buffer day before an international flight.
- Check which pier your ferry leaves from; many towns have more than one.
- For Ko Samet and Ko Chang, avoid travelling on Friday evenings and Thai public holidays, when traffic from Bangkok is heavy.