After spending one amazing week in Koh Samui we headed off to Phuket. We didn’t have a big budget for travelling in the South of Thailand, so we had to cut our expenses as much as possible. It’s not a secret that flights within Thailand, especially between southern cities are quite affordable. However we preferred to save those $200 which we would pay for 2 adult one way tickets and find a cheaper way to get to Phuket.
We already had an experience of long distance travel by bus in Thailand and it was quite good, so we thought why can’t we do it again, especially when the price is so attractive?! A couple of days of research gave us a feeling that travelling by bus to Phuket was not a good idea. Many comments on Tripadvisor, different forums and some blogs I found were not good. Some were saying that the trip was awful and they spent several hours just waiting for the bus in the middle of nowhere. Others claimed that they lost luggage, had a very uncomfortable tiring and long trip, or experienced very bad service. All these comments were written about different companies which provide trips from Koh Samui to Phuket, including Lomprayah.
Lomprayah High Speed Ferries is a famous enough company in Koh Samui and its been running the service for more than 13 years Its ferries shuttle between Koh Samui, Koh Phang, Koh-Tao, Chumporn, Donsak Pier etc. Though we found some bad reviews about this company, we decided to give it a try. You know how it is, there are always people who don’t like anything. It was the only company which looked more or less serious and had on its website all prices, timetable and an online booking service.
I have to say that we didn’t trust them at all and were really worried about how everything will go. We called them and asked some questions, they answered very clearly and they didn’t sound as if they were going to scam us. However it was not enough for us and we hopped on our scooter and drove to the Nathon Pier, the place from where all ferries depart and where Lomprayah company resides. We found friendly and helpful Thai ladies behind the window of the counter and they explained the procedure, told us to buy tickets 2 days before at the latest and ensured us that everything would be ok 🙂
We came back to the hotel and booked our tickets online (as buying online we could get the transfer from the hotel for free). The price of 1 adult ticket from Koh Samui to Phuket by ferry + bus is 650 baht ($21). I think prices change quite often and they also have web promotion prices, so check before you buy. Just for your information we bought our tickets on the 24th of March 2013.
So how was it? We set ourselves for the worst and were really surprised when we found:
- punctual and comfortable transfer service from the hotel
- just a 15 mins delay of the departure
- convenient and airconditioned catamaran
- our luggage was pretty safe, actually as it was always within the area of our vision
- exact 6 hours safe and comfortable trip by bus with one stop for some snacks and stretches (though they warn that due to the weather conditions there can be long delays)
- we had an airconditioned mini-bus, since there were only 10 of us. When there are more people they give you a big 2 level bus with a toilet (they say so).
We were very satisfied with our trip and would go again if we had the chance. The scenery is fantastic and roads are very good. It’s fun to cross the country by bus!
Have you used the Lomrayah service? Which means of transport do you choose to move from one city to another in Thailand? Please share your experience with us!
This was a great review…considering I just purchased tickets for the ferry/bus combo from Nathon Pier to Phuket. Thank you for sharing. Can you tell me where the bus drops off in Phuket? I’ve emailed Lomprayah but I’m still waiting for a response. Thanks again!
Hi Becca, thanks for your comment! When we asked Lomprayah this question, they said Phuket bus station, they said there is only one in Phuket. Not sure if it’s a true… We just asked the driver to stop on the road right after the heroines monument, since our friend picked us up. You can show a driver your map and he will show you where he can drop you off 🙂
I’m sure it’s in phuket town ,there are taxis there .ihave arrived there from Koa Sok,then got a taxi to Kata Beach for 400 baht,July last year
Hi there! I’m headed off to Thailand for my first time this December and am super excited 😀
Can you tell me what the name of the bus company was? Or was it also under the Lomprayah brand?
Hi! Yes, the bus was provided also by Lomprayah company. Enjoy your trip! I am sure it will be amazing! 🙂
I disagree I went on the same trip koh Samui to Phuket fast ferry to donsat the lady at booking agent told me modern bus to Phuket not so. Average bus from donsat to saratarni changed bus at saratarni to a crapy local bus picking up and dropping off locals bus was leaking fuel thought we would not make it. Those agents don’t tell you the truth.
Hi Alan, thanks for your comment. I won’t disagree with you, since that’s life and I think it’s normal to have different experiences, I am sorry that yours was not good.
We didn’t have any trouble with this company and we didn’t change our bus. We only had a stop to have some snacks and to visit the bathroom.
It’s good to be aware of the fact that the service of Lomprayah is not always proper. Like that we can be prepared and we can know what to expect. Before we took our decision to go by bus with this company, I read a lot of reviews and unfortunately not all of them were perfect. But the majority of the testimonials were quite fine.
We were lucky not to have any problem during our trip from Samui to Phuket. To all of you who are going to choose Lomprayah to travel from one island to another, I wish you the best of luck and happy travels!
We had this exact same issue when travelling in Oct 2013 – the bus was slow and took forever
Alan you used an agent you did not book directly with lomprayah. Agents well known trick is to book you on lomprayah catamaran then change over to government ‘panthip’ bus which is NOT an express serve but a local bus route with many stops and delays.they make their money in the price difference. The local bus is only 120 baht but you would be charged the several hundred baht to use lomprayah all the way.
If you use an agent there is guarantee at all you get lomprayah only buy from the office officially in nathon pier.
Hi Alyona,
I stubble across your blog and thank you for your experience. Can I please ask how long the trip took? I am planning to head over in February and my partner and I will be backpacking through Asia. We would like to travel from Phuket to Koh Samui, can you please tell us how long the trip will take and for some reason I can’t seem to flight “Phuket” as a section on the website, is it under a different name ?
Sorry I meant, Can’t seem to find “Phuket” as an option when visiting the Lomrayah homepage 🙂
Hi Loo! First of all thanks for stopping by! I would suggest to email them, and ask if they still have this destination, since I can’t find it myself now on their website. They used to have the destination Koh Samui – Phuket all the time, I don’t know why it’s not there anymore…maybe they changed their routes…Please email them, they reply within 1 day, maximum – 2 days. If I can help you in some way, please let me know!
Forgot to say: our trip took around 6 hours 🙂
Hi Alyona Thank you so much, i got information what i need now ::hug::
hey can u tell me that they charged u for the complete journey wid ur bus pick up n ferry. can u clarify a bit from where was d bus pick up n from where to where was the ferry… n time for travel for both..
Hi Punit. All the information you require is in the post. The price of 1 adult ticket from Koh Samui to Phuket by ferry + bus is 650 baht ($21). They picked us up from our hotel and brought us to Nathon Pier from where the ferry departed. The landing point on the mainland is Donsak, where we changed the ferry to the bus and went straight to Phuket. The whole trip took us around 6 hours.
Hi Alyona: Jimmy here, I be doing the same destination in January from Samui to Phuket. Just to confirm again. It is about 6 hours from hotel in Samui to jetty to bus to Phuket hotel.
Hi Jimmy, no, from the Nathon Pier to the bus stop in Phuket. When I said the whole trip took us 6 hours I meant the ferry and bus. Sorry, if I was not clear enough. Have a great trip! 🙂
Thank you nice article.
your next trip…Phuket is the best choice for you!!
I love here Surin Beach Hotel This hotel is very nice clean and the people are friendly. VERY nice hotel with helpful staff.
And I really love white sand, crystal clear waters at Surin Beach too.
Thank again.
Hi Alyona, Very informative site. Thanks for the information which will help my up-coming trip to Phuket
I’ll do my third trip there also in December this year, I can’t wait for it! Thank you for sharing all this information with us, it’s really helpful. I always booked a Lion Air plane first, and then looked up trains that will get me where I wanted. The bus trip sounds reliable, maybe I’ll try it this time 🙂
Thanks again! (Also, awesome photos you took 😉 )
Hi Alyona, As i have scuh a little time for the south of thailand, do you know if there is overnight transportation btw Koh Samui and Phuket?
Hi Elisa! Thanks for your question. Unfortunately I don’t know about that, I wish I could help you! Hope you will find some information about it. Best of luck!
Hi Alyona. Another great post! We will probably take all your suggestions here and do the same 🙂 Thanks for making it easier! Anna
Hi Anna! Thank you for your comments. I am glad to be helpful 🙂
Hi Alyona, whole trip took 6 hours the ferry and bus and 650baht? u buy the ticket online or u buy when u are in Koh Samui?
Hi Daniel. Yes, the whole trip took 6 hours and cost us 650 baht. We bought our tickets online, yes.
thx ya..
Hi Alyona,
We are gonna take same ride Saturday coming! Thanks for great post!
Anna
You’re welcome, Anna. Hope your trip will be good!
Hi Alyona ,
I am Planning to Visit Thailand at around 10th June to 18th June , We are couple with 2 Kids , Can you suggest me an Itenerary for my trip.
Thanks
Hello Akash,
Thanks for stopping by. I am afraid it will be difficult to suggest something particular for you since I don’t know what you are after and what your plans are. I am sure if you go to Phuket or Koh Samui or any other Thai island, you and your family will enjoy it. Just check about the weather, as it can be the rainy season in some parts of the country. Happy travels!
Hi Aloyna,
Hi Alyona, Hope you are doing well. Thanks for your nice review and opinion. I want to travel from Koh Samui to Phuket in coming month. I just want to ask you how much time I need to travel in Ferry and How much time in Bus? What is the departure time from Koh Samui to Phuket? Is ferry safe and sound?
Thanks.
Hey! The ferry is very safe, at least that was what we felt. You need to check the departure time online or in the port, since it could have changed. The whole trip took around 6 hours (we traveled approximately 45 mins by ferry).
Hi Alyona
we are gonna travel from bangkok to koh samui. Could pls help us how to go abt and which company bus n ferry it should be best to travel in ?
Thanks
HI Alyona
we are travelling ffrom bangkok to koh samui. Could you pls help us how to go abt and which company bus and ferry it should be best to travel with?
FATEMA
Hi Fatima, I am sorry, but I can’t help with that. We went to Koh Samui by plane, with Bangkok Airways. The flight was very cheap and fast. I didn’t research about bus or ferry. Sorry.
Hey Alyona,hope your well. I will be in koh samui next week hopefully. A months holiday I plan.. Think I will stay in koh samui for a week then on to Phuket.. I can’t see the ferry/bus one that you recommended, I came across samuipedia for b650. Are they any good. Thank you, patrick
Hi Patrick,
I am sorry you can’t find the service I recommended here. Maybe they changed their routes… I can’t really say anything about Samuipedia, since I didn’t use any of their services. Try to find some reviews about this company. Wish you a great month in Thailand!
Thanx for the info alyona
Thanks for the information, I had the same reservations about booking the trip. Will be there in June/July this year, and will comment with our experience.
You are welcome Justin. Have a nice trip and you are welcome to share your experience here 🙂
Hi, I’ve done some research and the reviews seem like this service is the best way to get from Koh Samui to Phuket! I am really nervous about it however because I’m prone to seasickness! Did people seem to be seasick on your journey? And was it quite a rocky journey? I feel like this is the only option to travel between the 2 🙁
Hi Sam! Sorry for my delayed reply! Don’t even worry about it, you won’t feel anything, it’s like being on a bus, or even smoother! 🙂
Hi! Thanks for the info. On the way to Phuket advise you to visit Krabi is a wonderful place for those who love to climb on rocks
Hi! We need to get from Koh Samui to Phuket Airport for a 2AM flight. Does the bus stop at the airport or does it only stop at the bus station in phuket? Thanks.
Hi! I am really not sure about it. But as far as I remember it stops only at a bus station. You need to check about it with the company though. Have a good trip!
Can you go from Koh Samui to Phuket by high speed ferry only?good/bad points/price ?
No one has said they have done so,but there is a ferry……or Am I reading it wrong?
Hello Mark, I don’t think it’s possible, as it would be a very long trip 🙂 You would have to go all the way around Malaysia and Singapore. I am sure there are cruises that follow such routes. When they say from Samui to Phuket by ferry, it always involves a bus trip, as you have to cross the mainland. Cheers!
Hi
I read your blog and next month I will be traveling alone from Phuket-Koh Samui. I was just wondering if it is safe for a woman on the bus and ferry? Also did you feel safe with your luggage?
Thanks
Hi Garima, thanks for stopping by. I think it’s safe. I was never alone, always with my husband so it’s a bit difficult to say for sure, but we always felt very safe in Thailand and never had any problem. The same goes for the ferry and the bus. It was a very easy trip, I don’t think you should worry about it. Our luggage was perfectly safe either, we didn’t have any issues with it. I hope it helps. I wish you safe travels and good luck!