Koh Samui has its own international airport, so getting here is easy: fly directly to Samui, or take the budget route via Surat Thani and the ferry. This guide covers the fastest and most economical ways to reach our beach spots — Lamai Beach (December–April) and Nathon Beach (May–October).
📖 8 min read · Updated May 2026 · By Sergei Sharvarok · Founder & Head Instructor
Getting to Koh Samui
| Route | Duration | Approx Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok → Samui International Airport (USM) | ~1h flight | Varies by season | Fastest; Bangkok Airways / Thai Airways |
| Asian hubs (e.g. Singapore, Hong Kong) → USM | Direct flights | Varies | Skip Bangkok |
| Bangkok → Surat Thani → bus → Donsak → ferry to Nathon | Flight + bus + ~1–1.5h ferry | Budget option | Cheapest, slower overall |
| Koh Phangan → Koh Samui | ~30 min speedboat / catamaran | Varies | Lomprayah and others |
Ferries and Airport Transfers
If you take the budget route, car and passenger ferries run from Donsak (near Surat Thani) to Nathon, the island's administrative town and main ferry pier; the crossing takes about 1–1.5 hours. Combined bus + ferry tickets are sold at Surat Thani airport and in town. From the neighbouring island Koh Phangan, speedboats and catamarans (Lomprayah and others) take about 30 minutes.
From Samui International Airport it is about 30 minutes by car to Lamai (our December–April spot) and about 40 minutes to Nathon (our May–October spot). Taxis are available at the airport, and Grab/Bolt work on the island. If you arrive by ferry at Nathon pier, the Nathon beach spot is right next to town, and Lamai is a 30–40 minute drive.
Getting Around the Island
- Scooter rental — The most flexible way to get around. The ring road around the island is paved, but traffic can be busy — only ride if you are experienced, always wear a helmet and make sure you have the right licence and insurance.
- Taxi and Grab/Bolt — Taxis are available around the island; agree the price before you get in. Grab and Bolt apps also work on Koh Samui and show the fare up front.
- Songthaew (shared pickup truck) — Runs along the main ring road around the island. Slower, but a cheap way to get between Lamai, Chaweng, Nathon and other areas.
- Walking — If you stay in Lamai (December–April) or Nathon (May–October) near the beach, you can often walk to your lessons and do not need a scooter for daily sessions.
Practical Information
SIM card: buy a tourist SIM or eSIM at the airport on arrival (in Bangkok or at Samui) or at phone shops on the island. AIS, DTAC and TrueMove all have good 4G/5G coverage in the main areas of Koh Samui.
ATMs: easy to find in Lamai, Nathon, Chaweng and around the island; most accept international cards but charge a withdrawal fee. Currency exchange booths in the main tourist areas often give better rates for cash.
Arrange accommodation and lessons before arrival, and check which beach spot the school is using on your dates — Lamai (December–April) or Nathon (May–October). Staying near the current spot makes daily sessions much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
For speed and convenience: fly from Bangkok directly to Samui International Airport (about 1 hour, Bangkok Airways or Thai Airways), then take a taxi to your accommodation — about 30 minutes to Lamai. For budget: fly to Surat Thani, then take a bus to Donsak and the ferry to Nathon (about 1–1.5 hours on the ferry).
Citizens of most Western countries (EU, US, UK, Australia) receive a 30-day visa exemption on arrival. Some nationalities require a tourist visa in advance. Check the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for current visa requirements for your passport. Visa exemptions can usually be extended at the immigration office on Koh Samui — check current rules.
Yes. Samui International Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok (about 1 hour, Bangkok Airways / Thai Airways) and from some Asian hubs such as Singapore and Hong Kong. The budget alternative is to fly to Surat Thani on the mainland and continue by bus and ferry to Nathon.
It depends a lot on your accommodation and eating habits — Koh Samui has options from simple guesthouses to luxury resorts. Lamai and Nathon tend to be better value than Chaweng. Add lesson costs (5,000–20,000 THB per course) separately, and ask us for budget tips when you plan your trip.
Plan Your Koh Samui Kite Trip
IKO-certified lessons at Lamai (Dec–Apr) and Nathon (May–Oct). WhatsApp us to plan your visit.
Book Now →Koh Samui travel guide 2026. How to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui (direct flight to Samui International Airport, or fly to Surat Thani + bus + ferry from Donsak to Nathon), island transport, SIM cards, ATMs. Contact Kite Club Koh Samui via WhatsApp +66 99 312 9042.