Big Buddha pier
This is a transit point first and foremost. Boats leave from here for destinations around the gulf, and the pier does its job without much fuss. What makes it more pleasant than most departure points is the setting: sit with a cold mango smoothie from one of the vendors and watch the water while you wait. Tickets can be bought on the spot, and morning departures are the ones to aim for, both for availability and for a quieter crossing.
The Big Buddha statue itself is right there, which is why most people end up at this stretch of coast in the first place. Half an hour covers it properly. There's another temple with a smiling Buddha about ten minutes' drive away if you've got time to fill before a boat.
One flag from the reviews: phone service from at least one operator here has been curt to the point of rude, with calls cut short. Worth booking in person if you'd rather not deal with that.
What's Near Big Buddha pier
Top-rated places within walking distance — tap any card for photos, reviews, and directions.
Sabienglae, Bang Rak Beach
Beachfront restaurant on Bang Rak Beach, Koh Samui, open daily 10am–10pm with strong local and tourist reputation.
P&T Guesthouse & Restaurant
Budget guesthouse and restaurant in Bophut, Koh Samui, open daily with helpful staff and affordable on-site dining.
Independence Yacht Charter
Premium yacht charter service offering private sailing experiences around Koh Samui's stunning island waters.
Private Speed Boat For You - Koh Samui
Private speedboat tours from Koh Samui to Ang Thong Marine Park and beyond, with dedicated crew.
Chantara Junk Boat
A traditional Burmese junk boat tour departing from Bo Put, Koh Samui, offering island cruises with food and hotel transfers.
The Privilege Hotel Ezra
Beachfront resort on Koh Samui's Bangrak Beach offering rooms, suites, villas, a pool, spa, and nightly entertainment.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Big Buddha pier, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Really big :) I was thinking like another Buddha to see but if you can allocate half an hour it worth going there. Also the other temple with smiling buddha in 10 minutes drive.
beautiful space to wait for the ferry while sipping on a cold mango smoothie
The male employee's service was very bad. Before we could finish talking, he hung up on us. Shouldn't we have finished talking first? The service was very bad. I intended to go with this company, but the employee's service was not good enough. All the customers were lost like this.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 292 reviews on Google.
Also Popular in Koh Samui
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Samui (Soi 1 Branch)
Ethical elephant sanctuary in Maenam offering daily hands-on encounters with rescued elephants in a jungle setting.
Wat Phra Yai
A iconic gilded Buddha statue from 1972 sits atop a hilltop temple complex with panoramic sea views.
Central Samui
Koh Samui's largest mall, with indoor and open-air wings, international brands, a food court, and a staffed children's play area.
Hin Ta Hin Yai
Free-entry coastal rock formations on Lamai Beach, famous for their striking natural shapes and scenic ocean views.
Big Buddha pier: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Big Buddha pier worth visiting?
Big Buddha pier holds a 4.3★ rating from 292 Google reviews — a strong rating for transportation in Koh Samui.
When is the best time to visit Big Buddha pier?
The best months to visit Koh Samui are January – August, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in July – August & December — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon).
Where is Big Buddha pier located?
Big Buddha pier is at H354+F8Q, Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand, in Koh Samui. Getting around Koh Samui: Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road); Motorbike or scooter rental.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
January – August
Avoid: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon)
Rainy season
October – December
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: July – August & December
Getting there
Koh Samui Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok and regional hubs (Bangkok Airways monopoly). The ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs and it's cheaper.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas
Surat Thani → Koh Samui
Book trains, buses & ferries across Thailand
Compare the sleeper train, VIP buses, ferries, and budget flights side by side — live seat availability and instant e-tickets, in English.
Sponsored link — we may earn a small commission when you book, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Where to stay near Big Buddha pier
Find hotels in Koh Samui on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Tips for Visiting Transportation
Take the Sleeper Train at Least Once
The Bangkok-to-Chiang Mai overnight train in a second-class sleeper berth is a bucket-list experience. Book at least a week ahead via 12Go.asia or at Hua Lamphong station. Upper berths are cheaper and have more headroom; lower berths have a window.
Use Grab Everywhere
Grab is the Uber of Southeast Asia and works across Thailand for cars, motorbike taxis, and even tuk-tuks in some cities. It eliminates haggling and provides fare estimates upfront. Load a Thai SIM or use eSIM to stay connected.
Rent Scooters Carefully
Always photograph the scooter's existing damage before riding off, and keep your passport — give a photocopy instead (some shops insist on the original; avoid these). Wear a helmet; police fine 500 THB for no helmet and accidents without one void insurance.
Similar Transportation Across Thailand
Bali Hai Pier
Take the 30-baht ferry, not the speedboat, unless you fancy paying for a tuk-tuk at the other end.
Ao Ton Sai Pier
The main ferry hub for Phi Phi Island, connecting travellers to Krabi, Phuket, and beyond.
Krabi International Airport
Krabi's compact international gateway serving both domestic and international flights with clean facilities.
Mae Fah Luang - Chiang Rai International Airport
Chiang Rai's compact international airport offering domestic and international flights with a calm, easy-to-navigate experience.
Surat Thani → Koh Samui
Book trains, buses & ferries across Thailand
Compare the sleeper train, VIP buses, ferries, and budget flights side by side — live seat availability and instant e-tickets, in English.
Sponsored link — we may earn a small commission when you book, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Where to stay near Big Buddha pier
Find hotels in Koh Samui on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
January – August
Avoid: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon)
Rainy season
October – December
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: July – August & December
Getting there
Koh Samui Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok and regional hubs (Bangkok Airways monopoly). The ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs and it's cheaper.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas