Surat Thani Airport
The cheap way into Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, with budget flights from Bangkok and bus-and-ferry tickets sold in arrivals.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Open 24 hours daily
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.
Details
- Phone
- 077 441 230
Full opening hours
Surat Thani → Koh Samui
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About Surat Thani Airport
Surat Thani Airport is the budget gateway to the Gulf islands. Thai AirAsia, Nok Air and Thai Lion Air fly here from Don Mueang in about 1 hour 15, usually for a fraction of the direct fare to Koh Samui, and the combo counters in the arrivals hall sell one ticket for the coach or van to Donsak pier and the ferry across to Samui, with through tickets to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao as well.
The airport is west of Surat Thani town, and the drive to Donsak takes roughly an hour and a half. Raja Ferry, Phantip, Lomprayah and Boonsiri all sell airport departures, the earliest around 09:00 and the last around 16:00, landing on Samui by about 20:30. Taxis wait outside arrivals for a fare agreed in advance, and a minivan runs into town.
If your flight lands after about 16:00 you've usually missed the last combined ticket to the islands, so plan on a night in Surat Thani town and the first boats in the morning. Flying out, leave Samui on a morning boat for any flight before mid-afternoon.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
Stay within reach of Surat Thani Airport
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Surat Thani Airport, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
73, Tambon Hua Toei, Amphoe Phunphin
Open in Google MapsTips for Visiting Transportation
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.
Get a Rabbit Card for Bangkok
The Rabbit card is Bangkok's reloadable transit card for BTS Skytrain, and it also works at convenience stores and some restaurants. Buy one at any BTS station for 200 THB (100 deposit + 100 credit). It saves time queuing for single-journey tokens.
Surat Thani Airport: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surat Thani Airport worth visiting?
Surat Thani Airport holds a 4.1★ rating from 1,714 Google reviews — a strong rating for transportation in Koh Samui.
What are the opening hours of Surat Thani Airport?
Surat Thani Airport is open 24 hours a day — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Surat Thani Airport?
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 Surat Thani Airport located?
Surat Thani Airport is at 73, Tambon Hua Toei, Amphoe Phunphin, in Koh Samui. Getting around Koh Samui: Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road); Motorbike or scooter rental.
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