About 4 hours · The island chain

Chumphon to Koh Samui

Ride the whole island chain in one sitting - Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, then Samui's palms rising out of the afternoon haze.

Part of the guides for: Chumphon · Koh Samui
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One long, beautiful crossing

The catamaran from Chumphon threads the entire Gulf chain - it is both transport and sightseeing tour. If seas are rough or times don't fit, the landward alternative via Surat Thani and the Donsak car ferry is steadier if longer.

The Big Buddha on Koh Samui
Transport

Tickets & connections

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Route at a glance

Chumphon to Koh Samui

  • Catamaran via both islands: about 4 hours
  • Lands at Nathon or Maenam on Samui
  • Alternative: back roads to Surat Thani + Donsak ferry
  • Combined mainland tickets cover this leg
Good to know

Good to know

  • Sit portside leaving Koh Tao for the best Phangan approach views.
  • Luggage is stacked below - keep electronics in a day bag with you.
  • High season: book this popular leg a few days out.
  • Nathon arrival? Songthaews circle the ring road to every beach.
Your options

Your options

Catamaran via Koh Tao & Phangan

About four hours with two island calls - stay on deck for the approaches. Morning departure recommended so delays never threaten your Samui evening.

Via Surat Thani instead

Bus or train down the coast, then the big Donsak ferries. Longer but more departures and calmer water in the monsoon months.

Break the journey

The same ticket price splits into stopovers - many travellers turn this leg into a week of three islands.

Travel guides

Travel guides

Step-by-step transport guides for this stretch of the Gulf coast.

Part of the guides for

Chumphon · Koh Samui