Getting There & Away: Ko Samet

Air Travel Gateways

Major Airports for Ko Samet

The closest major international airports serve as your gateway to the region.

Bangkok & U-Tapao

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK): Main international gateway. Approximately 2.5-3 hours drive from Ban Phe Pier. Connects to a vast global network.
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK): Bangkok's second airport, for low-cost carriers. About 3 hours drive from Ban Phe Pier.
U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport (UTP): Closer to Ban Phe Pier (1-1.5 hours drive). Serves domestic and some international routes (e.g., from China, Russia, Malaysia). Most direct route to Rayong.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Expect comprehensive services at major airports. Transfer from the airport to Ban Phe Pier for your onward journey.

Amenities & Pier Access

BKK and DMK: Extensive duty-free shopping, restaurants, cafes, lounges, currency exchange, SIM card vendors, car rental desks, ground transportation.
Transfers (BKK/DMK to Ban Phe): Private taxi (THB 2,000-3,000, 2.5-3 hrs). Bus (THB 180-250, 3.5-4 hrs from Ekkamai/Morchit Bus Terminal). Minivan (THB 300-500, 3-4 hrs).
Transfers (UTP to Ban Phe): Taxi/Grab (THB 600-800, 1-1.5 hrs). Cheaper local options are available.

Airlines & Routes

Many international airlines serve BKK and DMK. UTP mainly features Thai Lion Air, AirAsia, and Bangkok Airways for domestic and some regional international routes. Direct flights to Bangkok (BKK) are available from major global hubs. U-Tapao has fewer direct international connections.

Seasonal Flight Prices

Flight prices to Bangkok are generally highest during peak season (November-February) and major holidays (Christmas, New Year, Songkran). Booking well in advance usually secures better rates. Low season (July-September) often sees lower flight prices.

Flight Deals

Consider services like Dollar Flight Club for flight deals. Search for flights using Skyscanner for comprehensive options.

Land Transportation to Ban Phe

Bus Options from Bangkok & Pattaya

From Bangkok: Ekkamai Bus Terminal (Eastern Bus Terminal) has frequent and convenient bus services to Ban Phe Pier (Cherdchai Tour). Buses depart roughly every hour (07:00-20:30). Morchit Bus Terminal also has services to Rayong City, requiring an extra transfer to Ban Phe.
From Pattaya: Minivans and buses are available from Pattaya to Ban Phe Pier.
Price: Approximately THB 180-250 for a standard bus ticket from Bangkok to Ban Phe.
Duration: The bus journey from Bangkok to Ban Phe takes approximately 3.5-4 hours, depending on traffic.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Requirements: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is legally necessary alongside your national driver's license. Without an IDP, your insurance may be invalid, and fines may occur. Obtain your IDP before leaving your home country.
Conditions: Roads from Bangkok to Rayong and Ban Phe are generally well-maintained highways. Traffic in Bangkok can be heavy.
Parking: Paid parking lots are available near Ban Phe Pier (e.g., Sri Ban Phe Parking) for overnight or multi-day parking (THB 50-100 per day).
Safety: Thai driving style can appear aggressive; defensive driving is advised. Remain alert for sudden stops, lane changes, and motorcycles. Road rules are not always strictly followed by all drivers. Exercise extreme caution. Consider DiscoverCars.com for rentals.

Sea Arrivals to Ko Samet

Ferry Services

Ferries and speedboats depart from various piers in Ban Phe, Rayong, with Ban Phe Pier (Nuanthip Pier or Sri Ban Phe Pier) being the most common. Boats arrive at Nadan Pier (main pier) and other beaches like Ao Wong Duean and Ao Prao. Public ferries (slow boats) take 30-45 mins, THB 70-100 one way. Speedboats take 15-25 mins, THB 200-350 one way.

Operating Hours & Types

Ferries typically run from early morning (around 6 AM) until late afternoon or early evening (around 6 PM), with speedboats often running later. Check specific pier schedules. Public ferries are large and stable. Speedboats are faster and can often drop directly at various beaches.

Onward Connections

At Ban Phe Pier, various land transport options await for onward travel (buses to Bangkok, minivans to Pattaya, songthaews, taxis). On Ko Samet, songthaews are readily available at Nadan Pier to take visitors to accommodations.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures & Timing

Plan your departure from Ko Samet and Thailand with sufficient time.

From Island to Airport

From Ko Samet: Take a ferry or speedboat from Ko Samet to Ban Phe at least 1.5-2 hours before your departure from Ban Phe for the airport or bus terminal.
To BKK/DMK: Total travel time from Ko Samet to these airports should be around 6-8 hours, including airport check-in (2-3 hours for international flights).
To UTP: Total travel time from Ko Samet to UTP should be around 4-5 hours, including airport check-in.

Airport & Station Facilities

Facilities vary by location for departing travelers.

Amenities at Departure Points

BKK/DMK: Full range of facilities, including restaurants, shops, and lounges.
UTP: More limited facilities compared to Bangkok airports, but functional for departures.
Ban Phe Pier: Basic waiting areas, ticket counters, small shops, and restaurants, sufficient for awaiting your ferry.

Important Considerations for Departure

No specific exit fees or taxes apply for departing Thailand by air beyond what is typically included in your airfare. The national park fee is paid upon arrival on Ko Samet and covers entry, not exit.

Final Travel Tips

Double-check your flight or bus departure times and allow extra buffer time for potential traffic or transport delays.
Confirm any pre-arranged transfers from your accommodation on Ko Samet to Nadan Pier.
Keep some local currency for last-minute purchases or unexpected expenses before leaving.

Navigation Note:

No direct train service reaches Rayong or Ban Phe. The closest major train station would be in Pattaya, which would then require onward bus or taxi travel to Ban Phe. Given the alternatives, train travel is generally not a practical option for reaching Ko Samet. Border crossings are not applicable for direct travel to Ko Samet, as it is an island within Thailand.

Getting There & Away