Traveling from Surat Thani to Koh Samui can be a smooth and pleasant experience, especially when using Lomprayah High-Speed Ferries. This mode of transport is often considered the best way to reach the island due to its efficiency, convenience, and connections between various islands in the Gulf of Thailand, including Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. In this guide, we’ll explore why Lomprayah is the top choice, how to plan your journey, and what to expect along the way.
Why Lomprayah High-Speed Ferries Are the Best Choice
Lomprayah is widely regarded as the most efficient and reliable way to travel from Surat Thani to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Known for its high-speed catamarans, Lomprayah offers a faster and more comfortable experience compared to traditional ferries. The service is not limited to the Surat Thani-Koh Samui route; it also connects the neighboring islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, making it a comprehensive transport option for island hoppers.
The catamarans are designed for speed and comfort, cutting down travel time significantly. For example, the trip from Donsak Pier (near Surat Thani) to Koh Samui takes only about one hour, compared to the longer duration of traditional ferries. If you’re continuing to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao, the travel time extends to 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours 45 minutes, respectively. This is a great option for those who want to maximize their time on the islands without spending hours on slow ferry rides.
Convenience of Booking Tickets Online
One of the major advantages of Lomprayah is the ability to book tickets online. This is particularly beneficial during high season or around Full Moon Party dates on Koh Phangan, when the demand for ferry services skyrockets. By booking in advance, you can secure your spot and avoid the hassle of last-minute arrangements, which can be stressful due to large crowds.
Lomprayah’s online booking platform is user-friendly and allows travelers to choose their departure date and time with ease. The tickets from Surat Thani to Koh Samui include both the bus transfer from Surat Thani Airport or the railway station to Donsak Pier and the catamaran ride to your island destination. This streamlined process eliminates the need for multiple bookings, as Lomprayah handles everything from airport to pier, ensuring a hassle-free journey.
Flexible Ticket Changes
Another fantastic feature of Lomprayah’s service is the flexibility they offer with ticket changes. If your travel plans change, you are allowed one free modification to the date or time of your departure. This is especially useful for travelers whose schedules are uncertain or who might want to stay longer on one of the islands. However, keep in mind that if you need to make a second change, there will be a 30% fee based on the ticket price.
We booked the tickets from Surat Thani to Koh Samui couple of months in advance and had to change it once since our travel plans changed. We’ve sent the new details to their customer support email (info@lomprayah.com or customercare@lomprayah.com) and everything was sorted out smooth and fast.
While Lomprayah allows for these changes, refunds are not offered once a ticket has been purchased. Therefore, it’s important to finalize your decision before booking. This policy is in place to ensure that the boats run as efficiently as possible, given the high demand during peak times.
Seamless Journey from Surat Thani Airport to Koh Samui
Upon arrival at Surat Thani Airport, Lomprayah’s well-organized system ensures a smooth transition to your final destination. Before exiting the airport, you’ll find a Lomprayah counter where you can collect your pre-booked tickets. From there, you’ll be directed to the buses that take passengers to Donsak Pier. The buses are comfortable and the journey to the pier, which lasts about about 1.5 hour, is scenic and pleasant.
The Lomprayah staff is known for being helpful and efficient, guiding passengers at every step to ensure there is no confusion. Whether you’re new to the region or a seasoned traveler, the process is straightforward and intuitive. Upon reaching Donsak Pier, you’ll board the high-speed catamaran for the final leg of the journey to Koh Samui. Lomprayah’s attention to detail and seamless service makes it the top choice for this route.
Onboard Experience
Traveling by Lomprayah’s high-speed catamaran is both fast and comfortable. The interior is spacious with plenty of seating, and the ride is generally smooth. For those prone to seasickness, it’s recommended to sit towards the middle of the boat, where the movement is less noticeable. While the catamaran does occasionally experience delays—our personal experience saw delays of around 30 minutes—these are relatively minor and should be factored into your travel plans, especially if you have a connecting flight or another time-sensitive engagement.
During the ferry ride, passengers leave their larger luggage in a designated area. Upon arrival at your destination, the luggage is unloaded and passengers retrieve their bags before disembarking. This system is well-organized and helps streamline the boarding and unloading process.
Pricing and Discounts for Children
Lomprayah’s prices are competitive, particularly given the quality and speed of the service. As of the latest update, the fare for an adult from Surat Thani to Koh Samui is 850 THB, which includes both the bus transfer and the catamaran ride. For children under the age of 11, the ticket price is discounted by 50%, making it an affordable option for families traveling together.
Comprehensive Connections Beyond Koh Samui
Lomprayah’s network extends far beyond just Surat Thani and the islands. In addition to ferry services between Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, Lomprayah also provides bus transfers to major destinations on the mainland. After arriving at Donsak Pier, you can board buses heading to Surat Thani Airport, the railway station, and other regional hubs like Krabi, Phuket, Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport, and even as far as Bangkok, Chumphon, and Hua Hin.
This extensive network makes Lomprayah an excellent option for travelers who need flexibility in their travel plans, whether they’re arriving by plane, train, or car. The ability to easily connect between islands and mainland destinations without the hassle of coordinating multiple transport providers is a major advantage of using Lomprayah.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning to travel from Surat Thani to Koh Samui, Lomprayah High-Speed Ferries offer the best overall experience in terms of speed, comfort, and convenience. With the ability to book tickets online, flexible change policies, and seamless connections to other islands and mainland destinations, Lomprayah stands out as the top choice for travelers looking to explore the beauty of the Gulf of Thailand.
While there are occasional delays and the absence of refund policies can be a drawback, these are minor inconveniences compared to the overall efficiency and quality of service provided. Whether you’re heading to the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan or simply seeking a relaxing beach holiday on Koh Samui, Lomprayah ensures that you can travel with ease and comfort.
By planning ahead and making use of Lomprayah’s well-organized services, your journey between Surat Thani and Koh Samui will be a smooth and enjoyable part of your trip.
