How to Get from Chumphon to Koh Samui
Compare ferry fares from about $36 and private transfers from Chumphon to Koh Samui, with departure times, travel times and tips for the crossing.
Photo: Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Contents
Chumphon is a gateway to the Gulf of Thailand islands, and many travelers pass through on their way south from Bangkok. The crossing to Koh Samui runs by catamaran, and the approach to the island, with its mountainous interior rising over turquoise water, is a highlight of the trip.
Chumphon to Koh Samui by Ferry
Lomprayah sells a combined bus or van and high-speed catamaran ticket from Chumphon railway station to Koh Samui (Pralarn Pier) with departures at 06:00 and 12:00. The fare is 1,350 baht (about $40). The morning trip reaches the pier around 11:30 and the afternoon trip around 17:30, and about an hour later if you take the transfer to your hotel. Pickup from hotels in Chumphon city leaves at 05:45 and 11:45.[1]
On booking platforms, ferry tickets cost about 1,200 to 1,350 baht (about $36 to $40) and the journey takes from about 4 hours, longer on some departures.[2]
Catamarans have air-conditioned seating and outdoor decks. The ride can be bumpy when swells are high, so sit low and near the middle if you are prone to seasickness. Keep your passport and electronics in a small daypack that stays with you.
Chumphon to Koh Samui by Private Transfer
A private van for up to 9 passengers costs about $261 on booking platforms (October 2026) and takes from about 7 hours, including the sea crossing. It suits groups and travelers with diving or camera gear, since the driver handles the logistics from Chumphon to your accommodation on Samui.[2]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry (catamaran with bus or van transfer) | 1,200 to 1,350 baht (about $36 to $40) | From 4h[2] |
| Private transfer (van) | About $261 | From 7h[2] |
Tips for Traveling from Chumphon to Koh Samui
- Book in advance: Around the Full Moon Party dates on neighboring Koh Phangan, boats fill up. Secure your ticket early.
- Expect rough water at times: The Gulf can get choppy, particularly in the monsoon transition months. Allow some slack in your plans.
- Arrive at the pier early: Leave enough time to check in your luggage and receive your boarding sticker.
- Protect yourself from the sun: The deck is windy and the sun reflects off the water. Wear sunscreen and a hat you can hold on to.
- Keep valuables with you: Larger suitcases are stacked in a common area and can catch some sea spray.
Timetable
| Taxi Chumphon - Koh Samui $ 260.54 7h | |
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| Ferry Chumphon - Koh Samui $ 35.53โ39.97 4h โ 7h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Chumphon to Koh Samui, including current prices and schedules.
The ferry, with tickets from about 1,200 baht (about $36) on booking platforms. Lomprayah's fare from Chumphon railway station to Samui is 1,350 baht.
A direct ferry, which can take from about 4 hours. The duration depends on the departure and on sea conditions.
About 4 to 7 hours by ferry, depending on the departure. A private van takes from about 7 hours.
Pack water and snacks for a trip of 4 to 7 hours, since onboard options can be limited.
Operators delay or cancel boats when the sea is too rough, so allow slack in your plans during the monsoon.
Lomprayah's service from Chumphon arrives at Pralarn Pier. Other operators use other piers, such as Nathon, so check your ticket and plan your onward ride.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Lomprayah: Timetable Lomprayah 2026 (update 25/08/69, PDF). Retrieved October 30, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go Timetable: Chumphon - Koh Samui. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.