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Koh Samui's beaches and palm groves lie a ferry ride and a long drive from Khao Sok National Park, the largest tropical rainforest area in southern Thailand, with limestone karsts known as the Guilin of Thailand rising from the lake.[1] The trip crosses the Gulf of Thailand by ferry and then goes inland by road.
Koh Samui to Khao Sok by Ferry and Minivan
Car ferries cross from Donsak on the mainland to Koh Samui (Lipa Noi) every hour from 05:00 to 19:00, a crossing of about 1 hour 30 minutes.[2] From the mainland, minivans run from Surat Thani (Talat Kaset 2) to the park every hour from 07:30 to 17:30 and take about 2 hours 30 minutes.[3] The ferry, the pier and the minivan are separate legs, so allow a full day and leave early.
Koh Samui to Khao Sok by Private Transfer
A private transfer covers the ferry and the drive in one booking and puts you at the door of your lodge or the park. On booking platforms prices run from about $205 to about $257 (October 2026), and the whole trip is quoted from about 8 hours.[4]
Arriving in Khao Sok
The park headquarters lie on Highway 401 between Surat Thani and Takua Pa; from Surat Thani it is about 127 km to the Khao Sok junction, then 1.9 km to the headquarters. The mountain zone entry fee for foreign adults is 200 baht and the Ratchaprapha Dam zone is 300 baht; if you visit both zones the same day you pay once at the higher rate.[3] Lake boats leave from Ratchaprapha Pier, about 1 hour from Khao Sok, and are arranged in advance.[5]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry, then minivan | Two separate tickets | About 1h 30m by ferry,[2] then about 2h 30m by minivan from Surat Thani[3] |
| Private transfer | About $205 to $257 | From about 8h[4] |
Tips for Traveling from Koh Samui to Khao Sok
Timetable
| Taxi Koh Samui - Khao Sok $ 205.18–257.29 8h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Koh Samui to Khao Sok, including current prices and schedules.
Take the car ferry from Koh Samui to Donsak, then continue by road to Khao Sok, by minivan from Surat Thani or in a private transfer that covers the whole trip.
The ferry takes about 1 hour 30 minutes and the minivan from Surat Thani about 2 hours 30 minutes. A private transfer is quoted from about 8 hours door to door.
On booking platforms private transfers cost about $205 to $257 (October 2026).
Ferries between Donsak and Koh Samui (Lipa Noi) run every hour from 05:00 to 19:00.
The mountain zone costs 200 baht for foreign adults and the Ratchaprapha Dam zone costs 300 baht. If you visit both zones on the same day you pay once at the higher rate.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation: Khao Sok National Park. Retrieved October 20, 2026.
- [2] Raja Ferry Port PLC: Sailing schedule. Retrieved October 21, 2026.
- [3] Tourism Authority of Thailand: Khao Sok National Park (Thai edition: fees by zone, how to get there). Retrieved October 20, 2026.
- [4] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Koh Samui to Khao Sok. Retrieved October 28, 2026.
- [5] Cheow Lan Lake Travel: Ratchaprapha Pier | Cheow Lan Lake Pier and Boat Guide. Retrieved October 20, 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.