> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.thailandtripos.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Bangkok to the Islands - URL: https://www.thailandtripos.com/bangkok-to-the-islands/ - Published: 2026-02-16T11:08:39.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-14T13:47:28.000Z - Description: Travel from Bangkok to Thailand's islands on a budget. Compare routes, buses, trains, ferries, ticket prices, and essential travel tips. - Author: Tim Thorer - Tags: Getting Around Travel from Bangkok to Thailand's islands on a budget. Compare routes, buses, trains, ferries, ticket prices, and essential travel tips. A complete budget guide to reaching Thailand's islands by bus, train, and ferry—with prices (subject to change), durations, and booking links. ### Bangkok Departure Points | Terminal | Location | Best For | | --------------------------- | --------- | ------------------------------------------------------- | | **Sai Tai Mai** (Southern) | Thonburi | Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani, southern destinations | | **Ekkamai** (Eastern) | Sukhumvit | Koh Chang, Koh Samet, Pattaya, Koh Larn, Si Racha, Trat | | **Mochit** (Northern) | Chatuchak | Alternative for eastern routes | | **Hua Lamphong / Bang Sue** | Central | Train routes to Surat Thani, Chumphon, Hat Yai | | **Khao San Road** | Old Town | Tourist bus+ferry combos (Lomprayah, Boonsiri, etc.) | ### Booking Options | Platform | Best For | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- | | [12Go Asia](https://12go.asia/?z=2284790&ref=thailandtripos.com) | Official partner for bus+ferry combos, trains, all routes | | [BusOnlineTicket](https://busonlineticket.com/?ref=thailandtripos.com) | Bus bookings | | **At the terminal** | Usually fine for regular routes (except holiday weekends) | | **Boonsiri office** | Direct bookings for Koh Kood/Koh Mak combos | > 💡 Ferry tickets are usually bought at the pier—no advance booking needed. ### Best Budget Island by Travel Time | Time Available | Best Options | | -------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- | | **Day trip** | Koh Larn (3.5h), Koh Si Chang (3h), Koh Samet (4h) | | **Weekend** | Koh Chang (6-7h), Koh Samet (4h) | | **3-4 days** | Koh Tao (10-12h), Koh Samui (12-14h), Phuket (13h) | | **Week+** | Koh Lipe (18-20h), Koh Phi Phi (17-18h), Koh Kood (7-8h) | ### Quick Overview | Island | Cheapest Price | Duration | Route Type | | --------------- | -------------- | -------- | ----------------- | | Koh Chang | \~฿350 | 6-7h | Bus + Ferry | | Koh Samet | \~฿300 | 4h | Bus + Ferry | | Koh Si Chang | \~฿200 | 3h | Bus + Ferry | | Koh Larn | \~฿200 | 3.5-4h | Bus + Ferry | | Phuket | \~฿800 | 13h | Overnight Bus | | Koh Samui | \~฿900 | 12-14h | Bus + Ferry | | Koh Phangan | \~฿900 | 15-17h | Bus + Ferry | | Koh Tao | \~฿1,100 | 10-12h | Bus + Ferry | | Koh Kood | \~฿850 | 7-8h | Bus + Ferry | | Koh Mak | \~฿750 | 6-7h | Bus + Ferry | | Koh Lanta | \~฿950 | 15-17h | Bus + Van | | Koh Phi Phi | \~฿1,300 | 17-18h | Bus + Ferry | | Koh Lipe | \~฿1,800 | 18-20h | Train/Bus + Ferry | | Koh Phayam | \~฿700 | 11h | Bus + Ferry | | Koh Yao Yai/Noi | \~฿1,000 | 13h | Bus + Ferry | > 💡 All prices are approximate and vary by operator/season. ### Bangkok to the Gulf of Thailand Islands **🌊 Koh Samui** | Detail | Information | | ------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Cheapest route** | [Overnight bus + ferry](https://12go.asia/en/travel/Bangkok/Koh-Samui/?z=2284790&ref=thailandtripos.com) | | **Price** | ฿800-1,100 | | **Duration** | 12-14 hours (overnight) | | **Frequency** | Multiple buses nightly; ferries every 1-2 hours | **Route:** Evening bus from **Sai Tai Mai** (Southern Bus Terminal) or Khao San Road (\~19:00) Arrive Surat Thani (\~04:00) Transfer bus to Donsak Pier Ferry to Nathon Pier, Koh Samui (\~2 hours) **Operators:** Lomprayah, Seatran (joint bus+ferry tickets) **Alternative:** Overnight train from Hua Lamphong/Bang Sue to Surat Thani (\~฿800 for 2nd-class sleeper, Train #85 departs \~19:30) **🌊 Koh Phangan** | Detail | Information | | ------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Cheapest route** | [Overnight bus + ferry via Chumphon](https://12go.asia/en/travel/Bangkok/Koh-Phangan/?z=2284790&ref=thailandtripos.com) | | **Price** | ฿900-1,300 | | **Duration** | 15-17 hours (overnight) | | **Frequency** | 1-2 combined trips nightly | **Route:** Bus from Khao San Road (\~20:00) to Chumphon Morning catamaran ferry Short stop at Koh Tao Arrive Thong Sala Pier, Koh Phangan (\~noon) **Operators:** Lomprayah (bus+ferry combo), Thai Sriram (cheaper via Surat Thani) > ⚠️ No direct flights to Phangan—boat is mandatory. **🌊 Koh Tao** | Detail | Information | | ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Cheapest route** | [Overnight bus + ferry via Chumphon](https://12go.asia/en/travel/Bangkok/Koh-Tao/?z=2284790&ref=thailandtripos.com) | | **Price** | ฿1,100-1,300 | | **Duration** | 10-12 hours (overnight) | | **Frequency** | 1-2 night buses; 2-3 morning ferries | **Route:** Bus from Khao San or Sai Tai Mai (\~21:00) Arrive Chumphon by dawn Catamaran ferry to Koh Tao (\~2 hours) Arrive Mae Haad Pier mid-morning 🌊 **Koh Chang (Trat)** | Detail | Information | | ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Cheapest route** | [Government bus 999 + ferry](https://12go.asia/en/travel/Bangkok/Koh-Chang/?z=2284790&ref=thailandtripos.com) | | **Price** | \~฿350 total | | **Duration** | 6-7 hours | | **Frequency** | 2 direct buses/day; minivans almost hourly | **Route:** Government bus 999 from **Ekkamai Terminal** to Laem Ngop Pier (฿261, departs 07:45 and 14:00) Ferry to Ao Sapporot Pier, Koh Chang (30 min, ฿80) > 💡 The 999 bus fare sometimes includes free ferry ticket. **Overnight hack:** Take 23:30 bus from Ekkamai to Trat (arrives \~05:00), then catch first morning ferry at 06:30—saves a night's hotel. 🌊 **Koh Samet** | Detail | Information | | ------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Cheapest route** | [Bus/van + ferry](https://12go.asia/en/travel/Bangkok/Koh-Samet/?z=2284790&ref=thailandtripos.com) | | **Price** | ฿250-350 | | **Duration** | \~4 hours | | **Frequency** | Hourly departures (07:00-12:00); ferries every 1-2 hours | **Route:** Bus or minivan from **Ekkamai Terminal** to Ban Phe Pier (\~฿200-250, 3.5 hours) Ferry to Nadan Pier, Koh Samet (30-45 min, ฿50-100) > 💡 You can book the bundle ahead. 🌊 **Koh Kood (Ko Kut)** | Detail | Information | | ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Cheapest route** | [Bus/van + speed ferry (Boonsiri)](https://12go.asia/en/travel/Bangkok/Koh-Kood/?z=2284790&ref=thailandtripos.com) | | **Price** | ฿850-1,000 | | **Duration** | 7-8 hours | | **Frequency** | 1-2 departures each morning (05:00 and/or 07:00) | **Route:** Bus/van from **Khao San Road Boonsiri office** (\~05:00 or 07:00) Arrive Laem Sok Pier, Trat (5-6 hours) Speed ferry to Ao Salad Pier, Koh Kood (1.5 hours) 🌊 **Koh Mak** | Detail | Information | | ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Cheapest route** | [Bus + ferry (Boonsiri combo)](https://12go.asia/en/travel/Bangkok/Koh-Mak/?z=2284790&ref=thailandtripos.com) | | **Price** | ฿750-800 | | **Duration** | 6-7 hours | | **Frequency** | Same as Koh Kood | **Route:** Bus/van from Ekkamai or Khao San to Trat (\~฿300) Ferry from Laem Sok Pier to Koh Mak (\~฿450) 🌊 **Koh Si Chang** | Detail | Information | | ------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Cheapest route** | [Bus/van](https://12go.asia/en/travel/Bangkok/Si-Racha/?z=2284790&ref=thailandtripos.com) \+ ferry | | **Price** | ฿170-220 | | **Duration** | \~3 hours | | **Frequency** | Buses every 30-60 min; ferries hourly | **Route:** Bus from **Ekkamai Terminal** to Si Racha (\~฿110-160, 2-2.5 hours) Ferry from Koh Loy Pier to Koh Si Chang (฿60, 40-50 min) **Alternative:** Third-class train Bangkok to Si Racha (\~฿35, but slow at 3-3.5 hours, once daily) **Ferry schedule:** \~07:00-18:00, departures hourly. Last boat from mainland in early evening. > 💡 Motorbike rentals on the island \~฿250/day. Be mindful of last ferry back if doing a day trip. 🌊 **Koh Larn (Pattaya)** | Detail | Information | | ------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Cheapest route** | [Bus + ferry](https://12go.asia/en/travel/Bangkok/Koh-Larn/?z=2284790&ref=thailandtripos.com) | | **Price** | ฿180-230 | | **Duration** | 3.5-4 hours | | **Frequency** | 94+ bus departures daily; ferries hourly | > 💡 On the island: motorbike taxis ฿40-60/ride, scooter rental \~฿200/day. Don't miss the last ferry back! **Route:** Bus from **Ekkamai Terminal** to Pattaya (\~฿130-150, 2-2.5 hours) Songthaew to Bali Hai Pier Ferry to Na Baan Pier, Koh Larn (฿40, 40 min) **Bus arrival:** Pattaya North Bus Station—take songthaew down Beach Road to Bali Hai Pier **Ferry options:** - **Na Baan Pier** (main village)—ferries from right side of Bali Hai - **Tawaen Beach**—ferries from left side of Bali Hai **Ferry schedule:** \~07:00-18:00\. Last ferry back from Koh Larn usually \~17:00-18:00. ### 🏝️ Bangkok to the Andaman Sea Islands **Phuket** | Detail | Information | | ------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Cheapest route** | [Overnight bus (no ferry needed—connected by bridge)](https://12go.asia/en/travel/Bangkok/Phuket/?z=2284790&ref=thailandtripos.com) | | **Price** | ฿700-900 | | **Duration** | \~13 hours (overnight) | | **Frequency** | Multiple nightly buses | **Route:** Bus from **Sai Tai Mai Terminal** (\~18:00-19:30) Highway via Chumphon, Surat Thani, crosses Sarasin Bridge Arrive Phuket Bus Terminal early morning **Operators:** Transport Co, Phuket Central Tour > ⚠️ Some budget trains go only to Surat Thani, then require 5-6 hour bus transfer—not cheaper or faster than direct bus. **🌊 Koh Lanta** | Detail | Information | | ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Cheapest route** | [Overnight bus + van](https://12go.asia/en/travel/Bangkok/Koh-Lanta/?z=2284790&ref=thailandtripos.com) | | **Price** | \~฿950 | | **Duration** | 15-17 hours | | **Frequency** | Buses nightly (18:00-19:30); vans throughout morning | **Route:** Night bus from **Sai Tai Mai** to Krabi (\~฿700, 12 hours, depart \~19:00) Arrive Krabi \~07:00 Minivan from Krabi Bus Station to Koh Lanta (\~฿250, 2 hours) Cross via car ferry to Saladan Pier **Alternative:** Some operators offer direct Bangkok→Lanta combo ticket (\~฿1,200) **🌊 Koh Phi Phi** | Detail | Information | | ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Cheapest route** | [Overnight bus + morning ferry](https://12go.asia/en/travel/Bangkok/Koh-Phi-Phi/?z=2284790&ref=thailandtripos.com) | | **Price** | ฿1,200-1,400 | | **Duration** | 17-18 hours | | **Frequency** | \~1 combo service each evening (\~19:00) | **Route:** Bus from **Khao San Road** (\~19:00) Arrive Krabi by morning Transfer to 09:00 ferry Arrive Tonsai Pier, Koh Phi Phi (\~12:00) **Operators:** Montanatip, Travel Plus **🌊 Koh Lipe** | Detail | Information | | ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Cheapest route** | [Overnight train/bus to Hat Yai + van + ferry](https://12go.asia/en/travel/Bangkok/Koh-Lipe/?z=2284790&ref=thailandtripos.com) | | **Price** | \~฿1,800 | | **Duration** | 18-20 hours | | **Frequency** | Nightly trains/buses; 3 ferries/day from Pak Bara | **Route:** Overnight train from Bangkok to Hat Yai (\~฿850 for 2nd-class sleeper, Train #169 departs \~15:10 (13-14 hours) Minivan from Hat Yai to Pak Bara Pier (\~฿250, 2 hours) Speedboat ferry to Koh Lipe (90 min, \~฿650) > ⚠️ Last ferry from Pak Bara \~13:30—time your arrival carefully. **🌊 Koh Phayam** | Detail | Information | | ------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Cheapest route** | [Bus + ferry](https://12go.asia/en/travel/Bangkok/Koh-Phayam/?z=2284790&ref=thailandtripos.com) | | **Price** | \~฿700 | | **Duration** | \~11 hours | | **Frequency** | Night buses from Sai Tai Mai/Mochit | **Route:** Bus from Bangkok to Ranong (\~฿500, 9 hours) Ferry to Koh Phayam (40 min) > 💡 Backpacker favorite with budget bungalows. 🌊 **Koh Yao Yai / Koh Yao Noi** | Detail | Information | | ------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Cheapest route** | [Overnight bus to Phuket + ferry](https://12go.asia/en/travel/Bangkok/Koh-Yao-Yai/?z=2284790&ref=thailandtripos.com) | | **Price** | \~฿1,000+ | | **Duration** | \~13 hours | **Route:** Overnight bus from Bangkok to Phuket (\~฿800, 12 hours) Local ferry from Bang Rong Pier to Koh Yao Noi (\~฿200, 30 min) **Alternative:** From Krabi via Thalane Pier (\~฿300) ### ✅ Quick Tips #### ****Before You Go** - \[ \] Check ferry schedules (especially last ferry times for day trips) - \[ \] Book ahead only for holiday weekends or peak season - \[ \] Bring snacks and water for overnight journeys - \[ \] Download offline maps of pier locations #### ****Money Saving Hacks** - \[ \] Government 999 buses are cheapest (Ekkamai) - \[ \] Overnight travel saves a night's accommodation - \[ \] Train 2nd-class sleeper often more comfortable than bus at similar price - \[ \] Buy combo tickets (bus+ferry) for simplicity #### ****Common Mistakes** - \[ \] Missing the last ferry back (day trips) - \[ \] Not allowing buffer time for connections - \[ \] Booking expensive speedboats when regular ferries exist *Disclaimer: page contains affiliate links. 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