Donsak Pier Surat Thani (ท่าเรือดอนสัก) is the main ferry terminal in Surat Thani Province and the primary departure point for all ferries to Koh Samui. This guide covers every operator, schedule, price and everything you need to know to get there — updated April 2026.
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What is Donsak Pier?
Donsak Pier is located approximately 70 km east of Surat Thani city. It is the main hub for car and passenger ferries to Koh Samui, operated by Raja Ferry, Seatran and Lomprayah. Most travellers coming from Surat Thani Airport or the train station pass through Donsak Pier on their way to the island.
Distance from Surat Thani city: ~70 km (1h drive) · Distance from Surat Thani Airport: ~90 km (1h15) · Crossing to Koh Samui: 1h–1h30 · Car ferries: Yes
How to Get to Donsak Pier
From Surat Thani Airport
Shared minivans depart regularly from outside arrivals — journey takes 1h15, costs 150–200 THB per person. A private taxi costs 700–900 THB. Book a combined transfer + ferry ticket on 12Go Asia for a seamless connection.
From Surat Thani Train Station (Phunphin)
Shared minivans depart for Donsak Pier for 100–150 THB per person. Journey time approximately 1 hour. Standard route for budget travellers arriving on the overnight train from Bangkok.
From Surat Thani Bus Terminal
Songthaews and minivans connect to Donsak Pier for 80–120 THB. Multiple daily departures. Journey time approximately 1 hour.
12Go Asia lets you book your transfer from Surat Thani Airport + ferry to Koh Samui as a single combined ticket — saves time and guarantees your seat.
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Ferry Operators & Schedules 2026
Three operators run ferries from Donsak Pier Surat Thani to Koh Samui:
| Operator | Type | Duration | Frequency | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raja Ferry | Car Ferry | 1h30 | ~12 daily | 80 THB |
| Seatran Ferry | Car Ferry | 1h30 | ~8 daily | 100 THB |
| Lomprayah | High Speed | 1h | 4 daily | 200 THB |
Raja Ferry — The People's Choice
Most popular among locals and budget travellers. Departures every 1–2 hours from early morning until late evening. At 80 THB it's the cheapest option on the route. Best choice if you're bringing a vehicle.
Seatran Ferry — The Reliable Alternative
Similar car ferry service to Raja with slightly fewer daily departures. Slightly more expensive at 100 THB but well-maintained and reliable. Also arrives at Nathon Pier on Koh Samui.
Lomprayah — Fast & Connected
High-speed catamaran — 1 hour crossing vs 1h30 for car ferries. More comfortable and offers combined tickets including onward connections to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Ideal for island-hoppers. 4 departures daily from Donsak Pier.
Compare All Operators in Real Time
Lomprayah · Raja Ferry · Seatran · All prices & schedules
Ferry Prices from Donsak Pier 2026
| Ticket Type | Raja Ferry | Seatran | Lomprayah |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger (adult) | 80 THB (~$2) | 100 THB (~$3) | 200 THB (~$6) |
| Child (3–11 yrs) | 40 THB | 50 THB | 100 THB |
| Motorbike | 120–150 THB | 130–160 THB | N/A |
| Car (standard) | 350–500 THB | 400–550 THB | N/A |
| Samui → Phangan combo | N/A | N/A | 500–600 THB |
Book via 12Go Asia — same price as the counter, real-time availability for all operators, no hidden fees. In high season book at least 48 hours in advance.
Step-by-Step — Your Journey from Donsak Pier to Koh Samui
- Arrive at Donsak Pier — Your minivan or taxi drops you at the pier entrance. Raja, Seatran and Lomprayah have separate counters. Show your QR code if booked online.
- Check in — Arrive 30 minutes before departure minimum. 45 minutes if you're bringing a vehicle.
- Board the ferry — Car ferries have indoor air-con and open deck. The rear open deck is the most popular and the smoothest in choppy conditions.
- Cross to Koh Samui — 1h30 by car ferry, 1 hour by Lomprayah. Small snack bar on board.
- Arrive at Nathon Pier, Koh Samui — West coast of the island. Taxis and songthaews wait outside. Always agree on a price before getting in.
When You Arrive — Nathon Pier, Koh Samui
- Taxis — Chaweng 300–500 THB, Bophut 250–350 THB. Always agree price before boarding.
- Songthaew — Red pickup trucks for 50–100 THB depending on distance. Cheapest option.
- Scooter rental — Tonton Samui Rental delivers to the pier or your hotel. Book in advance via WhatsApp.
- Car rental — Pre-book via our car rental guide for best availability and price.
Insider Tips — Donsak Pier Surat Thani
- Book in advance in high season — December–February and July–August see near-full ferries. 48 hours minimum via 12Go Asia.
- Raja for flexibility, Lomprayah for speed — If you're island-hopping to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao, Lomprayah combined tickets save time and money.
- Sea sickness — Generally calm but can get rough September–November. Sit on the rear deck. Take Dramamine if needed.
- Bring cash — 100–200 THB useful for songthaews and snacks at the pier.
- Don't miss the last ferry — Last departure around 10–11pm. Missing it means a night in Surat Thani.
- Open deck is best — Skip the indoor air-con on car ferries and head straight to the rear open deck for the best views and freshest air.
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FAQ — Donsak Pier Surat Thani
How far is Donsak Pier from Surat Thani Airport?
Approximately 90 km — around 1h15 by minivan (150–200 THB) or taxi (700–900 THB). You can also book a combined transfer + ferry via 12Go Asia for a seamless journey.
How long does the ferry from Donsak Pier to Koh Samui take?
Car ferries (Raja, Seatran) take 1h30. Lomprayah high-speed catamaran takes 1 hour. All arrive at Nathon Pier on Koh Samui's west coast.
Can I bring my car on the ferry from Donsak Pier?
Yes — Raja Ferry and Seatran both carry vehicles. 350–550 THB for a standard car plus passenger fare. Book in advance in high season. Lomprayah is passenger-only.
What time is the first and last ferry from Donsak Pier?
Raja Ferry runs roughly 5–6am to 10–11pm with departures every hour. Seatran is similar with fewer departures. Lomprayah has 4 daily departures. Always verify on 12Go Asia for current schedules.
Should I book my Donsak Pier ferry in advance?
Yes in high season — especially Lomprayah and if bringing a vehicle. In low season you can often buy at the pier, but 12Go Asia is recommended to avoid queues. Same price, instant confirmation.
Is Donsak Pier the same as Surat Thani Pier?
Not exactly. Donsak Pier Surat Thani (70km from Surat Thani city) handles car and passenger ferries to Koh Samui. Tapee Pier in Surat Thani city handles some passenger-only night boats. Most travellers use Donsak — more frequent services and all car ferry options.
Continue Reading
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- Island Hopping from Koh Samui — Koh Phangan, Koh Tao & Ang Thong
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Some links in this article are affiliate links. InsideSamui.com earns a commission if you book through our 12Go Asia links, at no extra cost to you. Prices and schedules are indicative for 2026 — always verify on 12Go Asia before travelling.