Getting to Koh Samet by Boat: What You Need to Know

Koh Samet is one of the closest islands to Bangkok — roughly three to four hours from the capital and under two hours from Pattaya. Once you reach the mainland town of Ban Phe, the crossing to the island takes between ten and forty minutes depending on which boat you choose.

This guide covers everything about that crossing: which piers to use, which boats run when, what they cost, and what to watch out for depending on the time of year. The timetable widget below pulls together all three operators and both directions into one place — use the toggle to switch between Ban Phe to Samet and Samet to Ban Phe.

Still need to arrange transport from Bangkok or Pattaya to Ban Phe? We’ve covered every option in our complete mainland transport guide.

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Your Three Options for Getting to Koh Samet

There are three ways to make the crossing from Ban Phe to Koh Samet: the slow ferry, the speedboat, and the fast ferry catamaran. Each suits a different type of traveller. Here’s how they compare.

Slow Ferry

The slow ferry is the most affordable option and the one most travellers use. The crossing takes around forty minutes and gives you a relaxed view across the Gulf of Thailand as you arrive. Boats run from early morning until early evening, with departures frequent enough that you rarely need to rush.

Cost: 50–70 THB per person, each way Journey time: approximately 40 minutes First departure: 7:00 AM from Ban Phe Pier (White Shark Company) Last departure: 6:00 PM from Ban Phe Pier (White Shark Company)

Slow ferries depart from three piers:

• Ban Phe Pier — the main pier, most departures, easiest to find
• Nual Thip Pier — Where many buses stop, regular service
• Ban Phe Municipal Pier — less busy, occasional departures

On arrival, all slow ferries dock at Na Dan Pier on Koh Samet — the main pier on the island, close to Hat Sai Kaew beach and the town centre.

Speedboat

If you’re short on time or arriving later in the day, a speedboat is the practical choice. The crossing takes around ten minutes and boats depart throughout the day. Unlike the slow ferry, speedboats at Nual Thip Pier don’t run to a fixed schedule — they leave when they have enough passengers, which in practice means you rarely wait long during peak hours.

Cost: 150–300 THB per person, each way Journey time: approximately 10 minutes First departure: 8:30 AM from Ban Phe Pier (White Shark Company) Last scheduled departure: 5:00 PM from Nual Thip Pier

Speedboats depart from Ban Phe Pier and Nual Thip Pier.

Private speedboat charter is available if you miss the last scheduled boat or are travelling as a group. Charter cost runs between 1,800 and 2,500 THB for the whole boat. This is also the only option for crossings after around 6:00 PM.

Contact numbers for private charter:

• White Shark Speedboats — 038 653 181 / 081 781 4803 / 081 857 5638 (office at Tarue Phe Pier)
• Samed Speedboats — 038 651 134-5 (based at Ao Prao Pier)
• Follow Me Tour Speedboat — 038 864 7405
• Chokmana Speedboats — 038 651 531 / 038 653 577

Fast Ferry (Catamaran)

The fast ferry is operated by Koh Kaew Phitsadan Ferry and is the most comfortable crossing option. It’s a proper catamaran — covered, air-conditioned seating, a smoother ride in choppy conditions — and at 150 THB it costs only marginally more than a slow ferry while taking a fraction of the time.

Cost:

• One-way: 150 THB per person
• Return: 300 THB per person
• Children aged 6–10: 75 THB per trip
• Children under 5: free
• Children 11 and over pay the adult fare

Journey time: 10–15 minutes Departures: 08:30, 10:00, 11:30, 14:15, 17:00 from Ban Phe Pier

Tickets are sold at the Koh Kaew Phitsadan counter at Ban Phe Pier. Look for the dedicated office — it’s separate from the slow ferry ticket booths.

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Where Are the Piers?

All departure piers are in Ban Phe, a small coastal town in Rayong province. They’re all within walking distance of each other, though if you’re arriving by bus or minivan your drop-off point will determine which pier is most convenient.

Tips for Taking the Boat to Koh Samet

Arrive early during weekends and Thai public holidays. Ferries fill up quickly when Bangkok empties out on long weekends. If you’re travelling on a Saturday morning or during Songkran, aim to be at the pier at least 30 minutes before you want to leave.

Travel light if you’re taking a speedboat. Storage is limited and bags go on your lap or at your feet. For the slow ferry and catamaran there’s more room, but keeping luggage manageable makes every part of the journey easier.

Weather affects boats more than you’d expect. During the monsoon months — roughly May through October — departures can be delayed or occasionally cancelled when seas are rough. The catamaran handles choppy water better than the open speedboats. If you’re travelling during this period, build some flexibility into your schedule and check conditions on the day.

The last boat is earlier than you think. The last scheduled slow ferry leaves Ban Phe at 6:00 PM. If you’re cutting it close, the fast ferry’s 17:00 departure gives you a reasonable buffer, or go straight to arranging a private charter (numbers above).

You don’t need to book in advance. Tickets for all three options are sold at the pier on the day. No apps, no reservations needed. Just show up with cash — some booths accept cards but it’s not guaranteed.

Which Boat Should You Take?

For most travellers, the choice comes down to budget and timing. The slow ferry is the right default — frequent, cheap, and perfectly comfortable for a forty-minute crossing. If you’re in a hurry or want the smoothest ride, the fast ferry catamaran is worth the marginal extra cost. The speedboat is best when you need to move quickly or have missed the last catamaran sailing.

If you’re staying at The Cocoon Hostel, the walk from Na Dan Pier takes about four minutes along the main road — no songthaew or taxi needed.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

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