Phuket to Koh Samui

[maclarencat]

Has anyone done this journey by bus and if so what was it like and would you reccomend it or do you think we should fly?

[Buenchico]

This thread is 4½ years old but Zenofish (who lives in Phuket) recommended an early start by minibus (rather than the state-run buses) and then taking a ferry:
http://www.travelfish...m-phuket-to-koh-samui

The only airline offering direct flights is Bangkok Airways:
http://www.bangkokair.com/en/index.php

Chris

[maclarencat]

Thanks Chris. I had looked on the internet but wondered if anyone had actually experienced the trip. The air fare is £100+ for the 2 of us and the coach far about £10 for the 2 of us so I am favouring the bus but if the journey is awful then maybe I need to spend the money

[snags]

I've not done that particular trip but have taken many overnight bus and coach trips all over Thailand and my over riding opinion is: if you can afford to fly, do so.

[snags]

^ I'd also favour the early minibus and ferry option over bus or coach.

[maclarencat]

Thanks snags. We have travelled widely by bus in Malaysia but have always used planes in Thailand ,mostly Air Asia as they are very cheap but they dont do Phuket to Koh Samui but it sounds as if we will have to dig deep and pay the price if the buses are not good

[snags]

I always found the long bus trips uncomfortable and draining, esp. the overnight trips (unlike the trains). My length of stay also determined what travel method I took: didn't want bus time to eat in to beach time! Surprised Air Asia don't fly to Koh Samui from Phuket.

[Trotbot]

Koh Samui is owned by Bangkok Airways, so there are limited slots for other operators. Minibuses in Thailand, particularly in the provences, are simply not safe. Drivers have little or no concern for how they drive or the impact of their actions. The ferry / drive takes 6-8 hours depending on the lunacy of the driver and the traffic. State buses are more cramped and a lot slower, but tend to be safer.

[maclarencat]

Thanks It seems that flying is the way to go