Lomprayah vs. Seatran: ferry prices and journey times

The table below gives indicative one-way adult fare ranges for planning. Prices are quoted in Thai baht (THB); they are not guaranteed live offers. The fare you see can depend on the departure pier, boat type, travel date, booking channel and whether a land transfer is included.

These are indicative planning ranges compiled from published timetable and route listings, not a single operator's fixed tariff. Some services use different vessels or stop at another island. Confirm the exact fare, arrival time, luggage allowance and pier on the operator's booking page before paying.

Koh Samui ferry timetable: what time do boats leave?

There is no single timetable that applies to every pier, operator and date. Some departures operate from Bangrak, others from Pralarn (Maenam) or Nathon. A departure shown under one pier must not be treated as a departure from another.

Koh Samui to Koh Phangan

Recent published timetable listings show several daytime departures on this route. The following examples help you plan your day, but they are not a promise that every sailing will operate on your chosen date.

Timetable examples are a planning reference, not a complete or guaranteed daily schedule. Check the official booking system for your date and passenger count. Do not arrive at a pier based on a third-party timetable without confirming the location printed on your ticket.

Koh Samui to Koh Tao

Some services connect Samui and Tao through Koh Phangan. A commonly listed Lomprayah example departs Pralarn at around 08:00 and reaches Koh Tao at around 09:30. Another slower sailing has been listed around 11:00, with an arrival around 13:30. These examples can change, and a route may involve a stop or vessel change.

Seatran Discovery also sells island transfers, but do not assume that a ticket to Koh Tao is a nonstop crossing. Check the full itinerary, connection details and arrival estimate before booking, particularly if you have a diving course, hotel check-in or another transfer arranged for the same day.

Koh Phangan to Koh Tao

Boats commonly leave from Thong Sala Pier on Koh Phangan and arrive at Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao. Published examples include morning and midday sailings, with faster options taking roughly 60–75 minutes and some slower services taking longer.

For the return journey, check the last available departure carefully. If you need to reach Koh Samui for a flight, allow a generous buffer rather than relying on the final boat of the day.

Check live schedules: Lomprayah's official 2026 timetable and Seatran Discovery's official website.

Lomprayah Catamaran vs. Seatran Discovery

Lomprayah: best when speed and connections matter

Lomprayah operates high-speed services across the Gulf of Thailand, linking Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao with other routes. Its timetable includes both high-speed catamarans and slower ferry services on selected legs, so read the vessel type before you choose.

Advantages

• Frequent connections on popular island routes.
• High-speed catamaran options for travellers who want to reduce crossing time.
• Combined ferry and land-transfer products on selected routes.
• Useful for planning a multi-island trip on one booking where a suitable through-ticket is offered.

Things to check

• Whether your departure is from Pralarn, Bangrak or Nathon.
• Whether the ticket is for a catamaran or slower ferry.
• Whether a connection or vessel change is required.
• Current luggage, cancellation and check-in rules.

Seatran Discovery: a useful alternative from Bangrak

Seatran Discovery operates passenger services linking the Gulf islands. Its published check-in information identifies Bangrak on Koh Samui, Thong Sala on Koh Phangan and Mae Haad on Koh Tao among its stations. This can be convenient if your accommodation is near Bangrak, but the best choice still depends on the exact departure and destination.

Advantages

• A practical alternative to compare against Lomprayah on selected routes.
• Bangrak departure options for travellers staying around northeastern Koh Samui.
• Published check-in guidance and online booking information.
• Air-conditioned seating and onboard facilities on listed vessels; facilities vary by boat.

Things to check

• The specific Seatran service and destination printed on the ticket.
• Whether your journey includes an intermediate stop or connection.
• Fare inclusions and any extra cost for luggage or transfers.
• Check-in cut-off times and change or cancellation conditions.

Our practical verdict: neither company is automatically better for every traveller. Choose the service with the right pier, suitable arrival time, clear luggage conditions and a total price that includes the transfers you actually need.

Which ferry pier should you use on Koh Samui?

Bangrak Pier / Bangrak Tourism Port

Bangrak is a key departure point for selected island services, including Seatran Discovery. It is convenient for parts of northeastern Samui, but traffic, your hotel's location and the exact operator counter all matter. Confirm the full pier name and map location before leaving your accommodation.

Pralarn Pier, Maenam

Pralarn is associated with Lomprayah services. It can be convenient if you are staying in the Maenam or northern Samui area. Do not assume a ticket for Bangrak is interchangeable with one for Pralarn.

Nathon Pier

Nathon is on Koh Samui's western side and serves selected ferry routes. It can be less convenient if you are staying around Chaweng or Lamai, so include the road transfer in your overall journey time.

Thong Sala Pier, Koh Phangan

Thong Sala is the main arrival and departure point for many services on Koh Phangan. From here, you may need a local taxi or shared songthaew to reach Haad Rin, Haad Yao, Srithanu or other parts of the island. Confirm the onward transport before booking a tight connection.

Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao

Mae Haad is the main passenger pier for many Koh Tao ferry services. Your hotel or dive school may be able to arrange a pickup, but check whether it is complimentary or paid. On arrival, follow the operator's instructions and verify the pickup point rather than assuming every hotel vehicle waits at the same location.

How to plan hotel and airport transfers

The ferry is only one part of the journey. A cheap ticket can become less attractive if the departure pier is far from your hotel or if you need a private taxi to make the sailing.

1. Check the pier first. Match the ticket's departure location with your hotel's location on a map.
2. Ask your accommodation about transfers. Confirm the price, pickup time, luggage capacity and whether the service is shared or private.
3. Allow extra time. Traffic, weather, ticket collection and busy holiday periods can all delay the journey to the pier.
4. Check the check-in deadline. Seatran Discovery advises passengers to check in at least 30 minutes before departure. Follow the stricter deadline shown on your own booking.
5. Keep your ticket accessible. Save the booking confirmation offline and carry identification if required by the operator.

Looking for accommodation before choosing your route? Browse hotel options with Anantaayatra and compare the location with your ferry pier before confirming a stay.

How many days do you need for island hopping?

If you want to enjoy all three islands, avoid treating every day as a transfer day. Ferry crossings, check-in, luggage and the trip from the pier to your hotel can take a substantial part of the day.

Four to five days: Koh Samui and Koh Phangan

Spend two or three nights on Samui and add one or two nights on Phangan. This is a manageable option if you want beaches, restaurants and a relaxed island break without too many transfers.

Six to eight days: Samui, Phangan and Tao

Consider two or three nights on Samui, two nights on Phangan and at least two nights on Tao. Divers and snorkellers may prefer to spend longer on Tao rather than squeezing it into a single overnight stay.

Want to combine the Gulf islands with other Thai destinations?

• 10-Day Thailand Island Hopping Route: Krabi, Koh Lanta & Koh Samui
• 7-Day Thailand Itinerary: Bangkok, Phuket & Phi Phi Islands
• Phuket to Koh Phi Phi: Ferry, Speedboat and Pier Transfers
• Phuket vs Krabi: Beaches, Costs and Where to Stay

How much should you budget for the ferries?

For a basic transport budget, count each one-way leg separately. If you travel from Samui to Phangan and then to Tao, you will normally need two route tickets; a through-ticket may be available on selected services. Add the cost of reaching the departure pier and getting from the arrival pier to your accommodation.

These figures are illustrative budget ranges, not a guaranteed package price. A through-ticket may be priced differently from two separate tickets. Compare the total itinerary in the operator's checkout before making a decision.

For a fuller trip budget, read our 5-Day Thailand Trip Cost Guide for Couples and Solo Travellers. Travellers planning a premium island stay can also explore our Luxury Thailand Vacation Guide.

Booking tips that can prevent missed ferries

• Book around major events. Koh Phangan can become busy around Full Moon Party dates. Book earlier if you need a specific sailing or accommodation area.
• Don't rely on an old timetable screenshot. Check the exact date and route shortly before travel.
• Read the luggage policy. Rules and extra charges vary by operator, ticket type and vessel.
• Check weather notices. Sea conditions can cause delays, changes or cancellations. Leave flexibility in your itinerary.
• Keep onward travel realistic. Avoid booking a flight shortly after a ferry arrival unless the transfer and delay risk have been carefully considered.
• Use the operator's official booking channel. Confirm the destination, date, passenger names, pier and final fare before paying.
• Follow crew safety instructions. Wear the life jacket when instructed and do not stand in restricted areas while the vessel is moving.

For more practical Thailand planning, see our guides to Thailand backpacking routes and budget stays, renting a scooter in Thailand and drinking water and ice safety in Thailand.

More Thailand guides from Anantaayatra

• Where to Stay in Bangkok: Sukhumvit, Silom and Riverside
• Chiang Mai Complete Travel Guide
• Best Beachfront Resorts in Koh Samui for Families and Couples
• Pattaya Beyond Walking Street: Jomtien, Koh Larn and the Sanctuary of Truth
• Bangkok to Pattaya: Taxi, Bus and Ekkamai Guide
• Bangkok Public Transport: BTS, MRT and River Boats
• Bangkok Michelin Street Food and Night Markets
• Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai and Phuket
• Bangkok Floating Markets and Maeklong Railway Market
• Thai Massage and Wellness Spas: Prices and Tipping

Frequently asked questions

Final verdict: the smartest way to travel between the islands

For a short hop from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan, compare the fastest suitable Lomprayah and Seatran departures and choose the pier that best fits your hotel. For Koh Tao, pay closer attention to the complete itinerary: travel time, connections, arrival pier and the last return sailing matter more than a small difference in ticket price.

Before booking, confirm the live timetable, fare, luggage rules and check-in deadline with the operator. A little preparation makes it easier to spend less time arranging transfers and more time enjoying Thailand's Gulf islands.

Explore hotels with Anantaayatra

Editorial note: fares and schedules are indicative and can change without notice. Always verify details for your travel date directly with the ferry operator. Anantaayatra does not guarantee a particular departure, fare or connection.