The Koh Samui Travel Hack Airlines Don’t Want You to Know

George PIG Lets
Jun 12
2 min read

Planning a trip to Koh Samui this peak season (December–March)? Hold up before you book that overpriced flight — we’re about to let you in on one of Thailand’s best-kept travel secrets.

It could save you $150–$200, and all it costs is a few extra hours. Intrigued? Let’s break it down.

The Costly Secret of Koh Samui Airport

Koh Samui Airport is privately owned, and during peak season, it’s basically a money-printing machine for airlines. Direct return flights from Bangkok (BKK) to Koh Samui (USM) routinely hit $250–$310, even when booked weeks in advance.

That’s per person. Not ideal if you're planning a holiday with friends, family, or anyone you like enough to pay for.

The Hack: Fly to Surat Thani Instead

Here’s the move:Instead of flying straight to Samui, fly to Surat Thani (URT) on the mainland. From there, it’s a scenic taxi ride and a ferry hop over to the island. Boom—you're on Koh Samui for a third of the price.

Peak Season Price Showdown

✈️ Route	Airlines	Avg Return Flight Cost
BKK → Koh Samui (Direct)	Bangkok Airways, Thai Air	$255–$310
BKK → Surat Thani (Indirect)	VietJet, Thai Lion, AirAsia	$59–$80

You read that right. Same end destination, 70% cheaper.

What’s the Catch?

You’ll trade about 3–4 extra hours of travel time for your savings. Here’s how the Surat Thani route breaks down:

✈️ Bangkok → Surat Thani: 1 hour
🚗 Taxi to Donsak Pier: 1 Hours$15–20/car)
⛴️ Ferry to Koh Samui: 1.5 Hours($10–15/person)

Total estimated cost: $90–$100 Compared to direct flight: $255–$310 Savings per person: $150–$200

For a couple? Save $400.Family of five? Save $1000. Enough for beachfront dinners, massages, and a cheeky boat tour.

Why It’s Worth It

More flights, less stress – Surat Thani has multiple budget airline options daily.
The journey is part of the adventure – The ferry offers beautiful sea views.
Spend smarter – Save money for what matters: villa upgrades, experiences, and cocktails.

Quick Tips to Make It Easy

✅ Book a combo ticket (flight + bus + ferry) with companies like Lomprayah or Raja Ferry for a smooth connection.
✅ Travel light for easier transfers.
✅ Avoid late-night flights — ferries usually run during daylight hours.
✅ Tell your villa concierge your arrival method — some offer pick-ups straight from the pier.

Final Word

Flying direct into Samui might sound convenient… until you see the price tag. Unless you’re in a rush, the Surat Thani route is the savvy traveler’s choice — a little longer, a lot cheaper, and just as memorable.

Want help booking your villa and planning your hack-proof arrival?👉 Contact Paradise Island Getaway Lets and we’ll take care of it all — including your transfer from the ferry to your private villa with ocean views.

Your paradise island getaway just got a whole lot more affordable!