The most convenient way to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui is by direct flight. Flights take around 65 minutes and depart frequently throughout the day. Flying is the fastest option, with tickets typically costing between $90-$100 USD.
Another option is to take a train to Surat Thani on the mainland, and then transfer to a ferry to reach Koh Samui. This journey takes around 11-15 hours by train, plus an additional 3 hours by bus and ferry.While longer, this can be a more budget-friendly choice, with train tickets costing $25-$50 and the ferry around $8-$18.
You can also take a bus to Surat Thani and then the ferry, which takes 11-14 hours in total. This is the cheapest option, with bus and ferry tickets costing around $25.
Ultimately, the best option depends on your budget and how quickly you need to reach Koh Samui. Flying is the fastest and most convenient, while the train and ferry or bus and ferry are more affordable but take significantly longer.