PLANES
Only one domestic airline, Bangkok Airway, flies to and from Samui. If you 're travelling from Samui to Bangkok and you don,t mind adding an extra 3 hours on your journey, then fly with Thai Airways from Surat Thani and save around 1,000 B. If your next destination is Malaysia, then fly from Samui to Kuala Lumpur with Pelangi Air. Bangkok Airways also fly to Singapore direct from Samui.

When leaving Samui Airport, be prepared to pay the 400 B. airport tax for domestic flights and 500 B. for international flights. Make sure you buy your tickets early to avoid disappointment and always reconfirm you flights at least 24 hours in advance

TRAINS
When travelling from Bangkok to Samui, we advise that you get a night sleeper train. These trains are more comfortable and ensure smoother bus and ferry connections. It is better to buy a combination ticket which will include all you transport right through to Samui. Train tickets vary greatly in price depending on the carriage class and whether the carriage is air-conditioned or fan. Expect to pay 650 B. + for a ticket. All trains run from Hualamphong Station.

When travelling from Samui up to Bangkok, the ferry leaves from Nathon at 2pm and connects to a bus to take you to Surat Thani train station. There are many trains leaving every evening going to Bangkok. The earlier you book the ticket, the better the connection will be. Try to book for the train 2-3 days in advance to ensure a seat.
When leaving Samui, go back to Surat Thani to catch a train to Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Malaysia.

BUS
The Bangkok to Samui buses leave from the Southern Terminal in Bangkok. There are V.I.P. first and second-class buses. These are all air-conditioned. For an easier journey, buy a bus / boat combination ticket. However, the buses are often delayed and not to be relied upon, especially if you are making a connection for a flight. The price for a VIP bus is 450 B. including the ferry transfer from Nathon to Surat Thani. The journey takes around 12 hours.
For buses from Sutra Thani to Bangkok, the ferry leaves Samui at 2pm. To get to Surat Thani town from Samui, it will take approx. 2 1/2 hours. You will hame to wait for about 2 hours in the town for the bus to Bangkok, This bus will drop you off on the Kao Sarn Road, in Bangkok.

When leaving Samui, there are buses travelling to Penang and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, as well as Singapore.
Whether travelling from the airport or from Nathon pier, the cheapest mode of public transport is a Songthaew ( the red mini vans ). If you do get a private taxi ( usually yellow ), agree a price with the driver first.

EXTENDING YOUR STAY
Without a visa, foreigners are allowed to stay 30 days in the kingdom. If you have a tourist visa, these are generally good for 60 days with the opportunity to extend 90 days. Visa extensions cost about 500 baht. Overstaying your visa costs 250 baht per day, with a maximum fine of 20,000 baht. To extend your visa, or for other immigrationquestions, go to Samui's immigration office. From Nathon, go south on the ring road 2km to the traffic lights. Turn right and you will see the office on the right hand side. They are open Monday through Friday 8.30am to noon and 1pm to 4.30pm.