Donsak Pier

📍 Location of Donsak Pier 🚘 Directions to Donsak Pier

About Donsak Pier

The Raja Ferry Terminal, located at Donsak pier, is a popular choice for travelers heading to Koh Samui and Koh Phangun. It's known for being a reliable and cost-effective option, often with shorter queues compared to other ferry services. The ferry journey itself takes around an hour and a half, and while the vessels may be older, they are well-maintained and equipped with an adequate number of life rafts. However, it's worth noting that the on-board shop offers a limited selection, so travelers might want to bring along a snack and a bottle of water.

Despite its reliability, some travelers have raised concerns about the condition of the life rafts and ropes, which appear to be deteriorating due to exposure to the sun. The overall operation has been likened to a greasy truck stop, with many of the air conditioning units and fans not working, and the washrooms often lacking soap or towels. The seating can also be a bit of a lottery, with many seats being rusty and broken. However, there are usually enough seats for everyone, especially if you arrive early.

On a positive note, the ferry does have a shop that offers drinks, snacks, and noodles with hot water available for free. If you arrive early, there's also a decent restaurant at the dock that serves Thai and Western food, as well as a Doi Chaag coffee shop. Most items are priced between 50-150 baht and takeaway options are available if you want to bring your food on board.

For those traveling with a vehicle, it's recommended to book several days in advance online, as the ferry can get booked up depending on the time of year. It's also worth noting that the vehicles are packed tightly, so if you're traveling with an elderly or disabled person, it might be best for them to walk on. A little-known fact is that there's a big Buddha up the hill from the restaurant, which is worth checking out if you arrive early.

The Raja Ferry Port is well-equipped with amenities, including clean and handy restrooms. However, the process of getting from Koh Samui to the Surat Thani airport can be a bit frustrating. It involves purchasing tickets at the bus terminal, getting a gate pass from the office in town, and then boarding the bus and ferry. Once at Donsak, you'll need to disembark and wait for the bus to the airport, which can sometimes involve standing in the rain.

Travelers arriving at Suratthani airport before 4pm are advised that there's no need to take a taxi to Donsak, despite what they might be told at the airport. However, if you arrive after 4pm and want to get to the islands that day, you will need to take a taxi. It might be cheaper to stay overnight in Suratthani and travel to the islands the next day. If you're planning to use the Lomprayah boat, you'll need to arrive at the airport before about 1:30pm. The best independent and impartial advice is available from the Suratthani hotel and tourism booth near the exit next to the Raja ferry booth.

Finally, if you're transferring to Koh Samui from Surat Thani Airport, it's recommended to take your time and ensure you have water with you. The bus journey to Donsak pier takes over an hour. You have the option of taking the speed boat or the regular boat, with the journey times being 35 minutes and 1 hour 35 minutes respectively. If you're not in a rush, the regular boat offers the chance to enjoy the view and relax, while the speed boat is a good option if you just want to get to your destination quickly.