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Samet to Samui

greenman42

tout
Posts: 61

Hi, I'm looking for advice on the most practical way of getting from Koh Chang or Koh Samet, to Koh Samui and Koh Phanghan. Is there a better way than back to Bangkok, bus/train to Chumpon/Surat Thani?
I want to be on Phanghan for full moon/new year's eve. Will travelling be espescially difficult around 23/24 Dec? Lastly, what date should I look to get there to secure a room, as I will probably not be booking in advance?

#1 Posted: 30/9/2009 - 05:23
somtam2000

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mahout
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You pretty much have to go via Bangkok.

Ko Chang or Ko Samet to Bangkok, then straightforward transport south (Bangkok to the silly islands is covered here: http://www.travelfish.org/feature/57 )

Travelling won't be difficult on 24/25th, but finding a room will be. I think the majority of places on Ko Pha Ngan that can be booked online for the xmas period are already fully booked so you'll need to work on a walk-in basis. I'd suggest getting there 20th, 21st to have a better selection.

There's a couple of stories on this here, the latter will be of particular interest I think.
Do I need reservations for my holiday?
Should I reserve a room for the full moon party?

Hope that helps

#2 Posted: 30/9/2009 - 07:49

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exacto

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It looks like Bangkok Airways is still operating a daily flight from Pattaya/U-Tapao Airport to Samui for about B 2,000. If you've got the money, that might be an alternative to transiting through Bangkok, and given the time and effort you'd save, it might even be a good value.

I've never done the flight, however, so I can't say how difficult or expensive it is to get to the airport from Pattaya or Rayong. I'd love to hear more details about that part of the trip if you or anyone else has done it. Cheers.

#3 Posted: 30/9/2009 - 11:10
tezza

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Posts: 904

http://www.bangkokair.com/travel_tools/route-map.php

Besides the route mentioned by exacto you can also fly from Trat near Ko Chang to Bangkok and then to Samui.

#4 Posted: 30/9/2009 - 18:10

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Lots of beaches and islands info - http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/
greenman42

tout
Posts: 61

Thanks guys I will look into those flights, as time may be of the essence on those dates. Certainly sounds easier. Thanks for the links Tezza, your blog will become my island guide once I'm there, nice one!

#5 Posted: 30/9/2009 - 19:42