Bangrak Pier

The Koh Samui island in the Gulf of Thailand is just offshore of the Surat Thani province, and a pleasant destination known for its Bangrak Pier. The pier is sometimes called the "Big Buddha Pier", because it's near the huge Buddha statue set on the hill of a nearby smaller isle to the north, Wat Phra Yai Koh Pan.

The coast is dotted by quaint fishing boats that share their home with nearby resorts and restaurants convenient for arriving and departing guests. Bangrak is also the closest pier to the Chaweng and Lamai beaches of Koh Samui, and just a short trip from the Samui airport for those whose plans include air travel to the island. Bangrak Pier offers beautiful views of the sea, is clean and well-lit, and is easily reached from Route 4171.

Ferries from Bangrak Pier

Bangrak is Samui's express gateway to the neighbouring islands. Boats on the Koh Samui to Koh Phangan run make the hop in as little as twenty to thirty minutes, and continue on to Koh Tao in around ninety minutes more — the classic island-hopping line of the Gulf. Heading for the mainland, combined boat-and-coach tickets from Bangrak reach Surat Thani, Hua Hin and Bangkok in one booking, with the ferry leg and the coach leg timed to connect.

Getting to the pier

The pier is about five minutes from Samui airport — convenient enough to land in the morning and be on Koh Phangan for lunch — and roughly fifteen minutes from Chaweng. Songthaews and taxis serve the pier road all day. Check-in counters open about an hour before departure; arrive 30–45 minutes early with your booking confirmation.

Staying near the pier

Bangrak beach is lined with small resorts and guesthouses, several of them just steps from the pier entrance — ideal for an early boat north. Live rates for hotels around Bangrak are listed further down this page.