Nathon Pier

Nathon Pier is one of the main ferry ports for travel to and from Koh Samui, located on the western side of the island near Route 4169 and a convenient destination choice for tourists headed to the island's west-coast resorts.

The old port town of Nathon itself is one place you really shouldn't miss during your stay. With a history stretching back through centuries of fishing and coastal trade, there are very old Chinese shop houses still selling and serving, and it's an interesting getaway from the typical tourist attractions. Nathon also is quite near to three temples - Chaeng and Khong Kharam, as well as Hin Lad temple and the beautiful waterfall that shares its name. A wide variety of hotels, ATMs and banks, restaurants and shops are just beyond the pier entrance in this business center of the island, and the pier welcomes hundreds of travelers each day as countless tour and transfer ferries dock or depart, along with fishing and other boats that make for a busy scene.

Ferries from Nathon Pier

Nathon faces the mainland, and that is its role: ferries cross to Donsak and onward to Surat Thani throughout the day, taking from about 45 minutes for the crossing itself. Combined boat-and-coach through-tickets continue from the ferry to Bangkok, Nakhon Si Thammarat and towns across the south — one booking covers both legs. Boats towards Koh Phangan also call here.

Getting to the pier

Nathon is about 45 minutes by road from Chaweng and the airport on the opposite coast, so allow a comfortable margin — songthaews circle the ring road all day and taxis are plentiful. Check-in counters sit right on the pier road; be there 30–45 minutes before departure. If you're travelling with a vehicle, the car ferries to Donsak load here too.

Staying near the pier

Nathon town has a practical mix of guesthouses and small hotels within a short walk of the pier — handy before an early mainland connection. Live rates are listed further down this page.