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Best Base on Samui for Day Trips — Pier Logistics Made Easy

Samui & Local Information

Planning to hop over to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, or Ang Thong Marine Park? Where you stay on Samui matters more than people think. Pick the right base and you’ll spend your morning on the boat with a coffee — not stuck in a van crossing the island.

Here’s the simple, straight-to-the-point guide to choosing the best area based on where you want to go.

Best Base by Day Trip

Koh Phangan (Thong Sala / Haad Rin)

Best place to stay: Bangrak, Bophut, north Chaweng — or Nathon if you’re based on the west coast.
Why:

  • Big Buddha/Bangrak Pier sends boats all day.

  • Nathon has Seatran services if you’re already on the west side.

  • Shortest transfers, easiest mornings.

Koh Tao (Mae Haad)

Best place to stay: Maenam (Bophut and Choeng Mon are also close enough).
Why:

  • Lomprayah to Koh Tao leaves early, and Maenam Pier is the departure point.

  • Staying nearby = no 6am hotel pickup, no rushing.

Ang Thong National Marine Park

Best place to stay:

  • North coast: Bangrak — lots of speedboat departures.

  • West coast: Nathon — several tour operators leave from here.

  • South coast option: Thong Krut — great if your operator confirms a south-side departure. Perfect if you’re already staying in Taling Ngam, Bang Kao, or Thong Krut.

Samui Pier Cheat Sheet

Bangrak Pier (Big Buddha)

  • Best for: Koh Phangan ferries + many Ang Thong speedboats

  • Ideal base: Bangrak, Bophut, Choeng Mon, north Chaweng

  • Notes: Super convenient if you're staying anywhere on the north coast.

Maenam Pier

  • Best for: Lomprayah to Koh Tao + Phangan

  • Ideal base: Maenam, Bophut, Choeng Mon

  • Notes: Sleep near Maenam if you’re taking the very first boat.

Nathon Pier

  • Best for: Seatran boats to Phangan + some Ang Thong departures

  • Ideal base: Nathon, Lipa Noi, west coast villas

  • Notes: If you’re already staying west, this is your easiest pier.

Thong Krut Pier (South Coast)

  • Best for: Koh Madsum (“Pig Island”), Koh Taen, some private Ang Thong tours

  • Ideal base: Thong Krut, Bang Kao, Taling Ngam

  • Notes: Great for boutique or private trips leaving from the south.

Lipa Noi Pier (Raja Ferry)

  • Best for: Car ferry to the mainland (Donsak)

  • Not for Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, or Ang Thong day trips

  • Notes: Useful if you’re road-tripping to the mainland — otherwise skip.

Timing & Transfer Tips

  • Early boats = north coast. (Maenam & Bangrak)

  • Seatran = west coast. (Nathon)

  • Small-group/private = south coast. (Thong Krut)

  • Peak season: Always leave extra time for traffic.

  • The night before: Confirm your pier + meeting point with your operator. Wind + waves sometimes shift departures.

So, in a nutshell...

  • Heading to Koh Tao? Stay around Maenam.

  • Want easy Koh Phangan access? Choose Bangrak/Bophut/north Chaweng — or Nathon if you prefer the west coast.

  • Planning Ang Thong? Bangrak or Nathon fit almost every tour, with Thong Krut perfect for south-coast departures.

Sleep near your pier, walk on with coffee in hand, and enjoy your day on the water!

 

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Best Base on Samui for Day Trips — Pier Logistics Made Easy Best Base on Samui for Day Trips — Pier Logistics Made Easy Best Base on Samui for Day Trips — Pier Logistics Made Easy