Ko Samui Cruise Ship Port Guide

When your cruise hits Ko Samui, you’ll dock at Nathon Pier and hop on a tender boat to reach shore.

For other Thailand Cruise destinations check out our Thailand Cruise Ports Guide page.

Once you’re on dry land, just flag down a songthaew (those red truck taxis) for about 50-100 THB or splurge on a regular taxi for 300-1,500 THB depending on where you’re headed.

Must-sees include the massive Big Buddha Temple, colorful Wat Plai Laem, and the refreshing Na Muang Waterfalls.

Just a heads-up – budget extra time for those tender boats, especially when returning to your ship.

Word is they’re planning a fancy new cruise terminal by 2032 that’ll handle bigger ships and speed up the whole arrival process.

Stick around for the rest of my guide where I spill the beans on hidden gems and local secrets!

Map of Ko Samui Cruise Ship Port

Current Cruise Port Facilities at Nathon Pier

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When your cruise ship drops anchor off Ko Samui, you’ll be using Nathon Pier as your gateway to the island. You’ll hop on tender boats that shuttle everyone between ship and shore.

The pier’s got some decent amenities – shaded spots to sit while you wait, bathrooms, and info booths where you can snag a map. Need cash? No problem – ATMs and currency exchange spots are right by the entrance. Some ferry companies even have air-conditioned waiting areas if you’re melting in the Thai heat.

Once you set foot on the pier, you’ll spot signs in various languages pointing you toward taxis, songthaews (those red truck taxis), and scooter rentals that can zip you to any corner of the island you want to explore.

Getting Around Ko Samui From the Cruise Port

Upon arriving at Nathon Pier, you’ll need to figure out how to get around Ko Samui during your short visit. Just keep in mind that tender boats can take quite a while (60-90 minutes) during busy periods.

Getting around? You’ve got options:

  • Rent a scooter for about 200 THB per day if you’re feeling adventurous
  • Hop on a songthaew (those truck-taxis) for 50-100 THB to reach the main beaches
  • Grab a regular taxi (300-1,500 THB) to go directly where you want
  • Book transfers ahead starting around $11.83 per person

Be smart about your return trip and leave plenty of buffer time – that one-way system near Nathon can be tricky! The main road circles the island (50km) and takes over an hour to go all the way around, so pick your spots carefully.

Must-See Attractions Within Easy Reach

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Ko Samui’s got some pretty cool spots you can easily check out during your short time off the cruise ship. The Big Buddha Temple is just a quick 15-minute ride from Nathon Pier – catch the morning monk chants if you can, and the views are totally worth it. Right nearby is Wat Plai Laem with this amazing 18-armed Guanyin statue and some really colorful Thai-Chinese architecture.

If you’re into nature stuff, definitely head to Na Muang Waterfalls – they’ve got these weird purple rocks and some nice spots to swim. The Samui Elephant Sanctuary is about 25 minutes away by car, and it’s a great place to feed rescued elephants without all the sketchy tourist trap vibes. Before heading back to your ship, swing by Fisherman’s Village in Bophut where all these old shophouses have been fixed up with cute markets and some seriously good seafood restaurants.

The Future Samui Cruise Terminal Project

Ko Samui’s cruise scene is in for a major upgrade! While the modest Nathon Pier handles today’s visitors, the Future Samui Cruise Terminal Project is set to change everything. They’re planning a massive ฿12.1 billion facility at Laem Hin Khom in Taling Ngam that’ll handle two ships at once and process 1,200 travelers every hour.

The whole thing kicks off in 2029, with doors opening around 2032. You’ll find a sprawling 7,200 sqm terminal that’s been designed with the environment in mind. Once it’s up and running, you’ll have direct connections to Singapore-Pattaya cruise routes, and the island’s economy should get a serious boost. Pretty exciting stuff for anyone who’s fallen for Samui’s charms!

See what’s on offer from the Port of Phuket for a different Thailand Cruise destination.

Shore Excursion Options and Local Experiences

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While the terminal upgrades are still in the works, there’s plenty to do when you hop off your cruise in Ko Samui. The island has something for everyone in your group.

  1. Marine Expeditions – Zip around on speedboats to Angthong Marine Park and check out 42 islands, take a dip in the stunning Emerald Lake, and snorkel among colorful coral reefs.
  2. Cultural Sites – Drop by Wat Phra Yai to see the impressive golden Buddha or wander through the quirky Secret Buddha Garden tucked away in the jungle.
  3. Beach Activities – Chill out at family-friendly Choeng Mon or head to bustling Chaweng Beach if you’re in the mood for water sports.
  4. Boutique Experiences – Treat yourself to a private tour with a local who knows all the hidden spots, or learn to cook Thai dishes at one of the swanky resorts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Cruise to Ko Samui?

Looking to hit Ko Samui on a cruise? Aim for December through February. You’ll get gorgeous weather (about 24-30°C), sunny skies, and super calm waters. The snorkeling visibility is killer during these months too. These conditions are pretty much perfect for island hopping.

Are There ATMS and Currency Exchange Services at Nathon Pier?

You can find several ATMs about 10-15 minutes on foot from Nathon Pier’s tender dock. Most ATMs will hit you with a 220 THB fee, but if you spot an AEON ATM, you’ll only pay 150 THB – definitely worth seeking out. Not sure about currency exchange places nearby – nobody seems to mention them.

How Reliable Is the Internet/Wi-Fi Connectivity on the Island?

Koh Samui has pretty good internet overall, with 4G/5G covering most of the island (about 95%). You can get fiber-optic connections up to 200 Mbps in town areas, which is decent for streaming and work calls. Just keep in mind that during monsoon season, the heavy rains might knock out your connection now and then. Nothing’s perfect in paradise!

What Local Foods Should Cruise Passengers Try During Their Visit?

When you hop off your cruise in Ko Samui, definitely dig into their crab curry with betel leaves – it’s killer! The squid in coconut curry is also worth hunting down. Street food’s where it’s at too – grab some Tom Yum Goong (that spicy shrimp soup) or classic Pad Thai from a vendor. Got a sweet tooth? Mango sticky rice will hit the spot before heading back to the ship!

Are There Medical Facilities Available Near the Cruise Port?

Near Nathon port, you’ll find a few private clinics that can handle basic first aid needs. If something more serious comes up, Ko Samui Hospital is about 30 minutes away and offers 24/7 emergency services. For anything really concerning, Wattanapat Hospital has modern medical equipment and private rooms available.

Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Bangkok (Laem Chabang) Cruise Ship Port.