Ko Samui Cruise Port
Ko Samui, Thailand · Asia
Cruise ships anchor offshore in Ko Samui — tenders ferry passengers to the port.
Plan my port daysTender port; ships anchor off Nathon and tender to the pier. Songthaews and taxis reach the Big Buddha, beaches and waterfalls.
At a glance
Port summary
Cruise ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to Nathon Pier on the quiet west coast, the island's administrative town. There is no cruise terminal - just the pier, with taxis, songthaews (shared pickups) and tour vans waiting. The island's highlights are spread out: the golden Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem on the northeast cape, the lively Chaweng and Lamai beaches on the east coast, Fisherman's Village at Bophut, and the Na Muang waterfalls inland. Roads are winding, so plan one or two areas rather than the whole island, and keep a wide buffer for the tender queue back.
Cruise dock
🚢 Nathon Pier — Tender Landing
Ko Samui is a tender port: ships anchor off Nathon and the cruise line's tenders land at Nathon Pier on the west coast. Taxis, songthaews and tour vans wait at the pier head; Nathon town is a 5-minute walk. There is no cruise terminal building.
📍 Latitude: 9.535997, Longitude: 99.930792
See dock on port map →Getting to Ko Samui
From the cruise terminal to the city centre
The cruise line's tender boats run between the ship and Nathon Pier; can be delayed in monsoon swell.
📍 Board the ship's tender from the gangway.
Metered taxis are rare; agree a fixed fare or a half-day hire before you set off.
📍 Taxi rank at Nathon Pier.
Songthaews are the cheap local way around; flag one down, confirm the route and pay on exit. Cash only.
📍 Songthaews (shared red pickups) along the main road by the pier.
Quick for short hops; not ideal for nervous riders or long island crossings.
📍 Drivers in numbered vests near the pier.
Cars and scooters are easy to hire, but roads are winding and driving is unfamiliar; not for a short call.
📍 Rental desks in Nathon and at the pier.
Nathon town, shops, banks and cafes are a 5-minute walk from the pier; the sights need a taxi or songthaew.
📍 From Nathon Pier into the town streets.
Map & things to do
Money & payments
Carry plenty of small baht notes for songthaews, taxis, markets and temple donations; cards are only useful at malls and resorts.
Things to do
Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks
Short stop⭐ Highlight
Cheeky natural rock formations at south Lamai, named the Grandfather and Grandmother stones.
🕐 Daytime; combine with Lamai
Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)
Short stop⭐ Highlight
A 12m golden Buddha on a causeway islet, Samui's most famous landmark, visible far out to sea.
🕐 Early or late to avoid midday heat
Wat Khunaram (Mummified Monk)
Short stop⭐ Highlight
A roadside temple displaying the preserved, sunglasses-wearing body of monk Luang Pho Daeng.
🕐 Daytime; modest dress required
Wat Plai Laem
Short stop⭐ Highlight
A colourful lakeside temple with an 18-armed Guanyin, blending Thai and Chinese art and design.
🕐 Morning light; combine with Big Buddha
Nathon Town and Walking Street
Short stop⭐ Highlight
The cruise town's old Chinese-Thai shophouses, local eateries and a Sunday evening walking street.
🕐 Anytime; Sunday evening for the market
Na Muang Waterfalls
🌿 Nature
Samui's tallest waterfalls, tumbling over purple rock deep in the jungle interior.
🕐 After rain for full flow; daytime
Chaweng Beach
🌿 Nature
Samui's longest, liveliest beach: a 6km arc of white sand and clear water lined with resorts.
🕐 Morning for calm sea and shade
Lamai Beach
🌿 Nature
Samui's second beach, more laid-back than Chaweng, with golden sand, swimming and a low-key village.
🕐 Morning to early afternoon
Secret Buddha Garden
🌿 Nature
A jungle hillside of stone statues and shrines built by a Samui farmer, with island views.
🕐 Daytime; clear weather for views
Ang Thong National Marine Park
🌿 Nature
A protected archipelago of 42 limestone islands with an emerald lagoon and snorkelling.
🕐 Calm-sea days; full-day trip only
Fisherman's Village, Bophut
Short stop🛍️ Shopping
A restored Bophut fishing street of wooden shophouses, boutiques, cafes and a Friday night market.
🕐 Late afternoon; Fridays for the market
Central Festival Samui
Short stop🛍️ Shopping
A modern air-conditioned mall at Chaweng with shops, a food hall and cafes for a hot or wet day.
🕐 Midday heat or a rainy spell
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Plan my port days →Frequently asked questions
- Where does my cruise ship dock in Ko Samui?
- Ko Samui is a tender port: your ship anchors offshore and passengers transfer to shore by small boat.
- Can I walk from the cruise port into Ko Samui?
- Walking into Ko Samui from the cruise port isn't practical. Plan to use a shuttle, taxi, or public transport.
- How do I get from the cruise port to Ko Samui centre?
- Typical options include Ferry, Taxi, Local bus, Motorbike taxi, Car rental, On foot. Durations and costs are listed in the transport section above.
- How much time do I need in Ko Samui?
- Plan for at least 4 hours ashore to see Ko Samui independently and return to the ship with a safe buffer.
- What currency is used in Ko Samui and are cards accepted?
- Ko Samui uses the Thai Baht. Carry some cash for markets, taxis, and smaller vendors — cards aren't accepted everywhere.
- Is there Wi-Fi at the cruise port?
- Wi-Fi isn't reliably available at the Ko Samui cruise terminal. Consider a local SIM or your cruise line's data package.
- When should I be back at the ship?
- Cruise lines usually require all passengers on board about 30 minutes before scheduled departure. Confirm the exact all-aboard time on your daily programme.
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