Donsak Pier serves as a crucial transit hub located in Suratthani, Thailand. Known for its scenic views and proximity to stunning islands, the pier connects travelers to destinations like Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, making it an essential stop for island hopping enthusiasts.
Donsak Pier, situated at 25/1 Road Suratthani Mittraphap, 84220, Thailand, is the perfect launch point for exploring the breathtaking islands of Southern Thailand. Surrounded by lush landscapes and crystal-clear waters, this bustling pier welcomes numerous visitors each day, ready to embark on unforgettable journeys. The pier features a variety of amenities, including restaurants and shops that provide local delicacies and essential travel supplies. From Donsak Pier, you can reach popular destinations such as Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, renowned for their stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. The journey from the pier is both picturesque and convenient, ensuring you experience the best of what this tropical paradise has to offer. Travelers appreciate the warm hospitality of the local community, as well as the seamless connections to ferry services that run frequently throughout the day. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or simply looking to relax on the beach, Donsak Pier is the gateway to Southern Thailand’s hidden gems, making it an essential part of your travel itinerary. Enjoy the natural beauty, explore nearby attractions, and create lasting memories as you set sail from this vibrant pier.
ท่าเรือดอนสัก (ดอนสัก, ไทย) - รีวิว - ThailandAgoda.com
Donsak Pier is perched on a picturesque hilltop overlooking 25/1 road Suratthani Mittraphap, 84220, Thailand
All function, very little form. This is a pier that allows people and cars to get on a ferry and that’s about it. Facilities here are very basic; there is a ticket office, a small snack shop and a car park. Some shelter though probably not very comfortable in a crowd. But then ideally, you would not be here long. This pier is the main step off point for Koh Samui About 1.5 -2 hrs to Surat Thani, dependent on route & traffic.
There is a cafe and ticket office and that’s about it.Wouldn’t go to site see though there were some food stalls setting up midmorning that might be worth a visit.
So upfront let me say that this is the first time I’ve ever trashed a vendor. To be clear, this is a Don Sak port vendor experience and is not about the port itself. The port is actually quite nice. We bought a through ship and van ticket from Koh Phanghan to Nakhon Si Thammarat airport. The 1pm Raja ferry (which is good by the way). It was to connect to the last Air Asia flight to DMK at 8:30pm flight as I never trust these kind of transfers and the weather was rainy anyway. Plenty of time as it’s 2.5 hours on the ship and 1.5 hrs in the van. So we arrive at Don Sak and the van company (RP Van Transport) tell us that the van is going “soon”. Well you can imagine. At 5:30pm, after the next (3pm) ferry arrived we were shown to the van. Fine but not fine. A nasty little brown dressed company rep told me she wanted more money, as although the Raja sales girl had issued the ticket to the airport, the fare to the airport was 160 baht more than the town. The airport is shorter by the way – I assume they have a racket going for the airport. SFO does this on the train so I guess I can’t complain too much. But basically she put a gun to my head, so I said ok take me to the town and I’ll get a cab to the airport. There won’t be a van till after 6pm she said. She gets her money and a lousy review. Anyone reading this is thinking I’ve never traveled out of Dodge City KS. Whereas I’ve been to Dodge once, and BKK a hundred times. I just never learn I guess. We took a taxi from NST airport to near Donsak coming. Expensive. Clean. Nice. Fast. Wish I had done it on the way back and had a decent dinner in NST city. I just hate being lied to about the time of a van. Basically having mine cancelled and put in the next one. And then having some nasty women extort more money when I have a valid ticket. But hey the van driver was friendly and I gave him a good tip to show him who I was ticked off with. Typical Thailand. The brown dress rep started getting angry with me before I even knew what the problem was. Of course she’s scared of the boss firing her over $4. I know the game. Loss of face. No authority. Lousy job. So unless you are broke I suggest you stay the night at the Lam-Tong Resort Guest house near the port. Have Chris pick you up or drop you at NST airport. And take you to or from the port. Next time I will do that both ways. It gives you pretty much a full day at Koh Phanghan. 700b for Guest house and 1500b for Honda Civic limo service. Safe driver and his Mum will cook you dinner st a very reasonable charge. There is a certain age when these vans are slumming it. And I’m past that age. Hopefully I will learn and never meet that nasty woman in her horrible brown dress again. And never give the van company any more money. And hopefully you’ll do the same.
Small lucky you when smooth transiting! Dubious local dealers ripping off at any opportunity ! South seems independent from Bangkok Administration! What a shame….
I took Raja Ferry Port because I needed to bring my car into Phangan Island. I made a long review at Raja Ferry Port (specifically for vehicle owners), drop by to check my review if you’re interested.
If you use the seatran company, they bring you right to this Pier where there got most amenities inside the complex.
We were here to transit to Koh Samui and found that the Pier was well provided with amenities while we waited to transfer. the restrooms were clean and handy in particular.
I am an expat working in Thailand with my family and we’ve used Raja Ferry many times. I’ve looked for other options, but since we take our car there are very few options.I have been on quite a few ferry’s throughout the world and these are the worst. The life rafts are rotting away in the sun, ropes are completely rotting away and it’s plain as day. See my photos for yourself. I light of the recent ferry sinking in Phuket that resulted in 40 deaths, I think safety should be number one for these operations. Which it clearly isn’t.The rest of the operation reminds me of greasy truck stop. But generally similar to most public facilities in Thailand. Many of the AC units and fans don’t work, no soap or towel in the washrooms, many seats are rusty and broken, etc.There’s usually enough seats for all, just maybe not in an air conditioned area. Always pays to get there early.There is a shop on the boat that has drinks, snacks and noodles with hot water available for free. If you get there early there’s a pretty decent restaurant up the steps at the dock. Thai, Western and a Doi Chaag coffee shop. Most items between 50-150 baht and they do take away if you want to take it on board.If you have a beach mat you could lay it out on the deck and lay out, there’s plenty of space for this both in and out of the sun.If you have a vehicle, depending on the time of year they may book up in advance. I’ve had some trouble with this, so I suggest booking several days early online. Note that booking online or in person is the only way, you cannot book by phone. What it shows online is simply all there is. Also they pack the vehicles tight! If you are with an elderly or disabled person, it would be best to have them walk on.One last thing, a little known fact is that there is a big Buddha up the hill from the restaurant. Worth while to go up 30min early and check it out. But once you reach the steps up to it take your shoes off and it is probably also offensive for women to be in a bathing suit, so cover up some.Happy travels!
Raja Ferry Terminal is one of the ferry services in Donsak pier for Koh Samui and Koh Phangun. Its cheaper and has less que as compared to Seatran Ferry Service or others!
Well – its just a reliable ferry – nothing to write home about except everything is on time, the vessels, though old, are well maintained and the number of life rafts appeared more than adequate. The trip takes around an hour and a half so possibly bring along a snack and a bottle of water as the choice in small on-board shop seems limited mainly to crisps.