Bangkok to Ko Samui on the cheap?

[ItsRobsLife]

Weeks of debauchery in Pattaya are taking it's toll, mostly on my wallet.
I want to get away for ten days or so and would like to visit Ko Samui as I've never been before. I can get the bus up to Ekkami cheap as, but then don't want to trek over to Ko san road for a backpacker special out of town. Is there a government bus that goes in that direction and if so where would I get it from and where would I get off? Hopefully I can get up to BKK early and be headed out the same day. also any recommendations for places to stay, bungalows for 500 baht would be good.

Cheers.

[bkkmadness]

You'd have to get off at Ekamai and take a taxi to the Southern Bus Terminal, from there you can get a govt bus south.

Alternatively, get over to the main train station and take an overnight sleeper train, they shouldn't be booked full at this time.

You might be better taking a bus from Pattaya direct to Samui through a travel agent. Lot less hassle, but quite a long journey.

I'd overnight it in BKK first before going on to Samui myself.

You'd probably be just as good heading to one of the islands round Pattaya if you need a break away. Samui is nothing too special really and if you are hanging around Chaweng and Lamai and on the nightlife every night will cost you a fair few baht too.

[bkkmadness]

Is there a government bus that goes in that direction and if so where would I get it from and where would I get off?

You'd get off at Surat Thani for the boat over to Samui.

Think you can get off at Chumpon also (cuts a couple of hours off the bus/train journey) and take the catamaran but it's a long boat journey (will stop off at Koh Tao and Koh Phangan first no doubt) and if it's a bumpy one it will not be pleasant either. You might also get stuck in Chumpon for one night if it's not timed right.

For all the hassle, better just asking a travel agent to hook you up all your tickets direct, pop some vallies and let them take care of everything. Doubt it will costs you much more as well, probably about the same in fact once you factor in everything.

[ItsRobsLife]

Mmm... cheers Madness. I'd take your advice if you don't think it's anything special and could easily go down to Ko Chang where I know what's what.

I went to Ko Tao once and although the scenery was lovely the water and beaches weren't that clean and totally devoid of any wildlife, I guess Samui has been done to death so would be the same, Phi Phi would be nice I think but a bit out of my price range.

[dirtydog]

Bus to ekamai, mrt to Hua Lampong train station, 11 trains perday to Surat Thani, Train time tables.

[bkkmadness]

I went to Ko Tao once and although the scenery was lovely the water and beaches weren't that clean and totally devoid of any wildlife

You must've gone to Sairee beach? Plenty of clear waters round Koh Tao for snorkelling. Bit boring for you though I think, not much nightlife, mostly divers there that are in bed early.

Samui is alright but nothing special IMHO, and quite a journey to get there. Koh Phangan is worth a visit too, just stay away from Haad Rin if backpackers annoy you. Got a few more girly bars on the island now as well, round Thongsala way.

Think I would just head off to Koh Chang and surrounding islands if I were you.

[bkkmadness]

Bus to ekamai, mrt to Hua Lampong train station

Bus to Ekamai, and then BTS to Asoke where you connect to MRT Sukhumvit station, then down to Hualampong.