Travel in the 2nd week of September, 2005: Am planning to go from Bangkok to Samui. Is there a cheaper airline than Bangkok Air, where the regular airfare is 3200B one way (unless you take a very early or very late flight. Can you recommend alternatives? Any great hotels? thanks.

Bangkok Air is the only airline, as they own the Samui airport. You could take the train (overnight is available) to Surat Thani, then use bus/ferry service to Samui...not quick but it is cheaper. We've always flown...get the flights that use jets rather than prop airplanes and it's a bit quicker and a bit more comfy.

Lots of great hotels in Samui...try browsing sawadee.com for listings and see what catches your eye.

I'm pretty sure Thai fly to Surat Thani. Then you could catch a shuttle to the ferry. You'd save about 1500 baht but the trip would be 3 hrs longer, according to my Timeout guidebook. You can also save if you fly out of Surat Thani as Samui airport has a 400 baht departure tax.

You are right...Thai air does fly to Surat Thani. I forgot. Does take quite a bit longer than flying straight to Samui. Guess it depends on whether saving $30 - $50 is worth the extra time and energy.

The early morning flight on Bangkok Air is quite OK. They give you a muffin, banana, coffee etc. (WOW!) in their little waiting room and you can use the free internet. It is worth the hassle to get up early to save 1200 baht and be there, on the beach by lunchtime, imho. You could get a Thai flight back & enjoy the ferry ride from Samui to Surat Thani.

As others have said, Thai to Surat Thani if you are happy to spend the time, or train via Surat, another option is bus/Jet Catamaram via Chumphon, this island hops from Chumphon to Koa Tao and Koh Phangan so a bit of a long way but ok if you fancy a few hours island hoping on the way, costs B 1,000 ( USD 25 ) each way, otherwise go for the first or last flights which should be about B 2,000 each way plus the B 400 Samui Airport tax or just go for the normal flights. The turbo prop takes about 20 minutes longer than the jet but you get a nicer view into Samui as flies slower and somewhat lower.

If you want the first or last flight of the day be sure to book in advance. They fill up quickly.