Don Sak

Town

Don Sak serves as the ferry hub for Koh Samui and Koh Phangan; travelers pass through low-key piers, eat spicy southern soups, and wait for tickets to island beaches.

Don Sak Map data © OpenStreetMap contributorsDon Sak
In this guide

Don Sak essentials

Country: Thailand
Driest months: Jan-Mar
Pay in: Baht (฿)
Language: Thai
Emergency: 191

Where to Go in Don Sak

Island Ko Samui Ko SamuiThai island resort known for beaches and coconut palms Island Ko Lamphu Ko LamphuSmall river island in Surat Thani city center Island Chaweng ChawengPopular Koh Samui beach town with nightlife and beaches Island Hat Bang Rak Hat Bang RakSmall coastal beach in southern Thailand Nature Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park Mu Ko Ang Thong National ParkMarine national park of islands and limestone karsts
All Attractions

Don Sak at a Glance

Local Time
9:52 AM
GMT+7
Population
12,422

Costs: Moderate transport hub prices - uS$25-55/day; ferry connections drive demand for services.

Safety: Safe, tourist-focused - low crime; take care on busy ferry terminals.

Best Time: Best months December-April - calmer seas and sunny weather suit island transfers.

Don Sak’s Donsak Pier is one of the main ferry gateways to Koh Samui.

Why Visit Don Sak?

Serving as the main ferry gateway to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, Don Sak is a common transit point for travelers bound for island beaches and diving sites. Beyond the port, the district provides seafood markets and easy access to Ang Thong National Marine Park’s limestone islets and snorkeling lagoons. Those who linger find low-key coastal life, pier-side restaurants and opportunities to watch traditional fisherfolk bring in the day’s catch.

Best Things to Do in Don Sak

Don Sak Bucket List

Don't Miss

Don Sak Pier - Main ferry terminal connecting Surat Thani mainland to Koh Samui and nearby islands.

Wat Don Sak - Local temple with traditional Thai architecture and daily monk alms ceremonies.

Don Sak Market - Bustling market offering fresh seafood, snacks, and travel provisions for island departures.

Hidden Gems

Coastal viewpoints around Don Sak - Coastal roads reveal quiet viewpoints and fishermen’s piers good for photography.

Neighbouring Ban Don fishing village - Explore neighbouring Ban Don fishing village for local life and seafood processing.

Small family farms - Visit small family farms to see tropical fruit cultivation and seasonal harvesting activities.

Day Trips

Koh Samui - Ferries to Koh Samui take about an hour, offering beaches, nightlife, and resorts.

Ang Thong National Marine Park - Boat trips to Ang Thong National Marine Park for snorkeling and limestone islands.

When to Go

Best Time to Visit Don Sak

Don Sak’s best window is late fall to early spring when seas calm and rain eases; the monsoon months bring frequent heavy showers and rough ferries. Plan island trips accordingly.

Hot Season

March - May25-34°C (77-93°F)

Hot, humid days make boat travel sticky; mornings are better for island crossings, and expect stronger sun and less cloud cover.

Rainy Season

May - October24-31°C (75-88°F)

Frequent heavy rain and rough seas; ferry schedules change and some islands receive intense downpours-bring waterproof gear and flexible plans.

Cool Season

November - February23-30°C (73-86°F)

Drier, calmer seas and pleasant mornings-ideal for island hopping and boat trips, often too.

Climate

Don Sak's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1633 mm/year), wettest in November.

Air Quality: AQI 56 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryJanuaryMarch
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
33°
Warmest Month
24°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 23° - 30° 27° 65 mm partly cloudy 80% 2.3 m/s 1.8 very high 11.5h
February Excellent 23° - 31° 30° 40 mm some cloud 79% 2.5 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.7h
March Very Good 24° - 33° 33° 56 mm some cloud 78% 2.1 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.0h
April Good 25° - 34° 35° 73 mm partly cloudy 77% 1.9 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.2h
May Acceptable 25° - 33° 35° 137 mm overcast 78% 1.7 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.4h
June Good 25° - 32° 34° 89 mm overcast 80% 2.2 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.5h
July Good 25° - 32° 33° 94 mm overcast 80% 2.5 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.5h
August Good 25° - 32° 33° 105 mm overcast 81% 2.4 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.3h
September Acceptable 24° - 32° 32° 134 mm overcast 81% 2.2 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.1h
October Good 24° - 31° 31° 259 mm overcast 81% 1.6 m/s 1.8 very high 11.8h
November Good 24° - 30° 27° 396 mm overcast 81% 1.8 m/s 1.6 very high 11.6h
December Good 23° - 30° 26° 185 mm overcast 80% 2.7 m/s 1.5 very high 11.5h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Don Sak

Don Sak is the mainland ferry port for the Gulf islands and is reached by road from Surat Thani or by combined bus+ferry tickets from Bangkok. Trains to Surat Thani plus a short transfer are a common route for budget travelers.

By Air

Surat Thani Airport (URT): Don Sak (Surat Thani province) is the port for ferries to the islands (Koh Samui/Koh Phangan) and is commonly reached via Surat Thani Airport. From URT to Don Sak the drive is about 1-1.5 hours; taxis and shared vans cost roughly 300-800 THB.

Samui Airport (USM): If your destination is Koh Samui you can fly directly into Samui Airport and then use local ferry/taxi connections; Don Sak itself is on the mainland and is mainly accessed via Surat Thani town or airport transfers rather than direct international flights.

By Train & Bus

Train: The State Railway of Thailand serves Surat Thani station; from there buses and minivans run to Don Sak ferry terminal (about 1-1.5 hours). Overnight sleepers from Bangkok arrive into Surat Thani and are a popular option for islandbound travelers.

Bus: Direct buses from Bangkok (Southern Bus Terminal/ Sai Tai Mai) and from Surat Thani town serve Don Sak; combined bus+ferry tickets are widely sold (bus to Don Sak + ferry to islands) with typical combined fares around 350-800 THB depending on class and route.

How to Get Around Don Sak

Use combined bus+ferry tickets or an overnight train to Surat Thani plus a short transfer to Don Sak. For speed and convenience, private transfers from the airport or town are best, while combined tickets are cost‑effective and simple.

  • Combined bus + ferry ticket (350-800 THB) - Many operators sell combined tickets from Bangkok (or Surat Thani) that include bus to Don Sak and ferry to islands. These are convenient, timed connections and remove the need to arrange transfers separately. Keep tickets handy for boarding.
  • Train + local transfer (Train 200-1,200 THB; transfer 200-800 THB) - Overnight trains from Bangkok to Surat Thani are a popular budget option; after arrival take a taxi or shuttle to Don Sak. Trains are comfortable for overnight travel and often a cheaper alternative to flying.
  • Taxi / private transfer (≈300-1,500 THB) - Direct taxis or private transfers from airports or Surat Thani town are faster and useful with luggage. Price varies with vehicle type and number of passengers; agree on a fixed rate or use a reputable company.
  • Local bus / minivan (150-400 THB) - Local buses and minivans operate between Surat Thani and Don Sak; they are economical but may be slower due to stops. If you have an early ferry, allow extra time in case of delays.
  • Walking - Don Sak is primarily a transport hub centred on the ferry terminal; the terminal and surrounding area are walkable for short trips, but amenities are limited so plan ahead.

Where to Stay in Don Sak

Budget

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Mid-Range

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Luxury

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Eat & Drink

Where to Eat in Don Sak

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Don Sak’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Thai
Coffee Shop

Nightlife in Don Sak

Nightlife is functional and travel-oriented: basic bars, guesthouse eateries and pier-side restaurants cater to ferry passengers. Don Sak isn’t a nightlife destination - it’s primarily a transit point for island travel.

Shopping in Don Sak

Shopping around Don Sak focuses on travel needs: ticket offices, small convenience shops and food stalls near the pier provide essentials. For broader shopping, larger towns or island destinations offer more options.