Review of Lipa Noi Pier and Raja Ferry Service
I recently had the pleasure of using Raja Ferry for my trip to Koh Samui, and I have to say, the experience was fantastic. Lipa Noi Pier, where the ferry docks, is a well-maintained and organized spot. It offers smooth transitions from ferry to road transport, making it easy for travelers to continue their journey to various destinations on the island.
Raja Ferry’s service stands out for its affordability and efficiency. The ferry ride itself was one of the cheapest options I found, and it’s an excellent choice if you’re looking to save money while traveling to Koh Samui. The journey from Donsak Pier to Koh Samui took about 1 hour and 40 minutes, with the road transport being equally budget-friendly. They offer affordable transfers directly to any hotel on the island, which is a great perk for travelers.
If you're planning to take the ferry, I highly recommend booking the AC room, especially for those looking to relax or catch up on some short naps during the journey. It's comfortable and cool, which makes the trip more pleasant. However, do note that the AC rooms tend to fill up quickly during peak season, so it’s a good idea to come early to secure your spot.
Overall, I was very impressed with Raja Ferry’s service—cheap, efficient, and comfortable. Highly recommended for anyone traveling...
Read moreComing from Surat Thani on a transfer to Koh Samui on AirAsia, we were upset to find that they charged another 200Baht in order to get a bus transfer to your hotel, and they stated that there were no taxis or buses that you could take. Additionally, when we arrived at the pier, they charge 20Baht per piece of luggage to be brought on to the boat, even if you wanted to carry them on yourself. When we took that 200Baht bus to our hotel, our driver stopped 3 times to get himself food and to socialize, and was disrespectful of any of the time constraints that other people had. He gave us his card in order to receive a ride back, and informed us that it would be a 150Baht back to the pier, as it was 200Baht to get to our hotel from the pier. When we called to ask for a transfer back, he attempted to argue the price, but ultimately agreed at the 150Baht price point. The driver, Mr. Chaiyong Panpet (Jumjim) called us back at 9pm the night before our 6am pickup and demanded 1000Baht for the ride, attempting to cajole us into paying more. Completely unprofessional and rude, and left us high and dry. Spend the extra money to fly directly into Koh Samui, as all of the hidden charges ultimately balanced...
Read moreThe Traveler’s Secret to Lipa Noi Pier – Don’t Get Bamboozled!
Lipa Noi Pier is one of the easiest and most stress-free ferry terminals I’ve ever been to! Checking in is super simple: just head to the ticket and info counter, give them your booking number (or buy a ticket there—I recommend booking through 12Go for convenience). From there, you’re all set for a smooth ride.
Now, here’s where things get exciting: Don’t let the “mini market” or nearby restaurant trick you into paying sky-high prices. Instead, take a short stroll down to the entrance of the pier, and you’ll discover the real traveler’s secret—a cluster of small, local shops and eateries offering authentic food and snacks at fair prices.
This spot feels like an exclusive gem for savvy travelers who know better than to settle for overpriced convenience. It’s a perfect place to grab a bite, stock up on essentials, or just enjoy the local vibe without feeling like you’re being taken advantage of.
So, skip the tourist traps, embrace the secret, and make the most of your Lipa Noi Pier experience. Trust me, you’ll feel...
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