How to Get from Ban Phe to Bangkok
From the Ban Phe piers to Bangkok you can take a private taxi, a public bus or a minivan. The taxi is 2,199 THB per car, 210 km, and about 2 h 30 min on the road. The others cost less per person and end at a terminal, not at your hotel.
Private taxi
The driver waits at the pier where your boat lands and drives to the address you give. It is door to door, with the bags in the car throughout. For a family of four the Toyota Innova at 2,499 THB is the usual choice.
Book the pick-up for the time of your boat, and the driver follows the time you give.
Bus and minivan
Buses and minivans leave Ban Phe for Bangkok through the day and end at city terminals such as the Eastern Bus Terminal at Ekkamai. From the terminal you need a taxi or the BTS to reach your hotel. Seats are limited at weekends, and the last departures leave in the afternoon.
For a single traveller with a rucksack it is the cheap choice. Check the current timetable at the bus station in Ban Phe.
The day of the return
Plan the day from the end. Add 2 h 30 min for the road to the time of your flight or dinner, then half an hour for the pier, then the ferry crossing. A late lunch on the island can push the crossing into the evening, and the ferries stop at 18:00.
A speedboat is quicker than the ferry, at about 15 minutes against 30 to 40, and costs 1,000 to 2,000 THB per boat.
Choosing
The bus works for one person who is not in a hurry. The taxi works for everyone else, particularly with luggage, with children or on a Sunday when you want a seat. The prices are on the price page. You pay the driver in cash, or by Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, transfer by QR code or bank transfer to a Thai account if you prefer.
The service page Taxi from Ban Phe to Bangkok describes the pick-up in detail.
Questions and answers
Is there a train from Ban Phe to Bangkok?
No. The choice is the road.
Where do the buses stop in Bangkok?
At city terminals, from which you need a taxi or the BTS.
Can I book the taxi from the island?
Yes, by email or the form. The pick-up is at the pier on the mainland.
How long is the ferry back?
30 to 40 minutes, until 18:00.
Is the taxi worth it for two people?
For comfort and time, yes. For cost alone the bus is cheaper.
Book Ban Phe (pier to Koh Samet) to Bangkok city
Free cancellation. Pay the driver in cash, or by Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, transfer by QR code or bank transfer to a Thai account if you prefer.