Seatran Discovery

4.3
5,557 customer reviews
  • About
  • Popular Routes
  • Stations
  • Reviews
  • Schedule and Timetable

About Seatran Discovery

Company Information

Known by its current name since 2004, Seatran Discovery was actually started in 2002 and is one of the most popular ferry services in Thailand. In 2004, the Seatran Discovery yacht was launched offering a more luxurious option for those wanting to travel out to the world-famous Thai islands. It has a 100-person capacity and even includes outdoor showers!

Routes serviced by Seatran Discovery

The rest of the fleet has a maximum capacity of 300 people with routes serving 18 destinations across Thailand from 13 departure points including Bangkok, Krabi, Phuket, Suratthani airport (and town) and Nakhon Si Thammarat airport with prices starting from THB300. Most routes have several services a day so there's usually a good choice of departure times.

From Donsak

From Donsak there are 2 ferries a day to each of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, departing at 11am and 2.30pm daily, with journey times of 1 ½ hours, 2 ½ hours and 4 hours respectively. Tickets are priced at THB350 for trips to Koh Samui and THB450 and THB700 for Koh Phangan and Koh Tao respectively.

From Koh Samui

For those who have enjoyed the beaches of Koh Samui and want to head elsewhere there's plenty of options including Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi and Phuket.

Two of the most popular routes from Koh Samui are the services to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, which take 30 minutes and 2 hours respectively. The departure times for both destinations are the same with 3 services daily departing at 8am, 1pm and 4.30pm, priced at THB300 to Koh Phangan and THB600 to Koh Tao.

As mentioned, there are also longer trips available from Koh Samui, too. There are two departures each day to Koh Lanta, leaving at 9am and 11.30am, taking 8 ½ hours. Priced at THB900, this trip includes a ferry to Donsak, a 3 ½ hour bus to Krabi and transfer to Koh Lanta.

There are also daily departures at 9am to Koh Phi Phi and Phuket costing THB900 and THB1,050 respectively, which include a combination of several buses and ferries.

From Phuket

From Phuket, Seatran Discovery offer packages to take you to a range of destinations including Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, priced at THB1,150 and THB1,350 respectively. There is one departure per day at 8.30am with a journey time of 8 ½ hours to Koh Phangan and 10 hours to Koh Tao. As with all of Seatran Discovery’s packages, the price includes all ferry and bus transfers and is usually a cheaper alternative to flying.

Transfers

For those flying into airports such as Krabi, Suratthani and Nakhon Si Thammarat, it's of course possible to arrange transfers to islands including Koh Samui (4 ½ hours), Koh Phangan (5 ½ hours) and Koh Tao (7 hours).

There's two services per day (8am and 11am) from Krabi to each of these islands costing THB650, THB750 and THB900 respectively.

There's slightly more choice from Suratthani and Nakhon Si Thammarat airports with three services a day to each of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, priced at THB600, THB700 and THB900 respectively.

From Bangkok

Finally, Seatran Discovery offer a daily service from Bangkok to Koh Samui (16 ½ hours), Koh Phangan (17 ½ hours) and Koh Tao (19 hours), with one departure per day at 8pm. Affordably priced at THB900, THB1,000 and THB1,200 respectively, this includes a 14 ½ hour VIP bus to Donsak and a ferry to the islands.

Pros

[youtube eJvmqbXsziE]

One of the main advantages travelling with Seatran Discovery is the sheer scale of options that they offer. This is why it is one of the most popular companies across Thailand. The packages taking you from destinations such as Bangkok or Phuket to islands including Koh Samui save travellers a lot of hassle and planning. In many instances these packages are also cheaper than arranging the travel independently.

As the company was founded more recently than many of its competitors, the ferries on its services are often newer than most. Therefore, you can usually expect a higher level of comfort than offered by other transport providers.

Another advantage is that these ferries are often less busy than those on other services, especially departing from Donsak to Koh Samui or Koh Phangan, this is mainly due to the fact that it is slightly more expensive than some of the other options covering this route, although you can usually expect better quality boats and customer service here.

Seatran Discovery high-speed ferries are always a better choice than Lomprayah high-speed catamarans when the seas are rough as they cut the wave rather than ride it.

Cons

Like the majority of transport across Thailand, journey times can be unpredictable with late arrivals. However, the same can be said for their competitors!

Another disadvantage is that many of the ferries in Seatran Discovery’s fleet are only passenger ferries. Therefore, you will have to bring your luggage onto the ferry yourself, this can cause problems if you have brought a lot with you! This is especially an issue on services departing from Donsak and those on this route with a lot of luggage might want to consider a car ferry as if you're travelling by bus you can keep your biggest bags on the bus whilst keeping your valuables close by.

Keep in mind

Seatran Discovery has one of the best websites that you'll find from a Thai travel provider, it is very easy to navigate and has clear options allowing you to plan your trip easily. Online booking is simple but if your departure time is within 12 hours then you'll need to contact them directly to ensure you can travel at your chosen time.

They also offer a far wider range of travel options than many of their competitors, allowing you to travel from as far as Bangkok easily and for a very competitive price. Another handy offer is the hotel transfer when you reach Koh Samui, if you book this through Seatran Discovery you can be dropped from the ferry port to any hotel on the island for just THB150, a very good price especially if you're arriving on the last ferry of the day as you won't have to haggle with taxi drivers.

Travellers Reviews

Reviews of Seatran Discovery tend to highlight the variety of options that they offer and the ease of which it is possible to travel long distances. Many also like the fact that the ferries are often less busy than those on other routes, so it is more likely you'll be able to get a good seat.

Those with complaints usually criticize the fact that you will have to carry your bags aboard even if you are part of a package as there are only passenger ferries available. This is particularly problematic if you're a solo traveler as you will have to keep a eye on your belongings.

Read more

Seatran Discovery Popular Routes

Koh Samui - Koh Phangan
Ferry High Speed Ferry
08:00, 09:00, 09:30, 13:00, 14:00, 14:30
Ferry Van + Ferry
09:30, 14:30
Ferry Ferry + Van
09:30, 09:30, 14:30, 14:30
Ferry Taxi + Ferry + Taxi
08:00, 13:00
Ferry Van + Ferry + Taxi
09:00, 14:00
Koh Phangan - Koh Samui
Ferry High Speed Ferry
10:30, 16:00
Ferry Ferry + Van
10:30, 16:00
Koh Phi Phi - Krabi
Ferry High Speed Ferry
09:00, 13:30
Ferry Van + Ferry
09:00, 13:30
Krabi - Koh Phi Phi
Ferry High Speed Ferry
10:30, 13:00, 15:00
Ferry Van + Ferry
08:30, 13:00
NaN Passengers

Seatran Discovery Schedule & Timetable

ClassDeparture StationArrival StationDepartureArrivalTravel time
High Speed FerryThong Sala Koh PhanganBangrak Seatran Pier14:3015:150h 45m
High Speed FerryThong Sala Koh PhanganBangrak Seatran Pier09:3010:150h 45m
High Speed FerryThong Sala Koh PhanganBangrak Seatran Pier14:3015:150h 45m
High Speed FerryThong Sala Koh PhanganBangrak Seatran Pier09:3010:150h 45m
High Speed FerryBangrak Seatran PierThong Sala Koh Phangan10:3011:150h 45m
High Speed FerryBangrak Seatran PierThong Sala Koh Phangan16:0016:450h 45m
High Speed FerryBangrak Seatran PierThong Sala Koh Phangan10:3011:150h 45m
High Speed FerryBangrak Seatran PierThong Sala Koh Phangan16:0016:450h 45m
High Speed FerryKlong Jilad PierTon Sai Pier Koh Phi Phi09:0011:002h 0m
High Speed FerryKlong Jilad PierTon Sai Pier Koh Phi Phi13:3015:302h 0m
High Speed FerryTon Sai Pier Koh Phi PhiKlong Jilad Pier10:3012:302h 0m
High Speed FerryTon Sai Pier Koh Phi PhiKlong Jilad Pier15:0017:002h 0m
High Speed FerryThong Sala Koh PhanganSamui Airport14:0015:151h 15m
High Speed FerryThong Sala Koh PhanganSamui Airport09:0010:151h 15m
High Speed FerrySamui AirportThong Sala Koh Phangan10:3012:151h 45m
High Speed FerrySamui AirportThong Sala Koh Phangan16:0017:451h 45m
High Speed FerryThong Sala Koh PhanganKoh Samui Transfer13:0015:152h 15m
High Speed FerryThong Sala Koh PhanganKoh Samui Transfer08:0010:152h 15m
Ferry + VanSamui AirportThong Sala Koh Phangan10:3012:001h 30m
Ferry + VanSamui AirportThong Sala Koh Phangan16:0017:301h 30m
Ferry + VanThong Sala Koh PhanganSamui Airport14:3015:150h 45m
Ferry + VanThong Sala Koh PhanganSamui Airport09:3010:150h 45m
Ferry + VanThong Sala Koh PhanganKoh Samui Transfer14:3015:150h 45m
Ferry + VanThong Sala Koh PhanganKoh Samui Transfer09:3010:150h 45m
Ferry + VanKoh Samui TransferThong Sala Koh Phangan10:3012:151h 45m
Ferry + VanKoh Samui TransferThong Sala Koh Phangan16:0017:451h 45m
High Speed FerryKoh Samui TransferThong Sala Koh Phangan10:3012:151h 45m
High Speed FerryKoh Samui TransferThong Sala Koh Phangan16:0017:451h 45m
Ferry + VanKoh Phangan TransferBangrak Seatran Pier09:3010:301h 0m
Ferry + VanKoh Phangan TransferBangrak Seatran Pier14:3015:301h 0m

Seatran Discovery Stations

Koh Samui TransferBangrak Seatran PierTon Sai Pier Koh Phi PhiKlong Jilad PierThong Sala Koh PhanganSamui AirportSurat Thani AirportKrabi AirportSurat Thani Town SeatranBangrak Pier

Seatran Discovery Company Reviews

J
The Engine is very loud. Used a different boat which was much lesser loud. The 12Go.asia web is not usable when you wat to pay by Apple Pay…the paying process is staying in an endless loop. I had to book via browser.
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Mar 15, 2024
M V
Everything allright, at the ticketoffice at the pier you could book transport by seatran minivan for Koh Pha Ngan for 170B
Van Ferry + Van, Seatran Discovery, Mar 15, 2024
K B
It was not clear where we're starting the trip, but the ship itself was ok 👍
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Mar 11, 2024
M K
All happened on schedule, I was helped with my luggage. Air conditioning could have worked better but this exceeded my expectations
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Mar 8, 2024
G K
Very well organized, easy to get on and off. luggage is stored in front and inside of the ferry by the team. You get it back when disembarking. We were lucky, very smooth ride that day with almost no waves and everything on time
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Mar 3, 2024
T R
Service of staff excellent. On time. Experience as one would expect.
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Feb 22, 2024
T G
Was a bit difficult carrying my heavy suitcase upstairs and lucky it was pretty empty so our luggage took up a seat. The staff were friendly, the boat clean and huge and the sailing quick. Disembarking was easy due to plank directly to our exit door.
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Feb 20, 2024
A K
Every was works fine
Van Ferry + Van, Seatran Discovery, Jan 3, 2024
K P
We got no notification or any message when we will be picked up. The driver wanted to pick us up one hour before the usual time and he got mad because we weren't ready. He drove like crazy. The boat trip to Koh Phangan was fine though and on time.
Van Ferry + Van, Seatran Discovery, Dec 27, 2023
J D
Perfect, on time and no issues.
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Dec 15, 2023
D V
Online booking and information is perfect and the ferry was in time. We had some waves so if your sensitive for sea sickness take some medicine before boarding and sit in the upper deck inside in the middle :).
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Dec 6, 2023
S
It was very good experience. The ferry was on time and I was helped with my language when boarding the boat.
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Dec 2, 2023
G M
Excellent, on time and and helpful staff who help with suitcase. Top banana. Will definitely use again 🙏 As for the pdf I think for some longer journeys should have a full itinerary. For example if your on a bus for 8 hours before get to ferry then a 30 mins ferry it should give the exact timings of each form of transport. Overall 12go and the ferry I used are excellent. Thanks
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Nov 19, 2023
B P
5/5
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Nov 4, 2023
A K
Waited for 2 hours on the bus stationed and the pier before leaving - We were told that our final destination would be Krabi Bus Terminal WITH all connections guaranteed! This was not the case as we were left on the side of a road 25 minutes away from the Bus Station. Also, we were told we have to pay the driver 400 baht to go to our hotel even though it was in the area which led us to getting a Grab Taxi. The attitude of the people on the ground when we got off was appalling and because we would not use their rip-off taxi service we wore yelled at to get off their property!
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Oct 9, 2023
M N
Great service, was picked up from hotel and straight to the pier Both taxi and ferry were on time, thanks!
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Sep 15, 2023
J
Worked perfectly fine
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Sep 8, 2023
P J
Because I could not walk I was brought to the boat by your staff. This was well appreciated.
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Aug 27, 2023
L C
A little bit chaotic at the beginning, but it was a great and smooth ride
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Aug 23, 2023
J B
Boat was in time, and booking was as usual via 12go easy
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Aug 10, 2023
M S
Everything perfekt
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Jul 24, 2023
L B
The waves was too high and the boat very fast
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Jul 2, 2023
C E
All perfekt!
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Jun 29, 2023
C S
Easy transfer, staff helpful and easy to talk to.
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Jun 29, 2023
V N
The trip itself was great, the only thing I don't understand - why for 30 min trip I should to check in at least 40 minutes before the departure? It doen't make sense'
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Jun 16, 2023
L H
Very waving / small boat, making sea sickness very easy to catch on up. Inside airco is working, but not optimal. However, it took us where we needed to go and it was good on time. Also taxi service pre arranged and check-in info on ticket and buying in advance on 12go was very easy.
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Jun 9, 2023
H N
Very good experience!
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Jun 7, 2023
L M
All very fast and easy.
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, May 19, 2023
L S
Good overall. First bus was very comfortable, they gave you a bottle of water, some biscuits and a blanket. It stopped once at a big venue that had different food stalls and bathroom (and if you had your ticket you could get a discount on food). Bus arrived early in the morning around 5 to a place that didn’t look much like a bus station, we were told the next bus wouldn’t come for another hour but we left within 30 minutes - you can also buy a shuttle service to your hostel/hotel on Koh Samui here but it is a bit pricier then when you arrive. As we arrived at the pier we just followed the crowd guessing that was the right way to go. The ferry took a while and we arrived later than planned but there was practically no one on it so you could lay down on the seats and such.
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, May 10, 2023
J F
Speedy service, good price.
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, May 4, 2023
C K
Next time I will go woth Lomprayah again. Not because of the trip, but because the way they have the transfers to the hotels organized. With Seatran you end up in a chaos of taxi scams. Never again!
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Apr 30, 2023
D S
Very well organised and helpful staff
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Apr 16, 2023
K B
Very nice hostel but i I feel not having full privacy curtains really impacted my stay. And being right in front of another person with no curtain there as well when on top bunk is weird to me. Also there was no
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Apr 12, 2023
R P
All Nice !
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Apr 9, 2023
C S
All smooth and in time.
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Mar 22, 2023
N B
Big Seatran signs on Thong Sala led to a small ticket booth on a parking area which was not opened. Instead, ticket office is in the building of the pier which is very confusing. Furthermore, there are no information such as departure time etc. on the ferry port which is also non-optimal for tourists.
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Mar 18, 2023
I V
Everything was fine until the moment of transportation to hotels in Phangan...refused to take us, because the apartments were on the mountain...but I paid for the transfer, so should take into account such situations, had to order a cab
This review was autotranslated
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Mar 14, 2023
P
Everything went smoothly.
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Mar 14, 2023
J I
Even though I made a mistake about the ticket date of the month, it went through smoothly with their support. Thank you!!
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Feb 19, 2023
K R
We arrived ahead of the schedule.
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Feb 9, 2023
T S
Everything was great! The whole crew helped us with our luggage. We really had a lot of stuff. They were very friendly and helpful! The ferry was really super fast (35 minutes from Ko Phangan to Ko Samui)! Would love to go again! :)
This review was autotranslated
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Feb 5, 2023
D H
The ferry left on time and was nicjt crowded. With the luggage everything went great, this was taken from you and handed back at the pier at the destination.
This review was autotranslated
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Feb 4, 2023
A H
Easy to book, very well organised friendly helpful staff
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Feb 4, 2023
S A
Took more than 2 hours and left late.
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Feb 2, 2023
T S
All in all it was quiet good. Unfortunately we arrived over 1 hour earlier (4am), so we couldn't sleep anymore and had to wait even longer to check in our hotel for the stay in bangkok.
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Jan 30, 2023
Y M
We arrived on time but theses speed boats are so dangerous, I wanted to throw up and some people were crying, after 10 minutes they finally understood that they had to slow down and it was better. If you dont care about that the service is good, for me next time I will take a regular boat.
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Jan 26, 2023
N
Easy organization, e-tickets on the phone, ferry on time. Everything was ok.
This review was autotranslated
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Jan 23, 2023
D M
Easy
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Jan 11, 2023
J O
I am a little disappointed to find that a foldable travel bag was stolen from a zippered pouch on my luggage which was left unattended with all the other large suitcases at the front of the ferry. I was expecting more honest workers.
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Jan 7, 2023
K I
Friendly wicket staff, efficient loading given the hoards of people. Getting luggage off was a challenge…might be helpful to have the deck guys unloading as it was stacked up & a mess as everyone grabbed bags & I had a bag wheel hit my hand! Big bruise! Outdoor seating was lovely !
Ferry High Speed Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Jan 4, 2023
4.3
5557 customer reviews
5
53%
4
31%
3
12%
2
4%
1
0%
95.7% of 5,557 travelers were presumably happy with Seatran Discovery as they left good or no review