Don Sak
ดอนสัก · Surat Thani Province
Population
15K
Budget / Month
$230
Internet
20 Mbps
Best Season
December to April (calm seas, reliable ferries)
About Don Sak
Don Sak is the kind of place that exists purely to get you somewhere else. This small fishing community on the Gulf coast of Surat Thani province is where Seatran Discovery catamarans and Raja Ferry car ferries depart for Koh Samui, and where many combined bus-and-boat journeys route through on the way to the Gulf islands.
The town itself has genuinely almost nothing for tourists beyond the ferry terminal facilities. Most visitors arrive by minivan or bus, board their ferry within an hour, and never set foot outside the pier area. If you find yourself with time to wait, there is a mangrove boardwalk nearby and some seafood restaurants along the waterfront.
Don Sak is not trying to be a destination. It is a departure point, and it fills that role efficiently. If your ferry is delayed or canceled due to weather, there are a few basic guesthouses, but most people opt to head back to Surat Thani rather than overnight here. Combined bus-and-boat tickets from Bangkok or Surat Thani handle the logistics and transport you directly to the pier.
Historical Note
Don Sak has served as a ferry departure point for the Gulf islands since regular ferry services were established. The town remains primarily a fishing community and transit hub.
Best time to visit: December to April (calm seas, reliable ferries)
At a Glance
Thai Name
ดอนสัก
Province
Surat Thani
Region
Southern
Population
15,000
Area
210 km²
Elevation
5 m
Postal Code
84220
Local Language
Southern Thai, Central Thai
Cost of Living
budget
/month8,300 THB
~$230 USD
comfortable
/month13,800 THB
~$383 USD
luxury
/month21,200 THB
~$589 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 40 | 60 |
| Local restaurant meal | 50 | 90 |
| Coffee (shop) | 30 | 50 |
| Beer (shop) | 55 | 70 |
| Water bottle (1.5L) | 10 | 15 |
| Seafood at pier restaurant | 80 | 200 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic guesthouse | 250 | 400 |
| Air-con hotel | 400 | 700 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry to Koh Samui | 150 | 400 |
| Ferry to Koh Phangan | 250 | 500 |
| Car ferry (vehicle) | 400 | 600 |
| Minivan to Surat Thani | 100 | 150 |
| Motorbike taxi to pier | 30 | 50 |
utilities
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| SIM card (tourist) | 299 | 299 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Thai massage | 150 | 250 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
10% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
0
Weather & Climate
December to April for calm seas and reliable ferry services. Avoid November when rough weather can delay or cancel ferries. Check ferry schedules before traveling.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31 | 22 | 50 | 75% |
| Feb | 32 | 22 | 25 | 72% |
| Mar | 33 | 24 | 40 | 73% |
| Apr | 34 | 25 | 80 | 76% |
| May | 33 | 25 | 150 | 80% |
| Jun | 33 | 25 | 110 | 78% |
| Jul | 32 | 25 | 120 | 78% |
| Aug | 32 | 24 | 120 | 78% |
| Sep | 32 | 24 | 160 | 80% |
| Oct | 31 | 24 | 260 | 85% |
| Nov | 31 | 23 | 300 | 85% |
| Dec | 30 | 22 | 120 | 78% |
Things to Do
Catch a Ferry
The main and often only reason to be here. Seatran and Raja ferries depart for Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.
Don Sak Mangrove Boardwalk
Short walkway through mangrove forest near the coast. A decent way to pass time while waiting.
Pier Seafood Restaurants
A few restaurants near the ferry terminal serve fresh local seafood at fair prices.
Local Morning Market
Small morning market in town with cheap Thai food. Only worth visiting if you are stranded here.
Ao Khanom (Nearby)
อ่าวขนอม
Drive north to Khanom for better beaches and pink dolphin spotting. A worthwhile detour if you have time.
Wat Don Sak
วัดดอนสัก
Local temple, unremarkable but peaceful if you need to kill time waiting for a ferry.
Food & Dining
ขนมจีน
Khanom Chin
Rice noodles with curry, the southern Thai staple breakfast found at roadside stalls.
30-50
Morning market and roadside stalls
อาหารทะเลสด
Fresh Seafood
Grilled fish and fried squid from local catches, available at pier restaurants.
80-200
Restaurants near the ferry terminal
ก๋วยเตี๋ยว
Kuay Tiaw (Noodle Soup)
Standard Thai noodle soup from roadside stalls. Quick and cheap fuel before a ferry ride.
35-55
Roadside stalls near the pier
-
Pier Terminal Food
Basic food court inside the Seatran terminal with packaged meals and snacks.
40-80
Seatran terminal food court
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
200 - 350
THB / night
Budget Hotel
250 - 400
THB / night
Mid-Range
400 - 700
THB / night
Luxury
700 - 1,200
THB / night
Studio /mo
3,000 - 4,500
THB / night
1BR /mo
3,500 - 5,500
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
Walk-in only for most places. Only stay here if you must catch a very early morning ferry and cannot get a combined ticket with transfer.
Getting There from Bangkok
Flight to Surat Thani + minivan
1 hour flight + 1.5 hours
1,500-3,500 + 150 THB
Overnight train to Surat Thani + minivan
10-12 hours + 1.5 hours
500-1,200 + 150 THB
Combined bus+boat ticket
10-14 hours
700-1,200 THB
Getting Around
Walking
WidespreadThe pier area is small and walkable.
Free
Motorbike taxi
LimitedFor getting between pier and town.
30-50
Minivan
LimitedShared transport to Surat Thani.
100-150
Neighborhoods
Ferry Pier Area
Functional transit hubSeatran and Raja terminals with waiting areas, food court, and convenience shops. Where 99 percent of visitors spend their time.
Best for: Catching a ferry
Don Sak Town
Quiet fishing communitySmall town 2-3 km from the pier with a local market, temple, and basic shops. No reason to visit unless stranded.
Best for: Nothing specific for tourists
Festivals & Events
Songkran
สงกรานต์
Very low-key local celebrations. Not a draw for visitors.
Local Temple Fairs
Occasional temple festivals at Wat Don Sak. Not significant for visitors.
Practical Info
Hospital
Surat Thani Hospital (70 km)
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Limited
Language Tip
Thai only. Essentially no English spoken.
Drinking Water
Drink bottled water only.
Tipping Culture
Not expected
7-Eleven Density
Sparse
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191
Day Trips
Khanom
Quiet beach town north of Don Sak known for pink dolphin sightings.
Surat Thani
Provincial capital with night market and amenities. Better base if you need to overnight.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to stay in Don Sak?
Almost certainly not. Combined bus-and-boat tickets transport you directly to the pier in time for your ferry. Only stay if you have a very early ferry and cannot arrange transfer.
Which ferry company should I use?
Seatran Discovery is faster (catamaran). Raja Ferry takes vehicles and is cheaper for walk-on passengers. Both are reliable.
Can I take a car to Koh Samui?
Yes via Raja Ferry car ferry. Book vehicle space in advance during peak season.
What if my ferry is canceled?
Head back to Surat Thani for better accommodation and try again the next day. Check weather forecasts and ferry company announcements.
Is Don Sak worth visiting on its own?
No. There is nothing here that warrants a deliberate visit. It is purely a transit point.
Is there food at the pier?
Yes, a small food court and convenience stores inside the Seatran terminal. A few restaurants nearby.