Taxi or train from Hua Hin to Chumpoon?

[Andisa2]

Hello all, next year in February, I and my friends get to the HH. And we wonder what is the easiest way to get to Chumpoon (taxi or train)? and the cost of course.
How long does it takes?

We thought we'd take the ferry to one island .. Koh Samui, Koh Tao.

[margaretcarnes]

The train to Chumphon is fine (accidents excepted of course) and takes about 4 hours from HH realistically. I can't remember the fares but they vary a lot anyway by class. Expect to pay about the same as the fare from Bangkok to HuaHin which shouldn't be more than about 1000 baht tops.
But when you get to Chumphon station it is still quite a way from the ferries so you would need a taxi.

A meter taxi from HH to Chumphon is an option but not the cheapest way. Maybe best is to get the regular aircon coach to Surathani, which I think is probably a better option for ferries to the islands. Most travellers seem to head for Surathani rather than Chumphon. Hopefully someone who has done the trip will be around soon with more information.

[Andisa2]

Thanks for the information, maybe we go to Sura Thani instead. I hope someone can come up with information about Surat Thani and how we go there.

Many thanks

[PeteC]

Take a look at this thread about Hua Hin to Samui. Pete

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=15106

[cookmanchef]

Surat Thani is still quite a way from the ferry port down there at Don Sak, about 30 minutes drive if my memory serves me, there are pick up points in the town though for the bus service. I've always driven down to Don Sak and then taken the car on the ferry, very handy to have the car on the other side as Nathon is a long way from Chaweng and Lamai which are the places you probably want to visit.

[moja]

The Lomprayah bus and ferry really is the easiest way to get from HH to Koh Samui unless you want to stop along the way.

[H2ODunc]

If you decide to take the train simply walk out of the station. Go ahead to the traffic lights, turn right and walk into Fame tours which is a little walk on the left. They will sell you a ticket which includes free transport to the ferry pier. Chumphon is the best place to go if going to Koh Tao but Surat is better for Samui. You spend less time on the ferry. As said Lomprayah will sell you a bus and ferry ticket from HH if you wish to go by bus. I much prefer the train as it is far safer.

[GLCQuantum]

Chumphon is the best place to go if going to Koh Tao but Surat is better for Samui. You spend less time on the ferry.

The Ferry is always part of the fun for me so the more time the better. Screw Surat - go straight to Chumpon and enjoy the ride.

[Andisa2]

Hey, thanks for all the good advice. I'll talk to my friends ... and then we decide what we want to do.

[Andisa2]

Take a look at this thread about Hua Hin to Samui. Pete

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=15106

Thanks Pete .... I go there too and look.

[Super Joe]

The Lomprayah bus and ferry really is the easiest way to get from HH to Koh Samui unless you want to stop along the way.

Definately for me, a totally relaxed and easy 'journey' all the way. Don't know how it measures time wise but the ferry trip is actually quite enjoyable and I hate boats, sit inside in spacious enough seats with movies showing with beer/snack bar, or open-air top deck in the sun. Noticed last time there was some 'vip' seating area in about mid-deck area, never looked in there but it was only 100 Baht extra!?

I've always found the Lomprayah staff well above average here for being organised and polite, friendly service too. The boat trip breaks up the journey nicely, I really wouldn't fancy that long trip on the road.

SJ

[Pleng]

Chumphon is the best place to go if going to Koh Tao but Surat is better for Samui. You spend less time on the ferry.

The Ferry is always part of the fun for me so the more time the better. Screw Surat - go straight to Chumpon and enjoy the ride.

Exactly; I've never worked out why Surat is more popular... saving 2 hours on the boat for an additional 4 hours on the coach doesn't seem productive to me!

[cookmanchef]

It's about 1 & 1/2 hours from Chumphon to Surat, another 30 minutes to Don sak

It really depends what your plans are when you get to Samui, I like to have my car so I can move around between Lamai, Chaweng, Bophut and the golf course.

[Homer]

Exactly; I've never worked out why Surat is more popular... saving 2 hours on the boat for an additional 4 hours on the coach doesn't seem productive to me!

Sometimes being on a boat is too productive.

[johnnyk]

The ferry ride can be rough but this time of year should be ok. I was on the cat in Feb. and all the loos were full of vomit plus at least one had overflowed/blocked, it was pretty gruesome!