Since I was last there, Thai airways have started flghts to Koh Samui. I can't help re prices as we have always booked online(Bangkok Airways). The earlier you book the cheaper the flight you can get.
I note on another thread that you were thinking about the train. That would be some journey length- about 9 hours I think and then of course you have the ferry after that. It all depends on how long a holiday you have

I know! We can't decide whether to get the train or fly! If we take the train then we'll go overnight as at least then we'll be sleeping so won't be wasting as much time. I know an hour flying seems quicker but if it's anything like internal flights in this country by the time you've hung around the airport checking in etc it often ends up taking about 5 hours anyway, whereas with the train we can just turn up and board etc...

I have to say that Bangkok Airways are pretty efficient( well they have been with us anyway ). It is quite quick and remember- it is an internal flight so you dont need to be there way beforehand. On our return we arrived 2 hours before the flight was due to go and were offered the next flight. Remember with the train- you do have a ferry trip at the end of it. Saying that- I haven't taken the train, perhaps someone can give you their experiences.

Why not do one way train and one way flight?

Thai Airways (2x flights a day) are same price as Bangkok Airways. Personally I would go Bangkok Airways every time!

At around £50 pp one way you won't be saving a huge amount over the cost of the train and food etc etc.

Google 'seat 61' and look at the website for train information.
A first class sleeper from Bangkok to Koh Samui including ferry is £20 each one way.
Leaves Bangkok at 19.30. Arrives Koh Samui at 09.30.
There are pictures and video's of the trains.
We have been as far as Hua Hin on the train during the day.

We flew from Bangkok to Koh Samui last year as we wanted to go straight to Samui.
Hope this helps.

That's the site i found - it says £20 each way, but i guess the exchange rate must have changed since then as it works out £54 return at the moment - we've decided to go with this anyway though We actually save on 2 nights hotel bills too doing it this way. We're booking through an agency too which is about £5 dearer as the train company doesnt seem to reply to their emails

Just an update and to warn anyone else thinking of going anywhere by train, and wants to book in advance, we finally had a reply from the direct train company, luckily only days b4 we booked thro the agency for exactly the journey. The agency states they only charge a few £s extra for their service, but it actually works about £12 dearer as the direct train company have quoted £42 inclusive of everything, so worth hanging on for an email from them

Bunny230 wrote:

Just an update and to warn anyone else thinking of going anywhere by train, and wants to book in advance, we finally had a reply from the direct train company, luckily only days before we booked thro the agency for exactly the journey. The agency states they only charge a few £s extra for their service, but it actually works about £12 dearer as the direct train company have quoted £42 inclusive of everything, so worth hanging on for an email from them :)

I am too catching the train from Bangkok heading down towards Phuket have you got the email address to book the train direct? as I want a 1st class sleeper cabin also how did you pay? can you please PM all the details please

passenger-ser@railway.co.th

here is the email i booked it through, they took about 2 weeks to reply so do it in plenty of time, they don't ask for any payment in advance, just emailed me back with a confirmation number and ask you to confirm that you received that.

They just ask that you turn up at the train station before 4pm on the day of travel (our journey starts at 7.30 pm) to pick up the tickets and pay then, just hoping it's all as easy as they've made it sound! We're gona pick up our tickets a day early as soon as we land in bangkok just to be on the safe side!

when do you go. You've made me think about doing this for something different!

Well there was no problems at all with the train booking apart from it being about £10 dearer than the emailed stated price, but still well worth it imo! (it cost about £54)
As long as you get a confirmation through before going then this is quite a good way to book. The journey was brilliant too - slept for most of it - was only about an hour late going and dead on time coming back. We got open tickets for the bus & boat so it didnt matter about it being late on the way - the coach waited for us!
Would def recommend as a cheaper alternative to flying