Seatran Ferries

Seatran Discovery Ferry services to Koh Tao

Seatran was established in 2002 and renamed in 2004 to Seatran Discovery and is one of the most popular ferry services in Thailand.

Seatran Discovery mainly provides passenger ferry services at Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.

It also provides bus and mini bus services on the mainland that connect with the routes from Donsak pier to the top destinations of Andaman Sea and to Bangkok.

Seatran Discovery bus and road travel

Seatran discovery like other ferry operators typically combine overland travel between their smaller mini buses and their larger double deck buses (often referred to as a VIP bus).

Most of the larger buses will be similar to other operators with spacious reclining seats. However, the quality of the bus standard can vary, but you generally have curtains available on each window, with reading lights and seat belts.

Luggage is normally stored in a hold in the bottom of the bus so you have a comfortable amount of leg room.

With longer road journeys you can expect to stop off for around 20 minutes mid trip for toilet breaks and food.

Depending on where you have booked your travel ticket there are various ways to get to the Donsak ferry terminal in Surat Thani.

Seatran Discovery offers a pick up service from hotels, resorts and the airport. Although this is not as extensive as Lomprayah, whoever you book your travel ticket with should provide a mini bus service.

Seatran Mini Buses

The mini buses typically hold about 8 people and are normally used to pick up and drop off customers at hotels and resorts with multiple stops on the route.

The mini bus can get busy at times as they try to fill the vans to capacity.

Seatran bus terminals are usually part of the public transport system or they may have a small terminal that has seating and waiting rooms areas.

Seatran Discovery connecting Ferry services

Seatran offers slightly less crowded and smaller boats, so it is often quicker to collect luggage and to board and disembark from the ferries.

Additionally, in Koh Samui, the pier is 5 minutes from the airport instead of 20 minutes.

Upon arrival at Koh Tao, Seatran has its own pier for disembarking and you can immediately be transferred to your resort or hotel by collection or local taxi.

In Mae Haad bay there is a wide choice of accommodation options, many bars, restaurants and local beaches north ad south of the main piers.

Seatran Discovery fleet of boats

Seatran Discovery operate a fleet of boats that are smaller than other operators, but still large and are as comfortable as the Lomprayah, but not as fast.

Seatran can be considered a fast and reliable ferry service with a fleet of single hull vessels.

Their boats can hold over 300 people and are more comfortable for travel if the sea is not as calm as usual and they also have more room for luggage.

Seatran Discovery Ferry onboard services

You will need to carry your luggage onto the ferry by yourself. This can be an issue on services departing from Donsak if you have a lot of luggage.

The ferries have clean bathrooms and a small shop to buy snacks and drinks.

On the lower level you can find a small café that serves crisps, chocolates, drinks and sandwiches at reasonable prices.

Seatran Discovery service is a great choice of ferry for visitors to Koh Tao if travelling from Koh Samui or Donsak on the mainland.