For travelers seeking a serene escape to Koh Kood, known for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning beaches in Thailand’s Trat Province, the journey from bustling Bangkok requires careful planning. While various transport options exist, a private transfer offers a comfortable and convenient way to begin your island adventure. This guide outlines the process and key considerations for booking a private transfer to Laem Sok Pier, the gateway to Koh Kood.
Why Choose a Private Transfer?
A private transfer service from Bangkok to Koh Kood’s mainland pier provides a seamless and comfortable door-to-door experience. Unlike public transport, you have the vehicle to yourself and your travel companions, allowing for privacy and flexibility. It’s often cited as the easiest way to get to Laem Sok Pier.
Benefits of a private transfer include:
- Convenience: Door-to-door service picking you up from your chosen location.
- Comfort: Travel in an air-conditioned car or minibus with ample space for passengers and luggage.
- Flexibility: Choose your pickup time and make stops along the way for rest or necessities. Experienced drivers are often knowledgeable about the route and suitable rest stops.
- Efficiency: Provides a direct route to the pier with no unnecessary delays.
- Suitability for Groups/Families: Easily accommodates different group sizes, offering vehicles like SUVs or minibuses. Services may also offer child seats for families traveling with young children.
While not always the absolute cheapest option compared to a bus, for groups or families, the price per person can be competitive, especially when considering the convenience.
What is a Private Transfer to Koh Kood?
A private transfer from Bangkok to Koh Kood involves transportation by car or minibus from your pickup point (such as a Bangkok hotel or airport) to Laem Sok Pier in Trat Province. Laem Sok Pier is the primary mainland departure point for passenger boats heading to Koh Kood.
It is important to understand that this service typically covers the land journey to the pier only. There are currently no vehicle ferries that go to Koh Kood. Therefore, the cost of the boat ticket from Laem Sok Pier to Koh Kood is separate and not included in the private transfer price.
The trip duration from Bangkok to Laem Sok Pier is generally estimated to be around 4.5 to 5 hours. This estimate can vary based on the specific starting point in Bangkok and traffic conditions.
Where Can You Be Picked Up?
Private transfers can be arranged from various locations in and around Bangkok. Common pickup points include:
- Bangkok Hotels: Pick up directly from your hotel.
- Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK): Drivers typically wait at Gate No. 3~No. 4 with a sign displaying the guest’s name. Pickup from BKK is mentioned as an option.
- Don Mueang Airport (DMK): Drivers wait at Gate No. 5 for international flights and Gate No. 11 for domestic flights, holding a sign with the guest’s name. DMK pickup is also a common option.
- Other Locations: Transfers can also be arranged from places like Trat Airport (TDX), Pattaya, Ban Phe (Koh Samet), Koh Chang, and even Cambodian borders or cities.
For pickups from Airbnb accommodations, you may be asked to provide the landlord’s phone number.
Vehicle Options
Providers typically offer a selection of vehicles to suit different group sizes and preferences. Options usually include:
- SUV/Family Car: Suitable for smaller groups, often recommended for up to 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 small children. Examples mentioned include Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Innova, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Altis, Toyota Camry, Hyundai H-1, Pajero, Miu-X, Suzuki 7.
- Minivan/Van: Ideal for larger groups, typically accommodating 4 to 10 passengers. Examples include Toyota Commuter or Ventury. VIP van options may also be available.
These vehicles are generally air-conditioned for a comfortable journey. Child seats can often be provided, sometimes for a small additional fee.
What’s Included and Excluded?
While specific inclusions may vary slightly by provider, private transfer services generally include:
- Fuel fee.
- Tollway fees.
- Parking fee.
- Transportation Insurance.
- Driver.
Exclusions typically include:
- Tips for the driver (optional, based on personal preference, a regular range might be 100THB~300THB per car). Midnight service may not have an additional cost request, but tips are appreciated.
- Food & drinks.
- Boat tickets to Koh Kood.
Pricing and Payment
The cost of a private transfer varies depending on the vehicle type, pickup location, and provider. Prices are usually quoted per vehicle, not per person.
Examples of guide prices (as of April 2025) for a one-way transfer to or from Laem Sok Pier mentioned in one source include:
- SUV (e.g., Innova or Fortuner) from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Bangkok hotel: 4,000bt.
- SUV from Don Mueang Airport (DMK): 4,200bt.
- Minibus (7 or 8 pax) from BKK or Bangkok hotel: 4,800bt.
- Minibus from DMK: 5,000bt.
- Prices from other locations like Trat Airport, Pattaya, or Cambodian borders are also available.
Note that prices may be adjusted during peak festival periods like New Year and Chinese New Year. Some providers may charge festival surcharges.
Payment methods vary. Some providers may allow payment directly to the driver upon arrival, sometimes with a small deposit required beforehand. Others may require an initial deposit via methods like Wise, Revolut, PayPal, or traditional bank transfer, with the balance paid in cash on the day.
How to Book Your Transfer
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to ensure availability. While last-minute requests may be possible, giving plenty of warning is best.
Common ways to book include:
- Online Platforms: SmartEnPlus Website lists options from various providers, allowing you to compare prices and check reviews.
- Direct Contact: SmartEnPlys Customer Service can be contacted directly via email, WhatsApp or phone. This allows for direct communication regarding specific requirements or questions.
When booking, you will typically need to provide details such as:
- Number of passengers, including ages/sizes of children (for child seats).
- Pickup location (e.g., hotel name and address, airport name and flight number).
- Date and desired pickup time.
- Whether you require a return transfer.
Once the details are agreed upon, the provider should confirm the availability and price, and send you the final arrangements and meeting points. Confirmation might be immediate or within a specified timeframe, depending on the booking method and notice given.
Important Considerations Before You Go
- Boat Tickets: Remember to book your boat tickets to Koh Kood separately. Ferry tickets can often be booked online through platforms like 12Go or directly with boat companies. Providers might offer to assist with booking these tickets.
- Pier to Hotel Transfer on Koh Kood: Most boat companies (with some exceptions) provide a free transfer from the arrival pier on Koh Kood to your resort.
- Timing for Same-Day Arrival: To reach Koh Kood on the same day as your arrival in Bangkok, you need to factor in the transfer time and the boat departure schedules. The last ferry from Laem Sok typically departs in the late afternoon (e.g., 16:00). To be sure of catching the last boat, aim to leave BKK Airport by 10:30 AM (requiring a flight arrival around 09:00-09:30 AM) or DMK Airport by 09:30 AM (requiring a flight arrival around 08:00-08:30 AM), allowing ~5 hours travel time plus check-in time at the pier.
- Airport Drop-off Timing: If you are taking a private transfer back to the airport from the pier, it is recommended to leave Laem Sok Pier with ample time. Some sources suggest leaving 8 hours early for an airport drop-off, although others indicate journey times of 5-6 hours. It is advisable to plan conservatively to avoid missing a flight.
- Cancellations: Familiarize yourself with the cancellation policy of your chosen provider. Policies vary, ranging from free cancellation up to a few days or 24 hours before the transfer, to charging a handling fee or the full cost for late cancellations.
- Time Changes: If you need to change your transfer time, notify the provider in advance, ideally at least 1 day prior.
Conclusion
Booking a private transfer from Bangkok to Laem Sok Pier is an excellent way to ensure a comfortable, convenient, and stress-free start to your visit to Koh Kood. By arranging your transportation in advance and understanding the key details, you can look forward to a smooth journey to the mainland departure point, leaving you ready to enjoy the beautiful island paradise that awaits.