Koh Samui Bridge to the Mainland Planned for 2029

This was the plan reported in December 2022. For the later plan see the Koh Samui bridge plan in 2026.

In December 2022, plans were reported for a bridge connecting Koh Samui to the mainland at Khanom, in Nakhon Si Thammarat province. The bridge, scheduled to open in 2029, was expected to make travel more convenient and reduce costs for people visiting the island by providing an alternative to boats and planes.

Timeline and Cost of the Project

At the time of the report, consulting companies were bidding for the project, which was estimated to cost 25 billion baht. The winning company was to be selected in April 2023.

The chosen company would then have one year to study the feasibility of the project and submit an environmental assessment report in 2024. If the assessment was approved, construction of the 17-kilometre bridge could begin in 2025, according to the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT).

A Public-Private Partnership

To manage the high cost of the project, EXAT intended to adopt a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Investing the entire budget itself would leave insufficient funds for other projects, so EXAT was exploring the possibility of joint investment from the private sector.

Route, Design and Expected Benefits

Two bridge models were under consideration: a suspension bridge or a cable-stayed bridge. Whichever design was chosen, the bridge would connect the Khuan Thong subdistrict in Khanom district to Koh Samui's Taling Ngam subdistrict, maximising the island's tourism potential.

The bridge would give travellers a new option, allowing them to reach Koh Samui by car, which can be more affordable and convenient than flights or ferry services. With improved accessibility, tourists would be able to explore the island more easily.

According to Daily News, tourists visiting the island during the festive season were expected to contribute approximately 5 billion baht to the local economy. The completion of the bridge was anticipated to further boost tourism and economic growth in Koh Samui, including in the hospitality sector.

Until the bridge exists, the island is reached by plane or ferry; once there, you can choose from our villas for rent in Koh Samui.