Can someone offer me a little guidance on the ways to get to Koh Samui, obviously I know flying, but I want to know how easy it is to go by bus and boat as I've never taken a road trip on a bus here of that distance.

Thanks

You can get a "VIP" over night coach from the Southern Bus station in BKK. Costs around 1000 Baht. Not a very nice way to travel as it's difficult to sleep as the air con is so cold! The coach will take you on the ferry to Samui and Nathon bus station. Leaves BKK around 6 PM and arrives 6 AM. That's the cheapest way.

Second, you could get an overnight sleeper train to Suratthani. About 1500 baht, I think. Then a bus to Donzak pier on the mainland to get the ferry to Nathon.

Good luck!

Another option is either the Seatran Discovery http://www.seatrandiscovery.com/home.php or Lomprayah http://www.lomprayah.com/E/index.htm

You get the VIP bus from Bangkok to Chumporn, then the catamaran to Samui via Koh Tao & Koh Phangan, takes around 10 - 12 hours in total, one leaves Bangkok at 6am and arrive in Samui 5pm

You also have the option of what they call a Buffer Ticket 1250 Baht and if your not in a rush can stop over at Hua Hin, Chumporn and all the islands on the way.

Enjoy your trip!!

Here