Krabi to Phuket airport

So, I think my options are:
1/
Krabi bus to Phuket airport, fly to Koh Samui, possibly hang out there for a day or ferry straight onto Koh Phangan.

2/ Krabi, bus to Surat Thani, avoid touts, ferry to Koh Phangan.

Any opinions on which would be quicker? The flight isn't that bad at 1,800 baht so doable on my budget. If Samui is worth visiting then it makes it an easy decision but I suspect it's a tourist hell hole...

The bus will be a lot quicker in my opinion. I have landed at surat thani before to goto Koh Pan gnan and from when you land to get to the island is still quite a while, as you will most prob get the bus outside which will take you to either Koh Samui or Koh Pangan but first they will take you on an hour drive into town then another hour drive out to the ferry.
Just get the buss from Krabi its not that far.

Isn't the government bus station just 500m from the ferry in Surat Thani?
If not, how much will a seangthaw be to get to the ferry port?
Or are you saying book a combo ticket from a travel agent in Krabi?