The only way to reach Koh Tao is by boat. Ferries and boats operate from the mainland at Chumphon or Surat Thani, as well as from the neighboring islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Koh Tao doesn’t have an airport, bus, or train station, so you'll need to use boat services to get there!
There are three main ways to reach Koh Tao from Bangkok:
Fly to Koh Samui:
This is the fastest route, taking around 1 hour and 9 minutes. Bangkok Airways offers frequent flights from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Koh Samui, with departures every half hour from 06:00 to 20:00.
Once you arrive in Koh Samui, you’ll need to catch a ferry to Koh Tao. Lomprayah Catamaran High-Speed Ferry and Songserm Express run high-speed ferries from different piers in Samui, with the boat journey taking approximately 1.5 to 3.5 hours. Be sure to check the ferry schedule before booking your flight.
Fly from Bangkok to Chumphon
From Bangkok's Don Muang Domestic Airport, you can fly with Thai AirAsia to Chumphon, then catch a ferry to Koh Tao.
Flight schedules usually align with ferry departures, but there might be some waiting time between arrival and departure.
Bus and Ferry Combined Ticket:
This is the most cost-effective and popular option for traveling from Bangkok to Koh Tao. Lomprayah Catamaran High-Speed Ferry provides a combined ticket covering both bus and ferry.
The air-conditioned VIP bus departs from Khaosan Road in Bangkok at 21:00, taking you to the Lomprayah pier in Chumphon.
From there, you'll catch the high-speed ferry to Koh Tao, arriving at Mae Haad around 08:45, with the boat journey taking about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Sleeper Train to Chumphon:
Travel south to Chumphon, where overnight sleeper options are linked to morning ferries to Koh Tao.
Ferry tickets can be purchased at the train station (Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (also known as Bang Sue Grand Station) in Bangkok, Chumphon, or online before your journey. Delays are possible on this train.
Getting to Koh Tao from Koh Phangan or Koh Samui:
You can travel between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan or Koh Samui using two main ferry companies: Lomprayah Catamaran High-Speed Ferry and Songserm Express. Both offer frequent services, making it easy to hop between the islands.
• Lomprayah offers the fastest and most comfortable service
• Songserm is your budget-friendly option, but it's slower and less comfortable
Night boats
You also have the night ferries, also known as "night boats" or "sleeping boats," which offer air-conditioned cabins with dormitory-style beds.
Several companies, including Chor Maetapee Ferry, operate these routes. The boat ride from Chumphon takes about 6 hours, while from Surat Thani it’s approximately 9 hours.
Once you arrive, Coral Grand Divers is easy to find! Safe travels, and SEA you soon!
