KOH TAO
Koh Tao, “The Turtle Island,” is a small paradise island isolated in the Gulf of Thailand located east of the Surat Thani coastline, It has two neighbouring islands, Koh Phangan (45 km) and Koh Samui (70km). The island’s natural beauty brings thousands of visitors each year. Its stunning coral reefs and abundant marine life in clear, warm water, makes it an unforgettable destination for divers. The island is also well known for snorkeling, including hiking and rock-climbing. Koh Tao offers a variety of accommodations and restaurants, attracting not only scuba divers but adventurers, families, and travelers alike.
How to get here
The only way of getting here is by boat, traveling from the mainland of Thailand, leaving Chumphon and Surat Thani, or from the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. There is no airport on the island.
Below, we’ve listed the most popular and convenient travel methods to Koh Tao.
From Bangkok
Flying from Bangkok to Koh Samui:
- Airline company: Bangkok Airways
From Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) to Koh Samui (USM) starting from 07:15. It takes about a 1h15 flight to go to Koh Samui.
Flying from Bangkok to Chumpon
Lomprayah Bus/Ferry from Bangkok:
- Bus/Ferry company: Lomprayah.com
Lomprayah High-Speed Ferries company offers travel packages including an Air-conditioned Bus from Bangkok to Chumpon Pier, then a comfortable Lomprayah boat trip to Koh Tao. Purchase this combined ticket which includes a bus transfer from Khao San Road to Thung Makham Noi Pier, Chumphon, and Lomprayah boat trip to Koh Tao.
https://www.busonlineticket.co.th/blog/travel-from-bangkok-to-koh-tao-with-lomprayah/
Train from Bangkok to Chumphon
- Railway website: Railway.co.th
If you’re not in a rush and would like to enjoy some beautiful landscapes, hop on the train from Bangkok to Chumpon and then catch a ferry to Koh Tao.
From Chumphon
Lomprayah Ferry from Chumphon
- Ferry company: Lomprayah.com
The trip takes 1h30 from Chumphon to Koh Tao. This is the fastest way to reach Koh Tao.
From Surat Thani
Lomprayah ferry from Surat Thani
- Ferry company: Lomprayah.com
The trip takes 2h30 from Surat Thani to Koh Tao.
Night boat from Surat Thani
- Night boat company: Surat Thani Night Boat
The Surat Thani night boat can be a good idea if you arrive late in the day at Surat Thani or if you want to spend a night on a boat.
Arrival time on Koh Tao depends on conditions.
From Koh Samui / Koh Phangan
Lomprayah ferry from Koh Samui and Koh Phangan
- Ferry company: Lomprayah.com
Already on the neighbouring islands of Koh Tao?
The trip takes 2h30 from Koh Samui to Koh Tao. It makes a stop at Koh Phangan.
It’s an excellent option to visit Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Those islands are very different from one another.
Final recommendations
We recommend booking tickets in advance during the high season, long holidays, or significant festivals.
Bus, train, and plane times are subject to change. Please check before every trip. Refrain from flying after diving. PADI recommends a minimum interval of 18 hours before taking a flight after multiple dives.