Bangkok to Koh Tao

Bangkok to Koh Tao

Other Options

Bangkok to Koh Tao Schedule

Bangkok to Koh Tao Schedule
Transport NameRoute TimePrice
Lomprayah Express 06:00 - 14:45฿ 1,250
Lomprayah Speedboat 08:00 - 09:30฿ 4,850
Fame Tour Sleeper Boat 13:00 - 05:00฿ 1,550
Bangkok Air Economy #PG16516:40 - 17:45฿ 5,150
Thai Railways VIP Sleeper 19:30 - 09:30฿ 2,169
12Go Lomprayah Speedboat 20:00 - 08:45฿ 1,450

How to get to Koh-Tao

What about

Learn to dive, dive and dive again – that is what you are supposed to do on Koh Tao and that is actually what the majority of the folk you are about to meet on the island really do. A little hidden gem of the lower part of the Gulf, Koh Tao is attracting underwater world lovers with an abundance of easily reachable diving sites (over 30) and very affordable prices on diving lessons (there are more that 50 diving schools on the island), sea safaris and diving trips. Yet for those who are ready to go beyond the stereotypes there are hiking trails, bouldering, sea kayaking, fire-shows, and even jam sessions – all of them on the background of picturesque views and a laid-back island atmosphere. Priceless.

Getting to Koh Tao

The only way to get to Koh Tao from the mainland is by boat either from Chumphon, which is the closest departure point, or from Suratthani. You can also hop on a ferry to Koh Tao from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan.

From Bangkok via Chumphon bus + ferry

The easiest (and fastest) way to get to Koh Tao from Bangkok via Chumphon is by bus and ferry joint travel. Lomprayah catamaran and Songserm speed boat both sell such package tickets which save your time and cost more or less the same amount of money if bought separately. With early morning and late evening bus departures from Bangkok you have a choice whether to travel by day or save some baht spending your night on board a bus instead of in a guesthouse. The ferry travel with Lomprayah (the fastest operator) takes around 1½ hours; if your are prone to seasickness, get the necessary medicine at hand. Note that in case of the evening departure your trip lasts longer (around 12 hrs) compared to 9 hrs (morning departure), but you do not waste your precious day-time.

You have only 20 kg baggage allowance for your ferry travel; the extra weight is 20 baht per kg (not included in your ticket price).

Getting back from Koh Tao to Bangkok you have only morning and afternoon departures, both returning to Bangkok after dark: at 9pm and 1am, so plan your stay accordingly (book ahead).

From Bangkok via Chumphon train + bus + ferry

In case you are a railroad type, hop on your evening train down to Chumphon from Hua Lamphong train station in Bangkok. If you buy a package tour, your boat operator will provide transfer between the train station and the pier, but you still have to while away some 3 hrs between train and ferry in Chumphon. In general, if you are ok with long bus journeys, there is no special advantages of train+bus+ferry journey. Choose price-wise, then.

Tip: If your are not in a hurry, stay overnight in Chumphon and discover the tastes of local robusta, find out how the birds’ nests are harvested at the farms and prepare yourself to your island stay visiting some of the idyllic beaches in the proximity of the city (e.g. Hat Thung Wua Laen).

From Bangkok via Suratthani train + bus + ferry

Even if travelling to Suratthani instead of Chumphon seems illogical, it sometimes comes out cheaper as you may catch a 2nd class sleeper for a longer journey. As in case with Chumphon, the transfer between train and ferry for package tours is performed by the boat operator.

From Koh Samui to Koh Tao

Both Lomprayah and Seatran Discovery take 2–2¼ hrs to Koh Tao’s Mae Haad departing from Maenam and Bangrak Seatran Pier on Samui correspondingly. With Seatran you have to book at least one day in advance while Lomprayah requires two days advanced booking.

From Koh Phangan to Koh Tao

Both Lomprayah and Seatran Discovery depart from Thong Sala on Koh Phangan and take 1½–1¾ hrs to arrive to Koh Tao’s Mae Haad. Book in advance (1 day for Seatran and 2 days for Lomprayah).

Seatran vs Lomprayah

If you know what seasickness is about, go for Seatran when waters are choppy.
Lomprayah can save you from ¼ to ½ hr of your sea journey, though.

Getting around

There is no car rental on a relatively small 21 sq. km island. If you consider renting a scooter or a motorcycle, be warned that the roads on the island are dangerous and get their toll of injuries regularly. Renting a vehicle though gives you freedom to explore the island as the ‘official’ taxi fares are sometimes extortionate. There is longtail boat service between certain beaches, which is a good option with reasonable prices.

Where to stay

The western side of the island is much more developed, and the ferries from the mainland and the islands arrive to Mae Haad which is on the western side. Haad Sairee, where the most of the action takes place, is also there. The eastern side is a slow life paradise, but you will have to negotiate those treacherous island roads (or greedy taxi drivers) to get to any of the western-side night spots. The busiest seasons on Koh Tao are summer (from July to August) and Christmas & New Year, so book your accommodation beforehand. The cheapest options sell out quickly.

Transportation from Bangkok to Koh Tao

Bangkok to Koh Tao Destination Reviews

MF
I have to write a review because a lot of the other reviews don’t do it justice. I got the 6am departure from Bangkok to Koh Tao and had the best journey! I was placed downstairs, so had air con and a row to myself so slept the whole coach journey. We got on the boat within 10 mins of arrival and departed. Boat was calm and comfortable, snacks available to buy! Arrived at 3.20pm. Lovely journey and would do again!
Bus Express, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), May 27, 2023
SG
Everything went well, we also received a gift box with some snacks. Maybe a better organization in dividing people on the busses would be better
Ferry VIP, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), May 12, 2023
EK
It was awesome. staff are kindly.
Bus Express, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Apr 29, 2023
AA
Too much time without a stop. It would be extremely easy to have one or two 5 minutes stop. It is even safer for the driver, the passengers and even for the bus engine, which is not last launch model... Apart from that, everything was correct.
Bus Express, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Apr 27, 2023
HR
We had a little bit trouble with the right bus.
Ferry Speedboat, 12Go Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Apr 13, 2023
FS
The seats were not very comfortable for an overnight bus, and the blankets provided were too small consider how cold it was cause of the AC.
Ferry VIP, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Feb 27, 2023
IM
On Time was the bus and also the ferry. The Drive was ok, just the Bus was pretty old.
Bus Express, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Feb 26, 2023
KS
A bit chaotic at Khoe San Rd we walked our luggage to the 'roundabout' but no bus,when they did arrive,three were 3 with no real instruction as to which one was which. We left an hour late but thateant less of a wait for the ferry. After that all went smoothly,lovely half hour sto at a 'sevices'.
Ferry VIP, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Feb 22, 2023
PS
Really good journey, really big comfortable reclining seats, given a blanket which was good as the AC was on, also given a box with a small juice and cake in it. Had to wait for the ferry for 2 hours but that was fine as I was expecting it and at 6 2 cafés opened and I had an omelette and a really good cappuccino. The ferry crossing was reasonably quick and smooth
Ferry VIP, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Feb 10, 2023
CV
Very comfy vehicle, But the 2 hour wait before the boat could have been a bit shorter. Also leave the lights off during the stop for sleeping people would be better
Ferry VIP, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Jan 20, 2023
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