Bangkok to Koh Tao

Bangkok to Koh Tao

NaN Passengers

Other Options

Bangkok to Koh Tao Schedule

Bangkok to Koh Tao Schedule
Transport NameRoute TimePrice
Lomprayah VIP 06:00 - 14:45฿ 1,550
Andaman Sea Tour and Transport Bus + Ferry 09:00 - 04:00฿ 1,450
Fame Tour Sleeper Boat 13:00 - 05:00฿ 1,300
Thai Railway Class II Sleeper AC 18:50 - 08:45฿ 1,649
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

Facts about the transport from Bangkok to Koh Tao

Cheapest Transport$33
Fastest Transport1h 5m
Earliest Departure6:00 午前
Latest Departure9:00 午後
Departures per day5
Distance929 kilometers
Transport CompaniesBangkok Air, Fame Tour, Lomprayah, Montanatip, Nok Air, Thai Railway, Thai Railways

Bangkok to Koh Tao Destination Reviews

NK
The "VIP" bus was total junk! Dripping air conditioning and broken, dirty seats ???? everyone on the boat was throwing up... totally chaotic check-in with lots of buses leaving at the same time.
This review was autotranslated
Ferry VIP, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Feb 13, 2024
EP
I’ve seen some reviews that weren’t that good? My trip was perfect. As a solo traveller I was slightly nervous but I went to the agency the day before to check the details and the staff were all so helpful!! I arrived at around 5am just in case (checked in and got a ticket using my online voucher) and there is a seven eleven round the corner if you need food and water (you get given a small bottle and a muffin and juice with vip but I knew I’d be hungry as it’s a long journey). They give you a different colour sticker depending on destination plus your seat number so make sure to get on the right bus but there are so many people to ask!! Short wait at the pier (where there is a really good and cheap food place) and then a quick boat over. All in all a really good experience with the VIP bus and the staff were all LOVELY and everything went smoothly🤝
Ferry VIP, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Jan 19, 2024
AS
Have to wait 4 hours at the pier mittlerweile in the night
Bus Express, Montanatip (Montanatip), Dec 15, 2023
FH
Our least favourite bus comfort and interior wise in the 2 months we have been travelling. Not enough leg room, bus not in great condition, we did the evening bus which gets you to the port at around 3am rather than parking up and letting you sleep for a few hours at the port on the bus (considering this is our most expensive trip yet) you have to get off and lie on wooden benches at the closed port until the morning. The boat trip was super bumpy, we don’t get travel sick but had to take tablets and sit outside, everyone inside was vomiting it was like an apocalypse :’) I think next time we would get a day time bus so we don’t have to sleep on wooden benches at the port.
Bus Express, Montanatip (Montanatip), Nov 29, 2023
MB
We traveled to Ko Thao overnight with the VIP ticket and had a good experience. When we arrived at the agency, we were able to check in quickly and deposit our luggage while we waited in the street with a massage and a few beers. The buses don't leave directly from the agency, but from the traffic circle in front of it. There were two buses, a normal bus and a VIP bus. Make sure you get on the right bus. The VIP bus had three seats per row, so it was much wider than the normal bus, which you could also put back. There were also snacks and drinks on the VIP bus, but not enough for the whole journey, so it's better to bring your own. A small travel pillow is also recommended. In total, the bus ride took around 8 hours, after which we had an hour and a half to two hours break at the pier and then continued on to ko Thao by catamaran for around an hour and a half. Unfortunately, we had bad weather and strong waves, so we couldn't use the upper deck of the catamaran. The trip was very adventurous, but unfortunately most of the passengers got seasick. At least half threw up, the staff were very helpful and provided bags. I would recommend bringing your own wipes/tissues or, if possible, scheduling the trip for a day when there is little swell. However, I would not deduct a star for this circumstance, as the organizer cannot be held responsible for the weather or the waves.
This review was autotranslated
Ferry VIP, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Nov 19, 2023
OH
The ferry ride was terrible for everyone on board. Why not give warnings about stormy sea to have people take anti sickness medicine? And despite taking it still got sick by the way. The bus was good, BUT they advertised reclining seats, I was seated in last row, not possible to recline the seat and the two passengers infront of me reclined their seat to the very maximun and left me squeazed in the back.
Bus Express, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Nov 19, 2023
AS
Very good pickup and ride.
Ferry VIP, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Nov 14, 2023
CS
The AC wasn’t really working in the bus so it was very hard to fall asleep. They gave us a blanket but it would only have helped if the AC would work. And the operator was around one hour late.
Bus Express, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Nov 13, 2023
PD
Very comfortable, well worth going on the VIP bus
Ferry VIP, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Nov 11, 2023
RM
Got the VIP bus with ferry connection from BKK to koh Tao, great coordination, very comfortable seats, the food box was nothing special but all went extremely smoothly.
Ferry VIP, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Oct 22, 2023
4.4
2049 customer reviews
5
39%
4
37%
3
17%
2
7%
1
0%