Bangkok to Koh Tao

Bangkok to Koh Tao

Bangkok
Koh Tao
Thu, May 1
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0 Passengers
 
 
 
 
 

Bangkok to Koh Tao Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Bus
Montanatip
Express
01:30
15:15
$34.30
  3.5
Bus
Lomprayah
Express
06:00
14:45
$29.82
  4.1
Ferry
Lomprayah
Express
06:00
15:15
$26.10
  4.1
Bus
The Nine Travel
Bus + Ferry
07:00
20:45
$40.26
Bus
TransBaanTon
Standard
09:00
04:00
$37.28
Bus
TransBaanTon
Standard
09:00
04:00
$34.30
Ferry
Fame Tour
Sleeper Boat + Van
13:00
05:00
$32.81
  4.8
Bus
The Twin 2000
Bus + Speedboat
18:40
10:10
$37.28
Bus
The Twin 2000
Bus + Speedboat
18:50
10:20
$37.28
Bus
Montanatip
Express
19:00
08:45
$34.30
  3.6
Bus
Bangkok Travel Plus
VIP Bus + Ferry
19:00
08:45
$38.74
  2.9
Bus
Lomprayah
Express
21:00
08:45
$29.82
  4.1
Ferry
Lomprayah
Express
21:00
08:45
$26.10
  4.1
Ferry
Lomprayah
Express
22:00
11:00
$26.10
  4.1
Ferry
Lomprayah
VIP
22:00
11:00
$32.36
  4.5

Is Koh Tao budget friendly?

Koh Tao can be budget-friendly with proper planning. Backpacker accommodations start at THB 300–500 per night, while mid-range options are also affordable.
Street food and casual eateries offer meals for under THB 100, keeping dining costs low.
Activities like snorkeling and beach visits are cost-effective, but diving certifications may be pricier, starting at THB 10,000.
For transportation, renting a scooter is economical at about THB 200–300 per day, though walking or taking local taxis is also viable.
While the island is accessible to budget travelers, costs can increase during peak tourist seasons, particularly for accommodations and guided tours. Budget-friendly travel is achievable by avoiding luxury services, using local transport, and opting for group activities.

How long should I visit Koh Tao for?

A visit to Koh Tao typically lasts 3–5 days, which allows sufficient time to enjoy its key attractions.
Spend a day or two exploring the island's pristine beaches like Sairee and Ao Leuk, followed by snorkeling or diving at sites such as Shark Bay or Chumphon Pinnacle, as Koh Tao is renowned for its underwater biodiversity.
Take another day for hiking trails leading to viewpoints like John-Suwan, which offer panoramic views of the island. For longer stays, consider taking diving certification courses, which are highly popular.
If you’re short on time, a 2-day itinerary focusing on the beaches and marine activities is feasible, though shorter visits may feel rushed. Plan according to your interests and pace, ensuring time to appreciate Koh Tao’s serene environment.

What is the festival in Koh Tao?

Koh Tao’s primary festival is Songkran, the Thai New Year celebration held in April, featuring water fights and cultural traditions.
  • During Songkran, the island transforms into a lively scene where locals and tourists engage in water-based festivities, symbolizing cleansing and renewal.
  • The event often includes processions, traditional music, and food stalls offering local delicacies.
  • Another notable festival is the Full Moon Party, though not directly held on Koh Tao, it impacts the island with pre-parties and ferry connections to Koh Phangan.
  • While these celebrations highlight the island's vibrant spirit, visitors should plan accommodations early, as these periods attract larger crowds.
Understanding these festivals can help in aligning your trip with either a tranquil or celebratory experience based on your preference.

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$38
Fastest Transport9h 15m
Earliest Departure6:00 AM
Latest Departure9:00 PM
Departures per day12
Distance463 kilometers
Transport CompaniesBangkok Travel Plus, Fame Tour, Lomprayah, Montanatip, Thai Railways, The Twin 2000, TransBaanTon

Bangkok to Koh Tao Destination Reviews

HB
They overbooked it. 5 of us didn’t have a seat
Bangkok to Koh Tao, Bus Express Bus + Ferry, Bangkok Travel Plus, Apr 25, 2025
BR
It was fucking horrible, i paid for a ticket, received the proof of payment, but never received the actual ticket. I showed the bus driver three differt proof of payments, he was so high on cannibis before driving a full load of passengers and didn’t want to let us on the bus after showing him my proof of payment. Then he violently forced me go buy another or he threatened to leave with out us, even though our our payment was confirmed on the app. Never use 12go.asia they are scammers and stole 3400 baht from me. They are useless and unreliable and unresponsive to any kind of customer service and contact. I regret using them as they are thieves, stealing money from tourists and pretending they are the best in the tourism business. Trust me, and avoid them as I know you are not going to be happy, as they cause unhappiness and unpleasant tourism experiences. I know you dont know me, but you can do better. Avoid 12Go at all costs they are thieves and useless.
Bangkok to Koh Tao, Bus Express Bus + Ferry, Bangkok Travel Plus, Apr 25, 2025
IH
Things were orgenized, well set, and this is all one can hope for.
Bangkok to Koh Tao, Bus Express, Montanatip (Montanatip), Apr 6, 2025
RA
Bad, the Seat was broken, and we had to wait over an hour for the bus
Bangkok to Koh Tao, Ferry Express, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Apr 3, 2025
D
AC in the Bus was insane cold, we Had Pullovers and jackets and it was still cold. But the rest was perfect
Bangkok to Koh Tao, Ferry Express, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Mar 23, 2025
RS
The ferry was great but the bus in a bad condition
Bangkok to Koh Tao, Bus Express, Montanatip (Montanatip), Mar 10, 2025
DK
I think they overbooked us because we were placed on the bus but downstairs where there’s no seats or seatbelts. We didn’t sleep at all because there was no space or area to recline. The aircon also didn’t work downstairs and we were supposed to get a snack and drink with our ticket but the drivers refused to give it to us. Overall a super chaotic journey and wouldn’t recommend this trip if you plan on sleeping overnight.
Bangkok to Koh Tao, Bus Express Bus + Ferry, Bangkok Travel Plus, Mar 7, 2025
AS
Very comfortable and smooth. Good leg room and air conditioned bus. Boat was fine was quite short.
Bangkok to Koh Tao, Ferry Express, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Feb 10, 2025
LK
Got there in one piece! A bit stressful to switch from bus to pickup to boat, and wait at the pier from 3 am till 7am for the boat. Midnight truck stop was nice and boat was pretty :)
Bangkok to Koh Tao, Bus Express Bus + Ferry, Bangkok Travel Plus, Feb 4, 2025
AG
Very crowded, we ended up sitting on the floor as no room anywhere. Ferry also left and arrived 45 mins late.
Bangkok to Koh Tao, Ferry VIP, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Jan 14, 2025
4.4
2271 customer reviews
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