How to get to Koh Tao

1. Getting to Thailand (If Coming from Abroad)

If you are traveling from outside Thailand, the nearest international airports are:

• Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) – Bangkok

• Don Mueang Airport (DMK) – Bangkok

• Samui International Airport (USM) – Koh Samui

• Surat Thani International Airport (URT) – Surat Thani

• Chumphon Airport (CJM) – Chumphon

Once in Thailand, you’ll need to travel to Koh Tao via Koh Samui, Surat Thani, or Chumphon.

2. Traveling to Koh Tao from Major Cities

Option 1: From Bangkok

By Flight + Ferry (Fastest & Most Comfortable)

1. Fly to Koh Samui (USM):

   • Airlines: Bangkok Airways (direct from Bangkok)

   • Flight Time: ~1 hour

   • Ticket Price: 2,500 – 5,000 THB (~$70–$150)

2. Take a Ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao:

   • Operators: Lomprayah, Seatran Discovery

   • Ferry Time: 1.5 – 2 hours

   • Ticket Price: 600 – 800 THB (~$17–$25)

1. Fly to Surat Thani (URT) or Chumphon (CJM)

   • Airlines: Thai VietJet Air, AirAsia, Nok Air

   • Flight Time: ~1 hour

   • Ticket Price: 1,000 – 2,500 THB (~$30–$70)

2. From Surat Thani or Chumphon, take a ferry:

   • From Surat Thani:

     • Take a bus to Donsak Pier (~1.5-2 hours).

     • Ferry to Koh Tao (~4-5 hours).

     • Total travel time: 6-7 hours

   • From Chumphon:

     • Lomprayah high-speed catamaran (~1.5-2 hours).

     • Total travel time: 3-4 hours (faster than from Surat Thani).

By Train + Ferry (Budget & Scenic)

1. Take an overnight train from Bangkok to Chumphon or Surat Thani:

   • Best train: Train #85 or #167 (sleeper berth recommended)

   • Travel time: ~8-9 hours

   • Price: 1,000 – 1,500 THB (~$30–$45)

2. Ferry to Koh Tao:

   • From Chumphon: ~1.5–2 hours

   • From Surat Thani: ~4-5 hours

By Bus + Ferry (Cheapest)

1. Take a bus from Bangkok to Chumphon or Surat Thani:

   • Operator: Lomprayah, Seatran, Phantip, 12Go Asia

   • Travel time: ~8-10 hours

   • Price: 600-1,200 THB (~$20–$35)

2. Take a ferry from Chumphon (~1.5-2 hours) or Surat Thani (~4-5 hours) to Koh Tao.

Option 2: From Phuket / Krabi

1. Take a Bus/Minivan to Surat Thani (~3-4 hours)

2. Take a Ferry to Koh Tao (~4-5 hours)

3. Total time: 7-9 hours

Option 3: From Chiang Mai

1. Fly to Bangkok, Surat Thani, or Koh Samui.

2. Follow the ferry steps above.

3. Ferry Operators and Their Schedules

OperatorRouteDurationPrice (THB)LomprayahChumphon – Koh Tao~1.5 hrs600-800LomprayahSurat Thani – Koh Tao~4-5 hrs700-1,000SeatranKoh Samui – Koh Tao~1.5-2 hrs600-800SongsermChumphon – Koh Tao~3 hrs500-700

✅ Book tickets in advance on:

• Lomprayah

• 12Go Asia

4. Estimated Travel Times & Costs (Summary)

RouteTravel TimeCost (THB)Bangkok → Koh Samui → Koh Tao3-4 hours3,500-5,000Bangkok → Chumphon → Koh Tao (Train)10-12 hours1,500-2,500Bangkok → Surat Thani → Koh Tao (Bus + Ferry)12-14 hours1,000-2,000Phuket → Surat Thani → Koh Tao7-9 hours1,500-2,500

5. Tips for a Smooth Journey

✅ Book flights and ferries in advance (especially in high season: Dec-Apr).
✅ Bring cash (some ferry terminals don’t have ATMs).
✅ Take motion sickness pills if you get seasick.
✅ Check weather conditions, as rough seas can delay ferries.