4 Best Ways on How to get to Koh Tao

If you’re planning a trip to Koh Tao, you’ll probably wonder what’s the best way to get to Koh Tao. With the end of covid-19 pandemic, there are many new and updated routes to this tropical paradise. In this article, we’ll cover all of the best ways to get to Koh Tao updated for 2023. It has never been easier to come to Nava Scuba Diving.

1. Day ferry with Lomprayah high-speed catamaran
2. Night ferry to avoid crowds
3. Combined ticket from Bangkok
4. Private transfer for the best comforts

Day ferry by Lomprayah Catamaran – the most common day route

Lomprayah Ferry is a popular and fastest way to Koh Tao. The ferry offers daily departures from various locations. The main location includes Chumphon, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani, and Bangkok. It provides a convenient way to travel to Koh Tao, with large modern boats full of amenities.

From Chumphon

Lomprayah Ferry offers two daily departures from Thung Makham Noi Pier, Chumphon

• Morning ferry at 07.00 – 08.45
• Afternoon ferry at 13.00 – 14.45

Both ferries charge the same price of 750 THB per person.

From Koh Samui / Koh Phangan

Lomprayah Ferry offers two daily departures from Koh Samui. These ferries also stop by Koh Phangan before coming to Koh Tao. It’s important to note that there are 2 piers from Koh Tao that reach Koh Tao.

From Pralarn Pier:

• Morning ferry at 08.00 – 09.30
• Afternoon ferry at 12.30 – 14.15

From Bangrak Pier (Closer to Samui Airport):

• Afternoon ferry at 12.00 – 14.15
• Late afternoon ferry at 14.30 – 17.10

All ferries from Koh Samui charge the same price of 700 THB per person.

From Koh Phangan, the schedule is more simple as all ferries leave from the same main pier (Thong Sala). Here’s the schedule.

• Morning ferry at 08.30 – 09.30
• Afternoon ferry at 13.00 – 14.15
• Late afternoon ferry at 16.00 – 17.00

All ferries from Koh Phangan charge the same price of 600 THB per person.

From Surat Thani

There are many locations where the Lomprayah ferry offers a pick-up from Surat Thani. Here’re the main pick-up points.

From Surat Thani Train Station:

• Morning ferry at 09.30 – 14.15

This ferry charge 1,000 THB per person.

From Surat Thani City:

• Morning ferry at 10.00 – 14.15
• Afternoon ferry at 13.00 – 17.00

These ferries charge 900 THB per person.

From Surat Thani Airport

• Morning ferry at 09.30 – 14.15
• Afternoon ferry at 12.30 – 17.00

These ferries charge 1,100 THB per person.

Night Ferry to Koh Tao – sleep throughout your trip

Another option is to take a night ferry to Koh Tao. The Night Ferry departs from various locations in the evening and arrives in Koh Tao the next day. This is a great way to maximize your time on the island and avoid the hassle of daytime travel. But, it’s important to note that the Night Ferry is not available every day. Make sure to check the monthly schedule before you book your trip.

From Pak Nam Chumphon, Chumphon

With daily ferries (except for Sunday) together with a large bunk bed for all travelers. This is by far the most used option for locals to travel to-and-from Koh Tao. All ferries leave around the same time at 21.00 and then arrive very early in the morning between 04.00 to 05.00 the next day. 

Here’s the list of operated night ferries

• Chumphon Ferry
• Talaysub Ferry
• Porntaweesin Ferry

Night ferries can carry large cargo such as bikes, scooters, motorbikes, and cars. The price varies based on weight and size. Nonetheless, it’s 500 THB per person for travelers with luggage.

From City Center, Surat Thani

Another prime location for night ferry users is Surat Thani. The night ferry pier is direct across the night market. This allows travelers to grab a nice dinner, and enjoy the local market while waiting for the ferry to leave. All ferries leave from the same pier at 22.00 and arrive at Koh Tao at 05.30-06.00 depending on the weather conditions.

Here’s the list of operated night ferries

• ST (small ferry)
• Sandee 111 (small ferry)
• Sea Creat Ferry
• Chor. Maetapee
• Koh Jaroen Night Ferry*

Ko Jaroen night ferry locates on the opposite side of the river bank. It has its own private pier and is ideal for anyone bringing a vehicle across to Koh Tao. Yet, this ferry only operates on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Night ferry from Surat Thani charges 600 THB per person.

Book a Bus+Ferry Ticket – direct route from Bangkok

If you’re coming from Bangkok, you can book a Bus+Ferry ticket from Lomprayah. This ticket includes a bus ride from Bangkok to Chumphon, where you’ll then take the morning ferry to Koh Tao. This option is perfect for travelers who want to avoid booking many tickets. There are two options for buses. The main difference is the seating. VIP bus features an adjustable sofa seat while the seat on the normal bus is like the economy class plane. This is by far the easiest way to get to koh tao since you don’t have to make any stop over.

From Khao Sarn Road

• Normal Bus 06.00 – 14.45
• Normal Bus 21.00 – 8.45 (+1)
• VIP Bus 21.00 – 8.45 (+1)

The VIP bus including the morning ferry is 1,550 THB per person while the normal bus with the ferry is 1,250 THB per person. If you’d like to have a good night’s sleep, we recommend the VIP one for 300 THB higher.

Private Transfer to Koh Tao – hassle-free travel

For those who prefer a private experience, you can also choose a private transfer to Koh Tao. For anyone who chooses to drive, you can park at almost any pier in Chumphon. There’s a 50 THB parking fee per night per vehicle. Else, if you hire a private car or van from Bangkok, it would only take 5-6 hours depending on the traffic.

Here are all the ways to travel to Koh Tao. We hope this can help you to better plan your trip. If you need any more information, you can always contact us via chat or email. But rest assured we always have a pick-up service for you when you are diving here with us!