Travel to Koh Tao

Koh Tao is the northern most island of the ‘big three’ in this region of the Gulf of Thailand, the other two being Samui and Phangan. This makes travel to Tao a little less complicated using the port at Chumporn as the departure point for the sea trip.

By Air

The air route is not such a good option, because although you will get to Samui quickly there is then a lengthy sea journey from there to Tao. Flying to Surrathani is another possibility, and then a transfer to the port and on to Koh Tao.

Thai International fly to Samui, but the main operator is Bangkok Airways. For flights to Surratthani there are two operators, Air Asia from Suvunarnabhumi and Thai International from Don Muang. The airport at Surrathani is quite a way from the town and the ferry port, but there are van shuttle services.

By Rail to Chumporn

The rail journey is fine but it takes a long time. If this route is preferred then there are combined rail and sea tickets which can be booked through a travel agent. In Bangkok there are plenty of agents who can do this, and if you are travelling from Phuket, Krabi or Trang, then a bus and boat ticket can be issued. The daytime train leaves Huang Lampang in Bangkok at 8.05am and arrives in Chumporn at 2.20pm. The 2nd class ticket is just 480 Baht or if an overnight trip is made, the sleeper will cost 1200 Baht. From Champhon port there are fast ferries by catamaran or regular vessels to Koh Tao

By Bus to Chumporn

The air conditioned VIP buses go from the Southern Bus Terminal, with departures throughout the day. The fares vary according to the type of bus with the very best ones only having 24 big seats. Vans also make this trip south. The highest fare is 350 Baht on a VIP bus so this is a good economical way to travel. Thai buses, at their best are very good, and have all the comforts you can imagine. Big seats, air conditioning, plenty of leg room and blankets to keep you warm (from the air conditioning)   make for the equivalent of first class air travel.

Ferry to Koh Tao from Chumporn, Koh Samui or Surrathani

From Chumporn the fastest journey is by the Songserm Express boat and  speedboats. Both take two and a half hours but seasick tablets may be required for the speedboat trip. The ferries leave from Ta Yang Pier at Champhon.

 From Samui there is the Songserm express boat from Na Thorn pier and takes two to three hours.

 From Surrathani the journey takes six and a half hours, so this would seem the worst option.