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Getting to Koh Tao from...
Bangkok | Samui | Chumporn | Surat Thani | Time Table | Travel Links
Beaches and Locations | Map
 You will find that getting to Koh Tao can seem a little bit dauting at first. Don't be discouraged though, traveling in Thailand is extremely easy: The infrastructure is well established and travel services in general are very very good. Come to think of it: being just a little bit more difficult to get to than Phuket or Koh Samui keeps the island more fun and relaxed: No package tourists and sex tourists here.
We have added a little section on how to get here from either Bangkok, Chumporn, Surat Thani or Koh Samui as these are the most common ports of call.
FROM KOH SAMUI - Koh Samui Accommodation
By far the most comfortable option from Koh Samui is via the Lomprayah Catamaran. In peak season the Catamaran runs twice daily from either Mae Nam or Big Buddha Beach. This changes from time to time for logistical reasons, so please check where you buy the tickets or directly with Lomprayah.
Option 1
The Catamaran has a transfer service from the airport and also provided pick up from your resort on Koh Samui.
Option 2
Another option is one of the many speed boats operated by local companies on Koh Samui. These are sold through agencies on the island and generally leaves from Mae Nam, Big Buddha, Bo Phut or Nathon. The first one runs approximately 8:30 am and the last generally leaves Koh Samui no later than 11:30 midday. This option is not recommended in rough weather.
Option 3
The Songserm Express boat leaves twice daily from Nathon Pier with a brief stop-over in Koh Phangan. Not as good as the Catamaran but a good second option if this isn't running.
There are several speed boats providing a daily boat service which leaves from Bo Phut pier at around 08:30 and Nathon Pier at around 12:00 noon (If you arrive via the Bangkok-Koh Samui flight, you should be able to catch the 12:00 boat). Note, times can change from season to season)
Lomprayah Catamaran
Songserm Travel
FROM BANGKOK - Bangkok Accommodation
There are two main ports to depart from. If you are coming from the northern part of Thailand, i.e. Bangkok, Chiang Mai etc., then the shortest route is from Chumporn, roughly 3hrs by express boat.
If you have been travelling in southern Thailand and are heading for Koh Tao, then the shortest route is from Surat Thani, a bit further down the coastline from Chumporn. The Surat Thani route is a bit more cumbersome and less flexible than the Chumporn route.
FROM CHUMPORN - Chumporn Accommodation
Most people purchase their tickets on Kowsarn Road, Bangkok's main backpacker zone, where hundreds of small tour agencies arrange trips to all destinations in Thailand. It's very easy to get confused about the best route to Chumporn with the endless list of possibilities. However, the most comfortable way is by train.
Another way is by airconditioned bus or minibus, the first often referred to as VIP bus. Both these options are quite cheap but be careful to arrive early to get a good seat.
When you arrive in Chumporn you will need to find the ferry port. Often you will find that for your convenience it is easier booking the boat passage the same place where you bought the bus or train ticket, as most tourist agencies offer 'combined' tickets that include everything.
If you don't choose that option, Songserm Travel, Koh Tao Cruiser and Ekawin Tour offers similar express boat from Chumporn directly to Koh Tao daily. Prices and facilities of these boats are all similar. We prefer the Songserm Boat for comfort.
FROM SURAT THANI - Surat Thani Accommodation
If you have been visiting Thailand's southern parts, then Surat Thani is a good choice. Located slightly south of Chumporn it can be an interesting place to visit in itself, but mainly serves as travel connection from Bangkok to the South of Thailand and to Koh Tao and its sister islands.
Songserm Travel run an express boat service in the morning, stopping in Koh Samui and in Koh Phangnan. There is also a regular night boat which departs from the ferry pier every night at 11 p.m. and arrives in Koh Tao roughly 6 in the morning. Quite a few people find it easier to spend the extra two to three hours going to Chumporn over land and taking the boat from there.
BUS LINKS
There are five coach terminals in Bangkok operating services to all provinces.
Northern Bus Terminal
Kampaengphet 2 Road
Bangkok 10900
Tel: (662) 936-3660
Northeastern Bus Terminal
Kampaengphet 2 Road
Bangkok 10900
Tel: (662) 936-0667
Central Bus Terminal
Kampaengphet 2 Road
Bangkok 10900
Tel: (662) 936-1897, 936-1886
Eastern Bus Terminal
Sukhumvit Soi 42
Sukhumvit Road
Bangkok 10110
Tel: (662) 391-2504
Southern Bus Terminal
Sai Tai Mai, Boromratchchonnani Road
Bangkok 10600
Tel: (662) 435-1200, 434-7192
AIR CARRIER LINKS
Angel Airlines
3rd Floor Tower B Benjajinda Building
499 Vibhavadi Rangsit Road
Bangkok 10900
Airport: 535-6287-9
Rsvn/Tktg/Sales: 953-2260
Fax: 953-2261
Chiang Mai Office: (053) 270-222 ext. 2295-6
Chiang Rai Office: (053) 793-981-2
Udon Thani Office: (042) 346-989
Phuket Office: (076) 351-337-8
Angel Airlines
Thai Airways International.
Thai Larn Lauang Office,
6 Larn Luang Road,
Pom Prab Satrupai District,
Bangkok 10100
Phone (66-2) 280-0060, (66-2) 628-2000
Thai Airways
ThaiAirways.com
Bangkok Airways Co., Ltd.
60 Queen Sirikit National Convention Center
New Ratjadapisek Rd., Klong Toey Bangkok 10110
Tel. (66 2) 229-3434
Fax. (66 2) 229-3450
Bangkok Airways
BangkokAirways.com
PB Air
17th Floor UBC II Building
591 Sukhumvit Soi 33, Sukhumvit Road
Bangkok 10110
Airport: 535-4843-4, 535-5816
Fax: 535-4845
Rsvn/Tktg/Sales: 261-0220-5
Fax: 261-0227
Admin: 261-0271-5, 261-0229
GENERAL ABOUT AIRPORTS
Bangkok International and Domestic airport terminals are 25kms north of the city. Airport departure taxes are required at both domestic and international departures.
International passengers: 500 baht/person Domestic passengers: 60 baht/person.
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