I had a wonderful time in Koh Tao exploring the island on motorbike, so in this article, I’ll show you how to get around the island on foot, motorbike, and tours. I’ll also share how to get to Koh Tao from Hua Hin, Koh Phangan, Bangkok, and Koh Samui.
Koh Tao is a small island located in the Gulf of Thailand, close to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. It is most famous as a diving and snorkeling destination. You can also explore beautiful beaches, viewpoints, and hiking trails.
Koh Tao doesn’t have an airport, the closest airports are Koh Samui airport and Surat Thani airport. From these airports, you can use additional transport to get to its pier for ferries to Koh Tao.
There are two popular piers from the mainland to get ferries to Koh Tao. They are in Chumphon and Surat Thani. Chumphon Pier is the closest mainland pier to Koh Tao. To get to the pier to get ferries to Koh Tao, you will need to find the way to get to one of these piers first.
You can reach Chumphon and Surat Thani from other parts of Thailand by either train, airplane, or bus. Many visitors purchase the combination of bus and ferry to reach Koh Tao.
If you are already in the nearby islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, you can easily reach Koh Tao by direct ferries or speed boats.
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How to get to Koh Tao from Hua Hin
The most popular way to get from Hua Hin to Koh Tao is to book the combination bus and ferry tickets. Boat Companies such as Lomprayah running this route. There is one trip daily (7 hours in total) departing at 8.45 at their office in Hua Hin and arriving at Koh Tao around 3.15 pm.
You can choose to take a VIP bus or a normal Bus. It is 300 baht difference. I took a normal bus and it was comfortable enough. You can buy tickets at your hotel, travel agencies, Lomprayah’s office, or online at their website or 12go.asia.
The bus around the pier around 1pm, after a 4 hour bus ride. Lomprayah Pier in Chumphon has a toilet, cafe, and convenience store where you can have some quick lunch while waiting for ferries to Koh Tao. The boat leaves around 1.15pm, and we arrive at Koh Tao Pier around 3.45pm.
From Mae Haad Pier, I walked to my hosel located just a few minutes away. You can take a pickup truck Songthaew if you stay further from the pier. Lots of resorts and diving centers pick you up from the pier.
I traveled at the end of December, the sea was in rough conditions, and lots of people have sea sickness. The staff go around and give people a bag and paper towel in case you vomit.
If you are prone to seasickness, it is better to go out and sit there for fresh air. Bringing herb inhalers such as Hong Thai Brand might help. You can buy it at any 7-11 stores in Thailand.
How to get to Koh Tao from Bangkok
I used the Lomprayah package from Hua Hin to Koh Tao, and It was fine. I reached the destination safe and sound. I recommend using this package from Bangkok to Koh Tao if you want an affordable option.
If you have a good budget, or are short on time, you can book a flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui, then take ferries to get to Koh Tao. Other options are to take a bus/airplane from Bangkok to either Chumphom or Surat Thani, find the way to the pier, then take a boat to Koh Tao.
Bangkok to Koh Tao by plane and Ferry
Taking a flight is the most expensive way to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao. The quickest way to reach Koh Tao from Bangkok is to fly to Koh Samui then take a ferry. It is about a 1 hour flight. Bangkok Airways has frequent flights to Samui daily.
From Samui airport, you can catch a taxi to the pier, for ferries to Koh Tao. Seatran pier is located 10 minute taxi drive from Samui Airport, while the closest Lomprayah pier is located 30 minutes drive away. If you miss the ferry, you can stay the night in Bophut, which is a convenient location to reach both Seatran and Lomprayah pier.
The cheaper way is to fly from Bangkok to nearby Chumphon or Surat Thani. Nok Air, Air Asia, and Thai Lion are running this route. You can book a separate flight ticket, then organise taxi transfer to the pier.
You can book a combo ticket (flight+ bus+ferry) within them, so you don’t need to worry about how to get to the pier from the airport.
If you book a Fly’n’Ferry package with Nok Air, you will take a flight from Don Mueang (Bangkok) to Nakhon Si Thammarat, then transfer to a coach to get to Lomprayah Donsak Pier, to get to ferry to Koh Tao.
Air Asia departs at Don Mueang International Airport arriving at Surat Thani Airport (1,25hour), then transfers to Donsak pier, then takes the ferry to Koh Tao. The journey is around 5,5-7 hours.
Bangkok to Koh Tao by bus and Ferry
Taking a bus and ferry is a popular way to get Koh Tao from Bangkok. It is the cheapest way to get to Koh Tao from Bangkok. You can book combo tickets with Lomprayah company. They have two trips a day from Bangkok, one in the morning at 6am and one starting at night at 9pm.
It usually takes around 8-9 hours to reach Koh Tao from Bangkok by combination of Bus and Ferry. You can book the join ticket at travel agencies, their office or online on lomprayah’s website.
Bangkok to Koh Tao by train and Ferry
I love taking train rides in Thailand, and I believe that many people like to travel by trains too. Because it is such a long ride, I recommend taking a sleeper for more comfort. I took a 12 hour train ride from Chiang Mai to Bangkok in the 3rd class hard seat cabin and my back was hurt as hell.
I recommend taking the 2nd class sleeper as it is comfortable and more affordable than the 1st class. Of course, if you have a good budget, go for the 1st class sleeper option.
While the Class 3 fan can be booked on the station before your departure, I recommend booking the 1st and 2nd class sleeper AC in advance, because it often sells out, especially in high season.
The train departs from Krung Thep Aphiwat Station in Bangkok and arrives at Chumphon Train Station after around 7 hours. Both ferry companies, Lomprayah and Songserm, offer ferry tickets and a transfer to the pier (additional fee). It will take 30-40 minutes to get to the pier.
How to get to Koh Tao from Koh Samui
It is easy to get the direct boat from Koh Samui to Koh Tao. The journey is usually 1.5 hours. There are three boat companies running this route, including Lomprayah, Seatran, and Songserm. You can book tickets at your hotel, travel agency, at the offices of these companies, or online.
Lomprayah has two piers including Pralarn Pier in Maenam village and Na Thon Pier. Songserm operated at Na Thon Pier and Seatran’s Pier is at Bangrak.
You’ll need to get a taxi to the pier from your hotel or Samui airport. This is usually an expensive option, especially if you are solo travelers. I recommend booking the transfer to the pier with the ferry company for a cheaper price, an additional 150 baht.
How to get to Koh Tao from Koh Phangan
There are direct ferries between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. The journey from two piers is around 1 hour. Lomprayah and Songserm running this route. They all depart from Thong Sala Pier.
You can buy tickets from local travel agencies, at Lomprayah’s office on Koh Phangan, or online. I believe that Lomprayah has a pick up option, but I stayed within walking distance to the pier, so I didn’t use this service. If you don’t use it, you will need to use a taxi to get to the pier 30 minutes before departure time.
Best ways to get around Koh Tao
Walking
Walking is the best option to explore the area where you stay. For example, I stayed in the Mae Haad area, I was able to explore its main street, the pier area, and Mae Haad Beach on foot. If you are an active walker or hiker, you can easily find many trails along the coast.
I did a little walk along the coast from Chalok baan kao bay to Sai Nuan Beach. The trail passes beautiful beaches and viewpoints with some leisure paths and some hilly ones.
Explore Koh Tao on motorbike
Renting a motorbike is the best way to see all Koh Tao at your own pace and on a budget. But, most of this island is very hilly, so I only recommend this option for experienced drivers.
As the hilly terrain and many roads to popular viewpoints are tiny dirt roads, I suggest searching for reputable bike rental, to make sure your bike is in good condition with a good break.
Most shops will require a deposit. They will accept either passport or cash (3000-5000 baht). I recommend leaving the money as the deposit, not the passport. If it’s lost, or confiscated by the shop, it could cause significant delays, or even leave you stranded without identification.
I also recommend taking a lot of pictures and videos before renting. Also read the contract carefully before signing.
Explore Koh Tao in Guided tours
There are lots of guided tours on Koh Tao including snorkeling and diving tours. You can choose a half day or full day trip. These tours will usually take you to popular spots such as Nangyuan Island, Ao Leuk, Tanote Bay, Shark Bay, Hin Wong Bay, and Mango Bay.
You can easily book these guided tours at local travel agencies on Koh Tao or online. It can be cheaper if you book in person and it is also a way to support local business. If you want to have everything planned before your trip, you can book it online from a website like viator or getyourguide.
Koh Tao on taxi boat and taxi songthaew
This is not a cheap option for solo travelers and you often need to bargain for a price with a driver. You can find songthaew at major areas such as Mae Haad pier, Sairee Beach, and Chalok Baan Kao.
YOu can use a long tail boat to explore different beaches on the island or to visit Nangyuan Island.
See more:
- Where to Stay in Koh Tao
- How to get to Koh Tao & Get Around
- 20 Awesome Things to Do in Koh Tao
- Koh Tao vs Koh Phangan
- Koh Tao vs Koh Samui?
These are several ways to get to Koh Tao from Bangkok, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, and Koh Phangan. I also give you some suggestions on how to get around the island on foot, by scooter, or longtail boat. Be safe in Koh Tao.