How to Get to Koh Tao?

If all roads lead to Rome, there's certainly no shortage of ways to get to Koh Tao. The island might look like a little rock lost in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand, but it's actually very well connected. Aquatao runs through the different ways to come and visit us, along with our "insider tip" on transport.

Enjoy the read!

Koh Tao is far from isolated

Train, bus, plane and of course boat — Thailand has no shortage of transport options. And the good news for travellers is that prices are pretty affordable. So there's no reason to miss out on a trip to the little paradise that is Koh Tao. You just need to know how to choose.

It really all depends on your starting point. For those coming from the other two islands in the Gulf of Thailand, the choice is simple. It only takes one to two hours by boat from Koh Phangan or Koh Samui. The price is 15 to 20 euros. The Lomprayah company runs no fewer than five crossings a day in high season. We handle ticket bookings for you. You can find more information via this link.

The boats to Koh Tao are comfortable, with an air-conditioned space to relax in during the crossing. That said, it's best to book tickets in advance during high season, as well as around the Full Moon parties that take place on the neighbouring island of Koh Phangan.

 

The bus is the cheapest way to get to Koh Tao from Bangkok

The first option is the bus. Lomprayah sells packages to get to Koh Tao, including a bus journey from Bangkok to Chumphon pier followed by a boat crossing. Expect to pay between 30 and 40 euros per ticket. And Aquatao handles the booking of these tickets. For the boat, you can also book through our Aquatao website.

The journey can be done overnight, departing Bangkok at 9pm and arriving in Koh Tao early the next morning before 9am, or during the day with a 6am departure and arrival around 3pm. The company offers more comfortable VIP buses. Note that it's best to bring something to eat and drink, as stops are infrequent.

Pros: unbeatable price, an all-inclusive package
Cons: journey length, fairly basic comfort

The train is worth choosing for its originality

Let us make you fall for the train option. The Thai night train is an option worth considering as a genuine experience in itself. In second class, you get a fairly comfortable berth (except for taller travellers). In first class, it's a compartment for two with a washbasin.

Thai trains are far from having the comfort and speed of their European counterparts, but it's a mode of transport that many travellers enjoy. At the end of the journey, you'll arrive in Suratthani, from where you then need to head to Donsak pier. From there, it's a three-hour boat ride to Koh Tao and its paradise beaches.

Pros: Fairly comfortable, an "original" mode of transport
Cons: Journey length, prices not necessarily cheaper than flying

The fastest way to get to Koh Tao

Flights from Bangkok can land in Koh Samui from Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is the entry point for most international flights. This option is perfect for those in a hurry, but it's expensive. It's not unusual to see tickets from Bangkok to Koh Samui reach several hundred euros.

Pros: Very fast
Cons: Price can be very high in high season

It's also possible to fly into Suratthani in southern Thailand, which is certainly one of the best options in terms of value for money. Flight prices are much more affordable with airlines like Air Asia and Nok Air. In that case, all you need to do is then take a ticket from Donsak pier to Koh Tao.                                                                            
Pros: Fast, comfortable                                   
Cons: A bit more expensive, best to book in advance

Aquatao's special insider tip

For those short on time, the solution we recommend is to fly to Suratthani followed by a journey on the night boat. Otherwise known as the "nightferry," it's an affordable mode of transport that offers the advantage of real sleeping berths in an air-conditioned space.

It's far from a 5-star hotel, but it's more than enough for a restful night. Departure is around 10pm from the city centre. So you can take a flight from Bangkok in the late afternoon. Arrival in Koh Tao the next morning means you get to enjoy a full day while saving the cost of a night's hotel stay.

Pros: Price, no time wasted, a hotel night saved, and an early morning arrival.
Cons: The comfort of a bunk bed 

We're partners with the transport company Lomprayah, which allows us to offer you the option of buying your Bus and/or boat tickets to Koh Tao in advance. Payment is made by card via the WISE payment system.

If you're interested, let us know and we'll send you a secure payment link via the WISE platform.

Your ticket will arrive within 12 hours

*Plan to buy your tickets 24 hours before departure

*In case of unavailable seats, we'll offer you a change or a refund