How to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao Thailand?

Want to know how to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao?

If you’re planning your Thailand itinerary, and wondering where to go after Bangkok, choosing Koh Tao can never go wrong. It’s the first island you’ll come across when traveling down the east coast of Thailand. Koh Tao is known for it’s gorgeous beaches and amazing snorkeling and scuba diving spots among colorful marine life.

Also, Koh Tao is very close to Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. If you plan island hopping in Thailand, starting in Koh Tao and using the ferries to work your way down to the other islands is a great way to kick start an amazing adventure.

With that said, you’re now wondering how to get to Koh Tao from Bangkok? you’re in the right place.

We’ve done this journey quite a few times and this article cover the best way to get to Koh Tao from Bangkok regardless if you’re a backpacker on a budget or a tourist searching for a convenient way to get there.

How to get from Bangkok To Koh Tao

Getting to Koh Tao from Bangkok cannot be done directly because there is no airport on the island. Instead, the routes to get to Koh Tao pass through Chumphon, a city on the mainland that connects ferries to the islands.

Personally we prefer taking a bus from Bangkok to Chumphon followed by a ferry to Koh Tao.

I’m not referring to the ordinary buses and ferries though. That is a bit too complicated, requires some logistical planning and is slow because from the bus terminal in Chumphon, a transfer to ferries is required. It’s also an additional expense that can be quite expensive since the piers are about 1 hour drive from the terminal.

I’m referring to all-inclusive tickets that seamlessly combine the bus and ferry into 1 package. These tickets are offered by various companies but we always travel with Lomprayah. It’s a reputable company that operates its own fleet of buses and ferries. Therefore the connection to the boat cannot be missed.

These combo tickets are probably the most common way for tourist, travelers and backpackers to reach the islands. It’s hassle free, fast, and affordable especially if taking the night bus which also saves 1 night accommodation.

If you have fixed travel dates, it would be best to buy tickets in advance because they often sell out especially during peak season, weekends and holidays. →check options and schedules

Bus from Bangkok To Koh Tao

The journey begins in Soi Rambuttri, it’s a street parallel with Khaosan Road and the meeting point is at the Lomprayah office. There’s a check-in process similar to when taking a flight. Knowing that it’s a very popular journey, we decided to come well before the departure and got everything sorted: check-in, got the tickets, tags for check-in luggage. And then sat down at a resto in front of the office.

This was a good idea. It seems like everyone came to do check-in exactly 1 hour before departure, it was complete chaos and everyone waiting in line and others just trying to skip the line. My advice, get here about 2 hours pre departure and get everything sorted. There’s loads of places to hang out at Soi Rambuttri.

We took the night bus because it saves time traveling during the day and also saves 1 night accommodation. Win, win. It’s a big, comfortable bus. There’s 2 rows of seat, with 2 joining seats on 1 side and a single seat on the other. I guess you can imagine how these seats are. Not only, there is enough leg room to allow for a (almost) complete recline. And we were also given a blanket and pillow that were sealed in a bag. And also a small goodie bag with some snacks and drinks.

The night buses depart at 9:00 pm and the journey down to the ferry in Chumphon takes approximately 7 hours. And along the way there’s a 30 minute break in a station for snacks, coffee, toilet or simply to stretch a bit. There’s a toilet on board the bus too.

View all inclusive tickets here

The Ferry from Chumphon To Koh Tao

The bus from Bangkok goes directly to the ferry pier in Chumphon. It’s a seamless connection that cannot be missed because both the boat and bus are operated by the same company.

The morning ferries depart at 7:00am and when we arrived it was still about 1 hour until the ferry departed. There’s a small cafeteria serving decent coffee and really good croissants. So we grabbed a warm drink and pastry and sat on the deck chairs on the beach next to the pier. There’s a pretty decent view of distant islands.

The boat is a big comfortable high speed catamaran. On board there’s indoor seating with air condition, outside under a roof and the top floor is completely open air. Basically in the direct sun.

There is no seat numbers on the boat. So make sure to be among the first in line when the gate to board opens. This will give you the option to choose where to sit since there isn’t enough room for everyone to sit inside which is the first place to get full.

View all inclusive tickets here

Before You Go – Key Points

• Baggage allowance is 20kg. Excess luggage will be charged at 20 THB per kg, not exceeding 30 kg.
• Never leave your personal belonging in your luggage in the bus storage compartment. Keep passport, cash, bank cards, expensive items such as jewelry and electronics in your carry on.
• Changes and cancellations for combined tickets cannot be done later than 4 days before departure
• Latest check-in is 30 minutes before departure. It is best to be at the meeting point a bit earlier to have everything sorted and not have to wait in a long check-in queue.
• You must show your original online booking along with your passport.
• Pets are not allowed.
• There is a ฿20 ($0.40) fee to enter Koh Tao which is paid upon arrival or collected on the boat.
• Pregnant women are advised not to travel by speedboat.
• If you’re going from Bangkok to Koh Phangan then ↳read this article

Related article: Here are the best areas to stay in Koh Tao

Arriving in Koh Tao

Below are a few key points for when you arrive in Koh Tao and beyond. If you’ve still not planned your entire trip, first are a few points about where to stay followed by how to get your hotel when you arrive in Koh Tao.

Where to stay in Koh Tao

If you’re planning your Koh Tao itinerary, the section below covers the 3 main areas to stay on the island. All areas are well suited if you want to have restaurants, beach bars and entertainment nearby. The table gives you a quick overview of hotels and hostels which have been highly rated and thus are always in high demand. Or read this where to stay in Koh Tao guide.

When you arrive in Koh Tao

The ferry to Koh Tao docks at Mae Haad pier. It’s busy and chaotic especially when the ferries arrive. You’ll get bombarded by tuk-tuk drivers to take you to your hotel. Just make sure you negotiate a price before taking a tuk-tuk. Else you’ll have to pay whatever the driver asks for when you arrive at your hotel.

Getting to your hotel

When arriving in Koh Tao you have a few options to make it to your hotel. If you’ve already booked an accommodation in Koh Tao, make sure to ask if they offer shuttle service. Some accommodation offer this service to their guests and if its an exclusive resort it will probably be free.

Another option which mostly applies if you have a backpack is to rent a scooter or motorcycle. There’s lots of shops to rent from in Maehaad, just make sure to check their reviews beforehand. Or in some cases you can even walk to your hotel or hostel as both Maehaad town and Sairee beach are within walking distance. Maybe not so much if you have a lot of luggage though.

The final option would be to travel by songtaew which is basically a pick-up truck with benches in the back. Let the driver know where you’re going and in some cases the driver make group others going in the same direction and you can split the cost. But in most you’ll need to negotiate a price.

Food

If you arrive hungry, stop for a sandwich at Da’s sandwiches right next to the pier. This guy makes the best sandwiches in Thailand (according to us).

Scooter Rental

To rent a scooter go to One Motorbike Rentals.The shop is a 2 minute walk South from the pier. If they don’t have any scooters the next best option is go to Oli’s Motorbike rental about 10 minutes from the pier.

Tours

The only way to do certain activities must be done by tour. One of them is this 7 hour tour that takes you snorkeling, and then to a viewpoint on a nearby island and also includes lunch.

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If you’re traveling from Bangkok to other places, you may also consider these other popular routes listed below.

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