Modified 9th June 2025
How To Get To Koh Tao From Anywhere In Thailand
Planning how to get to Koh Tao from anywhere in Thailand requires understanding the various transportation combinations available across this diverse country. Thailand’s diving paradise is accessible from every major city and tourist destination, though routes vary significantly in duration, cost, and comfort level.
This comprehensive guide covers every possible route to reach Koh Tao, helping you choose the best option based on your starting point, budget, and time constraints.
Quick Route Comparison by Starting Location
| Starting Point | Fastest Route | Budget Route | Duration | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | Flight to Koh Samui + Ferry | Overnight Bus/Train + Ferry | 3-12 hours | ฿800-4,000 |
| Phuket | Flight via Koh Samui | Bus to Surat Thani + Ferry | 3-10 hours | ฿1,000-6,000 |
| Koh Samui | High-speed Ferry | Regular Ferry | 1.5-2 hours | ฿600-1,200 |
| Koh Phangan | High-speed Ferry | Regular Ferry | 1-1.5 hours | ฿400-800 |
| Krabi | Bus to Surat Thani + Ferry | Combined Bus/Ferry Ticket | 9-12 hours | ฿1,000-1,500 |
| Chumphon | Ferry | Ferry | 1.5-2 hours | ฿400-600 |
| Surat Thani | High-speed Ferry | Regular Ferry | 3-4 hours | ฿500-1,000 |
Interactive Route Planner
Find Your Best Route to Koh Tao
Select your starting location and preferences to get personalized route recommendations:
Detailed Routes from Major Destinations
From Bangkok to Koh Tao
Fly to Koh Samui (1 hour), then high-speed ferry to Koh Tao (1.5 hours). Most convenient option with multiple daily departures. Read our complete Bangkok to Koh Tao guide for detailed flight and ferry schedules.
- Book flights with Bangkok Airways or Thai Airways
- Ferry company: Lomprayah
- Total travel time includes transfers
Take overnight train from Bangkok to Chumphon, then ferry to Koh Tao. Budget-friendly with sleeping accommodation included. Check our Chumphon connection guide for ferry schedules.
- Trains depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station
- Choose sleeper cabins for comfort
- Ferry connection at Chumphon Pier
Most economical option with comfortable reclining seats. Combined tickets available for seamless transfers.
- VIP buses with air conditioning
- Direct transfer to ferry pier
- Travel while sleeping to maximize island time
From Southern Thailand Islands
If you’re already on Thailand’s islands, getting to Koh Tao is straightforward with regular ferry connections:
- Koh Samui: Multiple daily ferries, 1.5-2 hours, ฿600-1,200
- Koh Phangan: Short hop, 1-1.5 hours, ฿400-800
- Koh Phi Phi: Via Krabi or Phuket, then bus/ferry combination
From Western Thailand (Phuket/Krabi)
Travelers from western Thailand have two main options:
- Overland Route: Bus to Surat Thani, then ferry (8-10 hours, ฿1,000-1,500) – see our detailed Krabi to Koh Tao guide
- Flight Route: Fly to Koh Samui, then ferry (3-4 hours, ฿3,000-6,000) – check our Phuket travel options
Ferry schedules change based on weather conditions and seasons. Always check current timetables and book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season (December-March) when demand is highest.
From Northern and Eastern Thailand
For travelers starting from northern cities like Chiang Mai or eastern locations, the route typically involves:
- Travel to Bangkok (by bus, train, or flight)
- Choose from Bangkok’s connection options to Koh Tao
- Total journey time: 12-20 hours depending on connections
Specific routes are available for travelers from Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, and Udon Thani.
Alternative Routes from Eastern Thailand
Travelers from eastern Thailand cities have several options:
- From Pattaya: Multiple transport options including direct buses and flights
- From Hua Hin: Convenient connections via train or bus to ferry terminals
- From Koh Chang: Island-to-island connections via Bangkok or direct coastal routes
Southern Thailand Connections
For those traveling from Thailand’s deep south, Hat Yai offers excellent train connections that connect to ferry services for Koh Tao.
Seasonal Considerations and Best Times
- Peak Season (December-March): Busiest period, advance booking essential, highest prices
- Shoulder Season (April-May, September-November): Good weather, moderate crowds, best value
- Low Season (June-August): Rainy season, fewer tourists, lowest accommodation prices
Once you’ve figured out how to get to Koh Tao, make the most of your island time with Thailand’s premier diving center!
La Bombona Diving has been welcoming travelers from every corner of Thailand and beyond. Our experienced team understands the journey you’ve taken to reach this diving paradise and we’re here to make your underwater adventure unforgettable.
- Perfect for travelers arriving from any Thai destination
- Flexible scheduling around your travel arrangements
- Expert multilingual instructors
- Modern equipment and safety standards
- Small group sizes for personalized attention
- Multiple certification agencies (PADI/SSI/RAID)
- Try dives for first-time visitors
- Advanced courses for certified divers
Whether you’ve just arrived by ferry or planning your trip, we have the perfect diving experience waiting for you.
Book Your Try Dive Experience
Try Dive from ฿2,500 | Perfect introduction to Koh Tao’s underwater world
Open Water Certification ฿11,000 | 4 ocean dives over 4 days
Frequently Asked Questions
Dive with LBD: Your Gateway to Underwater Exploration
Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned pro, our school is your portal to the wonders of scuba diving. Join us into the world beneath the waves.
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