Modified 13th June 2025
How To Get To Koh Tao From Koh Chang: Complete Travel Guide
Planning your journey from Koh Chang to Koh Tao requires understanding the various transportation options available across Thailand’s island network. This comprehensive guide breaks down every route, timing, and cost consideration to help you make the best travel decision based on your budget, schedule, and comfort preferences.
Whether you’re seeking the fastest route or the most economical option, understanding how to get to Koh Tao from anywhere in Thailand will help you navigate this multi-leg journey successfully.
Transportation Options Overview
Traveling from Koh Chang to Koh Tao involves multiple transportation modes since there are no direct connections between these two popular Thai islands. Understanding the history of Koh Tao helps explain why the island remains accessible only by ferry, making your journey planning crucial.
Route Comparison Table
| Transportation Method | Total Duration | Cost Range (฿) | Comfort Level | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fly via Trat – Bangkok – Koh Samui | 5-8 hours | 7,000-8,000 | High | Year-round |
| Fly via Trat – Bangkok – Surat Thani | 6-9 hours | 2,000-3,000 | Medium-High | Year-round |
| Fly via Trat – Bangkok – Chumphon | 6-9 hours | 2,000-3,000 | Medium-High | Year-round |
| Bus to Chumphon + Ferry | 12-18 hours | 1,200-1,800 | Medium | Dry season preferred |
| Bus to Surat Thani + Ferry | 15-24 hours | 1,400-2,200 | Medium | Dry season preferred |
The Flying Option: Fastest Route
Flying represents the quickest way to travel from Koh Chang to Koh Tao, though it requires multiple connections since no direct flights exist between the islands. The journey begins with ground transport from Koh Chang to Trat Airport, Thailand’s closest airport to Koh Chang.
Step-by-Step Flying Route
Ferry Schedules and Pricing
Once you reach your mainland destination, ferries to Koh Tao operate on regular schedules:
- From Koh Samui: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM departures, from ฿550
- From Chumphon: 7:00 AM, 1:30 PM, and 9:00 PM departures, from ฿600
- From Surat Thani: 11:00 AM and evening departures, from ฿750
The ferry ride offers your first glimpse of the top dive sites around Koh Tao as you approach the island’s stunning coastline.
Budget-Friendly Bus and Ferry Route
For travelers prioritizing cost savings over speed, the bus and ferry combination offers excellent value while providing opportunities to see more of Thailand’s mainland. This route requires more planning but rewards you with scenic countryside views and a more immersive travel experience.
Bus Route Options
Several bus companies operate routes from Koh Chang to mainland ferry terminals. The journey typically involves:
- Ferry from Koh Chang to mainland: Regular services throughout the day
- Bus to Chumphon or Surat Thani: Air-conditioned coaches with multiple daily departures
- Ferry connection to Koh Tao: Coordinated services for smooth transfers
Many travelers use this route to gradually transition from the eastern islands toward the best diving in Koh Tao, building anticipation for their underwater adventures.
Bus and ferry combinations work best during the dry season (December-April) when weather conditions are most predictable. During monsoon season, delays and cancellations become more common, potentially extending your journey time significantly.
What to Expect During Your Journey
Regardless of your chosen route, traveling from Koh Chang to Koh Tao involves multiple transfers and varying travel conditions. Understanding what to expect helps you prepare adequately and maintain realistic expectations throughout your journey.
Packing Essentials
- Comfortable clothing suitable for varying air conditioning levels
- Light jacket for ferry rides and air-conditioned transport
- Snacks and water for longer bus journeys
- Entertainment for extended travel times
- Camera for scenic ferry photography opportunities
- Travel documents including tickets and identification
- Sunscreen and hat for ferry deck time
Transfer Tips and Timing
Successful multi-leg journeys require careful timing coordination. Allow extra buffer time between connections, especially during peak travel seasons when services may run behind schedule. Consider booking combined tickets through travel agencies to ensure coordinated transfers.
Once you arrive in Koh Tao, you’ll appreciate the island’s compact size and various transportation options. Renting a motorcycle in Koh Tao provides excellent mobility for exploring the island’s numerous attractions and dive centers.
Maximizing Your Koh Tao Experience
After completing your journey from Koh Chang, Koh Tao offers incredible opportunities for relaxation, adventure, and underwater exploration. The island’s reputation as Thailand’s diving capital attracts visitors from around the world, making your travel effort worthwhile.
Beyond diving, the island offers spectacular viewpoints, diverse daytime activities, and excellent restaurants to explore during your stay.
After your journey from Koh Chang, experience why Koh Tao is Thailand’s diving capital with La Bombona Diving!
Whether you’re a complete beginner or experienced diver, our expert instructors and pristine dive sites offer unforgettable underwater adventures.
- Open Water Certification – perfect for first-time visitors
- Try Dive experiences for nervous beginners
- Small class sizes ensuring personalized attention
- Modern equipment and safety-first approach
- Multilingual instructors from around the world
- Flexible scheduling to fit your travel plans
Start your Koh Tao adventure with us – from ฿2,500 for Try Dive experiences
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