Modified 12th June 2025
How to Get to Koh Tao from Udon Thani: Complete Travel Guide
Traveling from Udon Thani to Koh Tao opens up multiple route possibilities, each suited to different budgets, timeframes, and travel preferences. This comprehensive guide breaks down every transportation option, helping you choose the perfect journey to Thailand’s world-famous diving paradise. Whether you prioritize speed, comfort, cost savings, or scenic views, understanding your options ensures you’ll select the ideal route for your Koh Tao adventure.
Transportation Options Overview
Interactive Route Planner
Find Your Perfect Route to Koh Tao
Select your preferences to get personalized route recommendations:
Complete Route Comparison
| Route | Duration | Cost (฿) | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight (via Bangkok) + Ferry (via Koh Samui) | 7-10 hours | ฿5,000-8,700 | 1 (Airport to Ferry) | Speed, convenience |
| Flight (via Bangkok) + Ferry (via Surat Thani) | 8-11 hours | ฿2,000-4,000 | 1 (Airport to Ferry) | Balance of speed and cost |
| Train + Ferry (via Chumphon) | 14-18 hours | ฿1,800-2,500 | 1 (Train to Ferry) | Comfort, scenery |
| Bus + Ferry (via Chumphon) | 21-24 hours | ฿1,200-1,650 | 1 (Bus to Ferry) | Budget travel |
| Bus + Ferry (via Surat Thani) | 22-26 hours | ฿1,350-1,750 | 1 (Bus to Ferry) | Budget option |
Flying to Koh Tao: Fastest Route
Flying represents the quickest way to reach Koh Tao from Udon Thani, though it requires connecting through mainland airports since no direct flights serve the island. Your flight options include Koh Samui Airport and Surat Thani Airport, both offering good ferry connections to complete your journey.
Flight + Ferry via Koh Samui
The Koh Samui route offers the shortest total travel time, with regular flights from Udon Thani and frequent ferry departures. Bangkok Airways operates this route with modern aircraft and reliable schedules.
- Flight duration: 1.5-2 hours (including connections via Bangkok)
- Ferry frequency: Daily departures at 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM
- Ferry duration: 2 hours to Koh Tao
- Total cost: ฿5,000-8,700 (including ferry)
- Operators: Lomprayah
Flight + Ferry via Surat Thani
Surat Thani offers more budget-friendly flight options with multiple daily ferry departures, providing flexibility in your travel schedule.
- Flight duration: 2-3 hours (including connections)
- Ferry departures: Day ferries at 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 3:30 PM
- Night ferries: 9:00 PM, 9:30 PM, 10:00 PM (schedule varies)
- Ferry duration: 3 hours to Koh Tao
- Total cost: ฿2,000-4,000 (including ferry)
Train + Ferry: Scenic Comfort
Train travel offers an excellent balance of comfort, affordability, and scenic beauty. The journey from Udon Thani Railway Station south through Thailand’s countryside provides stunning views while delivering you comfortably to ferry connections.
Train Route Details
Thailand’s railway system provides reliable service with various comfort levels, from standard seats to private sleeping compartments for overnight journeys.
- Route: Udon Thani → Bangkok → Chumphon
- Train types: Express, Rapid, Special Express
- Duration: 12-15 hours to Chumphon
- Ferry connection: Short transfer to Chumphon pier
- Ferry schedule: 7:00 AM, 1:30 PM (day), 9:00 PM (night)
- Total journey: 14-18 hours door-to-door
Train tickets should be booked 1-2 weeks in advance, especially for sleeper berths during peak season. Ferry tickets can be purchased at Chumphon station or pier, but advance booking ensures better pricing and preferred departure times.
Bus + Ferry: Budget-Friendly Option
Bus travel represents the most economical route to Koh Tao, perfect for budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind longer journey times. Modern air-conditioned buses provide comfortable seating with onboard facilities for the extended trip.
Bus Route Options
Multiple daily departures from Udon Thani’s main bus terminal serve both Chumphon and Surat Thani, offering flexibility in your ferry connections.
- Chumphon route: 10-12 hours by bus + 2 hours ferry
- Surat Thani route: 11-13 hours by bus + 3 hours ferry
- Bus amenities: Air conditioning, reclining seats, onboard restrooms
- Ferry connections: Coordinated schedules for smooth transfers
- Total cost: Around ฿2,000 depending on route and season
Seasonal Travel Considerations
Best Times to Travel to Koh Tao
Understanding seasonal patterns helps optimize your journey timing and budget planning.
Perfect weather, highest prices, advance booking essential
Good weather, moderate prices, excellent value
Lower prices, occasional rain, fewer crowds
Variable weather, best deals, flexible planning needed
Arrival and Getting Around Koh Tao
Once you arrive at Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao’s main ferry terminal, you’ll find yourself in the heart of the island’s activities. The compact size makes transportation around the island straightforward, with multiple options suited to different comfort levels and budgets.
Most visitors rent scooters for maximum flexibility, while taxi trucks (songthaews) provide convenient point-to-point transportation. Many of Koh Tao’s premier dive sites are accessible by short boat trips, making accommodation location less critical than on larger islands.
Essential Travel Tips
Reserve flights 3-4 weeks ahead, trains 1-2 weeks ahead, and ferries 3-7 days ahead for best prices and availability.
Ferry weight limits and frequent transfers make light packing essential. Focus on essentials and buy items on the island.
Long bus and train journeys require proper hydration. Bring water bottles and take advantage of stops to refresh.
Book first night only, then explore options on arrival. Island accommodation ranges from budget hostels to luxury resorts.
Check weather conditions before ferry travel. Rough seas can delay or cancel departures, affecting your schedule.
Bring sufficient Thai Baht for transportation, meals, and tips. ATMs exist but may charge fees or run empty during peak times.
What to Expect on Koh Tao
Koh Tao’s reputation as a world-class diving destination attracts visitors seeking underwater adventures and tropical island experiences. The island’s rich diving heritage combines with modern amenities to create an ideal balance of adventure and comfort.
Beyond diving, the island offers spectacular viewpoints, diverse activities, and excellent dining options that cater to every taste and budget. Whether you’re interested in diving certification for different experience levels or simply want to enjoy pristine beaches and sunset views, the island provides unforgettable experiences.
After your journey from Udon Thani, make the most of your time in Koh Tao with world-class diving experiences!
La Bombona Diving welcomes travelers from across Thailand with flexible scheduling, expert instruction, and comprehensive diving programs for all skill levels.
- Try Dive experiences perfect for first-time visitors
- Open Water certification in just 4 days
- Advanced courses for certified divers
- Professional instructors with thousands of dives
- Modern equipment and safety protocols
- Small group sizes for personalized attention
- Convenient location near ferry pier
- Flexible scheduling for any arrival time
Try Dive from ฿2,500 | Open Water Certification ฿11,000
Book Your Diving ExperiencePerfect for tired travelers – we’ll help you recover from your journey with gentle underwater adventures
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.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Check our diving courses in Koh Tao
EN 
ES