Getting to Koh Tao
The isolated island paradise that is Koh Tao is only accessible by boat, but there are many different routes you can take, depending on your departure point and needs.
Via Samui
The quickest way to the island of Koh Tao is to fly to the Koh Samui airport (USM) by way of Bangkok Airways, who fly direct from Bangkok, Krabi, Phuket, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and a number of other airports. Upon arrival at Koh Samui, you can arrange a transfer (via boat) to Koh Tao through the airport information desk.
We recommend that you take the two hour voyage from Koh Samui with either the Lomprayah Catamaran or Seatran Discovery, which leave twice daily for Koh Tao. There are options available, but these speedboats are the fastest and easiest ways to get to Koh Tao. Please be aware that the last boat leaving Koh Samui for Koh Tao departs at 13:30.
Via Chumporn
There are many companies that can get you to Chumporn from Bangkok via train or bus. We recommend the air-con buses of Lomprayah Catamaran, which depart from Bangkok twice daily, because they have packages that include transfer from Chumporn to Koh Tao.
Once you're in Chumporn, you have two options for getting to Koh Tao via boat: the aforementioned Lomprayah Catamaran (approx. 2 hours), and the overnight MV Talaysub Ferry (077-553176), which leaves at 23:00 every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday nights. The journey takes approximately 6 hours and there are 40 comfortable bunk beds which can be booked in advance.
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Via Suratthani
Travelers from Phuket and Krabi typically pass through Suratthani, which is a long and at times uncomfortable journey in a minibus. Boat options are very limited and the only direct boat is not very good at the best of times. This night boat leaves Suratthani every night at 23:00. We do not recommend coming to Koh Tao via this route.
Whichever way you choose to travel, you can book all your tickets and transfers through Koh Tao Coral Grand Resort.
Planning your return trip
The last catamaran/speedboat leaving Koh Tao departs at 16:00 daily, so any departure or onward flight bookings/reservations should ideally be scheduled for after 19:00 to allow for any unforeseen delays. Transfers from the pier to the airport are readily available and in some cases are included in the price.
