Sunrise over Koh Tao as seen from the ferry approach

Koh Tao travel guide

Getting to Koh Tao.

Everything you need to plan the journey: Bangkok to Koh Tao ferry routes, Samui to Koh Tao transfers, and our free villa pickup from Mae Haad pier.

Plan your arrival

The island is closer than it feels.

Koh Tao sits in the western Gulf of Thailand, roughly 70 kilometres from the mainland. There is no airport on the island, so every journey ends with a ferry — but the routes are reliable, frequent and part of the adventure.

Most travellers choose between the Bangkok to Chumphon ferry route or a flight to Koh Samui Airport (USM) followed by a short Samui to Koh Tao ferry. This guide covers the timetables, operators and booking tips we share with our own guests.

“Book direct with us and we will meet you at the pier.”

Routes to the island

Three ways travellers reach Koh Tao.

The Bangkok to Chumphon ferry combination is the classic mainland route. Flying into Koh Samui Airport and taking the ferry is the fastest and most comfortable option from Bangkok.

Aerial view of Koh Tao showing the ferry approach and bays around Mae Haad

Bangkok to Koh Tao

Total journey: 6 – 8 hr (fly) · 12 – 15 hr (train/bus)

Fly Bangkok to Chumphon, Surat Thani or Koh Samui (≈ 1 hr – 1 hr 15 min), or take the overnight train/bus to Chumphon (9 – 12 hr)
Shuttle from the station or airport to the ferry pier
Lomprayah or Boonsiri high-speed ferry to Koh Tao (≈ 1 hr 45 min – 3 hr)
Free villa pickup from Mae Haad pier

Insider tip: Flying to Koh Samui is the most comfortable option: a short flight, easy airport transfer, then a scenic ferry. Flying to Chumphon and catching the afternoon ferry is usually the cheapest fast route.

Longtail boat on the clear water near Koh Tao

Fly + ferry gateway

Koh Samui to Koh Tao

Total journey: 3 – 5 hr total (flight + ferry)

Fly into Koh Samui Airport (USM) from Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong
Taxi or shared minibus from the airport to Maenam or Nathon pier (20 – 40 min)
Lomprayah or Boonsiri ferry to Mae Haad pier, Koh Tao (≈ 1 hr 45 min)
Free villa pickup from Mae Haad pier

Insider tip: Flying to Koh Samui is the most comfortable route from Bangkok: short flight, easy airport transfer, then a scenic ferry. Boonsiri is often calmer and less crowded than Lomprayah.

Sunrise over the sea on the approach to Koh Tao

Short scenic crossing

Koh Phangan to Koh Tao

Total journey: 1 – 1.5 hours

Lomprayah, Boonsiri or Songserm ferry from Thong Sala pier
Direct sailing across the Gulf to Mae Haad
Free villa pickup from Mae Haad pier

Insider tip: Lomprayah and Boonsiri are fastest and most comfortable; Songserm is a budget alternative with a longer crossing.

Ferry operators

Lomprayah, Boonsiri, and the budget alternatives.

Lomprayah is the long-established high-speed catamaran, running frequent sailings from Chumphon, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Surat Thani. The boats are modern and air-conditioned with open-air decks — but peak-season boarding can feel rushed.

Boonsiri is a newer operator that many of our guests now prefer: often a little cheaper, less crowded, and a calmer, more personable boarding experience — no cattle-herding at the pier.

Songserm and Seatran Discovery are slower, cheaper alternatives. Fine in calm weather but noticeably longer and less comfortable in rough seas. For trains from Bangkok to Chumphon, timetables are on the State Railway of Thailand.

01Book tickets online during peak season
02Arrive at the pier 30 minutes before departure
03Keep seasickness tablets handy in monsoon months
04Send us your ferry name for free pier pickup

Traditional longtail boat on the turquoise water near Koh Tao

On the island

From Mae Haad pier to the villa.

All ferries arrive at Mae Haad, the small harbour on the west coast of Koh Tao. From there it is a short drive to Shark Bay and The Fisherman’s Villas.

Free villa pickup

Included for direct bookings. We track ferry delays and wait for you at the pier.

Taxi truck

Shared songthaews leave from the pier when full. Private taxis can be arranged in advance.

Scooter rental

We can have a scooter delivered to the villa. The road to Shark Bay is paved but steep in places.

Private transfer

Walking to the villa is not realistic — the road to Shark Bay is steep and long with luggage. We arrange a private car pickup for any arrival time.

Travel questions

Getting here, answered.

What is the easiest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao?

The fastest option is to fly Bangkok to Chumphon or Surat Thani (about 1 hour 15 minutes) and connect to a Lomprayah or Boonsiri ferry — total travel time is around 6–8 hours door-to-door. The classic overnight train or bus to Chumphon plus the morning ferry is a lovely journey, but it realistically takes 12–15 hours in total.

Can I fly from Bangkok to Koh Tao?

There is no airport on Koh Tao, but you can fly to a nearby gateway. The easiest options are Bangkok to Koh Samui (USM), then a 1 hour 45 minute ferry to Koh Tao; or Bangkok to Chumphon / Surat Thani, then a direct ferry. Bangkok Airways, Nok Air and Thai Smile serve these routes.

How long is the ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?

The Lomprayah or Boonsiri ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on sea conditions and stops. It is the fastest and most reliable Samui to Koh Tao transfer.

Lomprayah or Boonsiri — which ferry should I take?

Lomprayah is the long-established high-speed catamaran with the most departures. Boonsiri is a newer operator that is often a little cheaper, less crowded and with a more relaxed boarding process — many of our guests now prefer it. Both are safe, air-conditioned and reliable.

Does The Fisherman's Villas offer a transfer from the pier?

Yes. We include free pickup from Mae Haad pier when you book directly with us. Just send your ferry name and arrival time and our team will be waiting with a sign.

Can I take a ferry from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao?

Yes. Lomprayah, Boonsiri and Songserm all run daily ferries from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao. The crossing takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours through the Gulf of Thailand.

Already planning dives and day trips?

Read our complete Koh Tao diving guide and see the sites you can reach from the villa by private boat.

Diving guide