Distance 415 km (259.4 miles) | |
Price range US$36-US$49 | |
Ride Duration Range 9h 15m-16h | |
Earliest Departure 06:00 | |
Latest Departure 23:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Taking the bus-ferry combo is the most affordable way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Tao. However, if you wish to save time, you can book a flight, but it is much more expensive. A bus and ferry usually takes around nine hours. Koh Tao is known for its wonderful beaches and many water activities. Bring your scuba gear so you can go snorkeling or swim with the sharks. Koh Tao is also recognized for its great restaurants and exciting nightlife. The best weather occurs between February and April.
Koh Tao is the smallest island in the Chumphon Archipelago in southern Thailand. But don’t let its size turn you off. It is jam-packed with unreal experiences, stunning beaches, and a vast array of marine wildlife. It’s well known for its diving sites, and travelers come from all over the world to experience them.
Depending on your preference, there are a few options to choose from when exploring how to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao.
Since there is no airport on the island, flying is out of the question unless you fly to a nearby island and then ferry over.
You can, however, take a bus and a ferry, which takes anywhere from 8 hours and 45 minutes up to 14 hours and 30 minutes. The company you choose will determine the total travel time.
The other option is to book a seat in a van, which will take you to the ferry terminal before you jump on a ferry to Koh Tao. This option will take you 18 hours.
If you love adventure, Koh Tao is the perfect place to visit. Here are a few activities you should check out:
Go scuba diving or snorkeling: Take advantage of the unbelievable dive sites around Koh Tao. Whether you're a beginner or advanced, there is something for everyone. Just choose from one of 60 dive schools to take you on a life-changing adventure.
Explore the beaches: With 20 pristine beaches to choose from, you can explore a new one every day of your trip. With tropical backdrops, clear aqua waters, and soft gold sand, you won’t be disappointed.
Hike to Mango viewpoint: Want to take in the island’s best views? Then check out Mango Viewpoint for panoramic views of the whole island. You’ll come back with some of the most jaw-dropping photos of your trip.
Kayak or paddleboard on the turquoise waters: Not a fan of snorkeling or diving? There are other ways to explore the marine world. Hire a kayak or paddleboard when the waters are calm to explore the different bays of Koh Tao. You might even come across a turtle or two!
Below, let's look at the different options for traveling between Bangkok and Koh Tao.
Ultimately, your decision will depend on the time of day you wish to depart and the length of the transfer.
Travel time: From 8 hours, 45 minutes to 14 hours, 30 minutes
This option is the ideal choice for those who wish to travel comfortably.
VIP bus and ferry tickets, which can be purchased through Lomprayah or Paradive Travel, come with a few extras. These include:
Being able to board the bus first.
Being seated on the upper level will allow you to recline your seat further back.
After the bus departs, you will receive a light snack and drink refreshment as well as a blanket.
Lomprayah offers two departures per day. One leaves bright and early at 06:00 and arrives at the final destination at 14:45. The other is an overnight trip leaving Bangkok at 21:00 and arriving at Koh Tao at 08:45. The travel time is 8 hours and 45 minutes.
You will need to arrive at the Lomprayah office on the morning or evening of your departure. There, they will check your ticket and hand over a luggage tag, location sticker (indicating your final destination), bus ticket, and ferry ticket.
Paradive Travel offers one departure per day at 19:00. You will arrive at Koh Tao at 09:30 the following day. Their travel time is 14.5 hours.
On the ferry, you can choose between taking in the sea breeze and basking in the sun, or if you prefer, you can sit indoors.
Travel time: Between 8 hours and 45 minutes and 14 hours
Two companies that operate an express bus and ferry service between Bangkok and Koh Tao: Lomprayah and Montanatip Tour and Travel.
The main difference between the two companies is the travel time. If you book a ticket through Lomprayah, the journey will take you 8 hours and 45 minutes, while the route organized by Montanatip Tour and Travel takes 14 hours.
With either company, you will have ample legroom, large seats, and air conditioning. There is even a toilet onboard.
Seats in this category are on the lower level of the bus. At times, they will have a movie playing on the bus, so bring earplugs or headphones if you prefer to switch off.
The times for departure are as follows:
Lomprayah has two daily departures, one at 06:00 and one at 21:00, which is the overnight option.
Montanatip Tour and Travel has one daily departure, which leaves Bangkok at 19:00.
With both companies, you should arrive at the office at least 30 minutes prior to departure. You will check in and leave your luggage. A sticker on your gear will indicate where you are traveling.
Pro tip: Make sure you keep the sticker on your luggage. When you arrive at the ferry pier, luggage will be separated into different groups depending on your final destination.
Travel time: 16-18 hours
The difference between this method of transportation and the options above is that you will travel to the ferry pier in a van rather than a bus.
Onboard the vans operated by Fame Tours & Services. You will have air-conditioning and seats that recline slightly.
Bring your own entertainment, such as a book or Airpods to listen to a movie.
While you may not have the comforts of an onboard toilet, the plus side is there will only be a maximum of 15 other people traveling with you.
Hopefully, you can get some sleep, so bringing a soft neck pillow is a good idea.
Pro tip: You’re allowed to bring one suitcase and one piece of hand luggage per person. If you have more, purchase a second ticket so you have more luggage space.
This journey departs from two locations: Sleep Withinn Bangkok and Khao San Road Fame Tour. Both leave at 13:00, so be sure to check your ticket for the correct departure location.
The journey will take 16-18 hours. The van will make stops along the way for food and drink and to drop people off who are not continuing to Koh Tao.
You'll take the van from Bangkok to the Chumphon Ferry, where you'll board an overnight ferry to Koh Tao.
The ferry is by no means flash, but there are shared sleeping areas with mattresses available, meaning you can save on a night's accommodation.
The following morning, you will arrive at Mae Haad Pier.
Koh Tao is hot all year round, with temperatures ranging between 28°C (82.4°F) to 32°C (89.6°F).
The peak seasons are from December to March and July to August.
The rainy season is between September and November. During these months, it will rain in the afternoon for a couple of hours. However, heavy rainfall reduces water visibility, so if you plan on going scuba diving, the best diving conditions are from May to August.
If you want to go when it's not too hot and busy, the best time to visit is May and April.
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