Distance 45 km (28.1 miles) | |
Price range US$11-US$18 | |
Ride Duration Range 1h-2h | |
Earliest Departure 05:00 | |
Latest Departure 09:45 | |
Most Popular Operator |
You will want to take a ferry to make the island to island jump from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao. The approximate 90-minute voyage is inexpensive, but there are a limited number of ferries each day so try to book a ticket in advance. Once you’re settled in Koh Tao, enjoy the beautiful beaches and fabulous marine life. Snorkeling is popular around Koh Tao because of the beautiful coral reefs within the waters. You can visit the beaches all year-round in Koh Tao, but the most perfect weather is between February and April.
Fastest ferry: 1h
Cheapest ferry: US$11
The magical thing about Thailand is that every one of its 1,430 islands has a unique vibe.
Koh Tao is only a stone's throw away from Koh Phangan, yet it offers more relaxed vibes and a new set of adventures.
This small Thai island has gained a world-renowned reputation for being one of the best and cheapest diving spots in the world. Koh Tao translates to “turtle island,” giving you an idea of what you can expect to see underwater.
For those who aren’t water babies, don’t worry — there is plenty to explore above the water, too!
To get from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao, you’ll need to cross 45 km (28.1 miles) of water, which can only be done by boat. The journey offers stunning views along the way and takes between 1-2 hours, depending on the type of boat you choose.
Book your tickets, board your boat, and enjoy the endless ocean views!
Despite Koh Tao’s size, there’s plenty to keep you entertained on this paradise island. Here are five things you shouldn’t leave without doing:
1. Relax on the beach: Boasting countless dreamy beaches that disappear into glorious turquoise waters, you should make the most of being on a tropical island. Rent a moped and spend your days beach hopping to places like Tanote Bay, Sai Daeng, and Shark Bay.
2. Koh Nang Yuan: Hop over to this cluster of islets linked by sandbars. If you thought the coral around Koh Tao was good, wait until you see the flourishing ecosystems here.
3. Mango Viewpoint for sunset: If you’re a sunset lover and willing to put in a little effort to get the best views, head to Mango Viewpoint to say goodbye to the day. There’s also a small restaurant and juice bar at the top as a reward.
4. Snorkel with reef sharks: Before you jump to conclusions and think, no way am I swimming with sharks, there’s nothing to worry about with reef sharks. They have no interest in tasting humans. Head to Shark Bay or Him Wong Bay, equipped with your snorkeling gear, and keep your fingers crossed that you see some.
5. Go diving: If you’ve been thinking about diving, Koh Tao is the place to jump straight in. It’s one of the cheapest places to dive in the world, and you’ll be spoilt by the thriving underwater scene. You won’t want to dive anywhere else after doing it here!
The journey from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao couldn’t be simpler. There is only one option to get between the two islands, and that’s by ferry.
The ferry journey from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao takes anywhere between 1-2 hours, depending on the type of ferry you opt for.
The speedboat ferries zoom across the water, getting you there in an hour, while the larger catamaran-style boats can take closer to two hours.
There are several departures throughout the day. Boats leave from Thong Sala Pier on Koh Phangan and arrive at Mae Haad Pier or Songserm Pier in Koh Tao.
Think of this journey as an unforgettable experience with breathtaking views, not just a way to get from A to B.
On a very clear day, you may catch a glimpse of the spectacular Ang Thong National Marine Park. Most boats offer both indoor and outdoor seating, so if you want to have the salt air blowing through your hair, grab a seat on an open-air deck.
If you opt for the small speedboat ferry, you have no choice but to sit outside under the canopy, taking on all of nature's elements.
If you’re prone to motion or sea sickness, take some medication before the journey, even if the sea doesn’t look choppy. There’s nothing worse than realizing you need it once it’s too late.
Head to Koh Tao between February and May for hot, sunny days with minimal rainfall. By April, temperatures begin to climb, averaging 29°C (84°F) and getting hotter in May. It’s a good thing you have the sea to escape into!
However, the ocean won’t provide much respite as it’s a gloriously warm 30°C (86°F). Great news if you’re diving!
February to May also provides the chance to tick a popular item off your bucket list — swimming with whale sharks.
Koh Tao may be a small island, but there are loads of adventures and beaches to do nothing on.
If you’re not diving, 4-5 days should give you enough time to soak up the island’s charm and find your favorite beach bar. If you’re taking a diving course, you’ll need 3-4 days to complete it. Then, stay a few more days and see the island above the water.
If you haven’t already, pop over to Koh Samui, another island in the Gulf of Thailand. As the country’s second-largest island, you can find an area that perfectly suits your vibe and budget.
You can party, join a yoga retreat, become a pro at Muay Thai, holiday with family or relax in a luxury resort. And no matter where you are on the island, you can soak up the sun’s rays on one of Koh Samui’s many white-sand beaches.
Koh Tao offers more than just pretty beaches and clear waters. Here’s a quick guide to all you can do on the island for an outdoorsy trip.
Getting to the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan is easier than you think. Travel by plane, ferry or bus and get ready for the night of your life.
This huge, all-night beach party takes place on the Thai island of Koh Phangan and attracts thousands of revelers every month on the night of the full moon.
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