Distance 118 km (73.8 miles) | |
Price range US$11-US$42 | |
Ride Duration Range 20m-12h 40m | |
Earliest Departure 03:00 | |
Latest Departure 14:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Fastest ferry: 20m
Cheapest ferry: US$11
Thailand is home to plenty of stunning islands, and Koh Tao is up there with the best.
Home to white sand beaches, palm-lined coastlines, and a chilled vibe, this island in the Gulf of Thailand is a must-visit on any Southeast Asia trip. However, after lapping up the unique ambiance, it’s time to move on to Suratthani — another unforgettable destination.
Suratthani (also spelled Surat Thani) isn’t as populous as other Thai towns and is generally considered a gateway to the country’s islands. But don’t overlook this location. There are plenty of hidden gems to explore and cultural sights to see. Plus, you’re close enough to visit the iconic Khao Sok National Park.
Before you continue your adventure, you must work out how to get from Koh Tao to Surathani. That’s where we come in.
The journey from Koh Tao to Suratthani takes anywhere from 2.5 hours to 12 hours if you take a less direct route.
Your three main travel options include ferry, bus + ferry, or van + ferry.
When leaving Koh Tao, you’ll depart from Mae Haad Koh Tao, Koh Tao Booking Center Office, or Songserm Pier.
You’ll arrive in Suratthani via the Surat Thani Night Boat Pier, Surat Thani Airport (URT), Surat Thani Train Station, Lomprayah Tapee Pier, or Surat Thani Van Phantip Office.
Discover the lowdown on this journey before you arrive. Read expert advice and insider tips below.
Suratthani is mainly used as a pass-through point to get to Thailand’s islands. But consider spending a few days here to take in the nearby sights and sounds.
Here are the top hidden gems you need to see while in Suratthani:
Khao Sok National Park: Take a day trip to this forest park with stunning views, tranquil lakes, and challenging hiking trails.
Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine Park: Located between Suratthani and Koh Tao, Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine Park is an archipelago of 42 islands that can be explored by boat.
Suratthani Old Town: Inside Suratthani, you’ll find the Old Town. The top sights here include the City Pillar Shrine, the Hokkien Shrine, and the Ko Lamphu Public Park.
Suratthani Night Market: Whether you want to try local street food or enjoy an ice-cold beer, the Suratthani Night Market is the place to be in the evening.
Your three main options for this route include ferry, bus + ferry, and van + ferry. Here’s how they all differ.
Direct ferries are the cheapest way to reach Suratthani, and they don’t require you to take a bus or van to break up the journey.
They’re an affordable option, with some ferries starting at $23 per person. However, not all ferries take the same amount of time, and the faster ones cost more.
Here are the different types of ferries to Surathani:
Sleeping Ferry: Sleeping Ferries cost around $23 per person and include WCs, large luggage storage, and individual bunks. These ferries take eight hours to arrive and travel overnight, saving you money on nighttime accommodation.
Speedboat Ferry: As the name implies, these are faster, arriving in 2.5 to 3 hours. However, they cost more, starting at $29 per person. Amenities only include seats and space for a large suitcase.
The next option for getting from Koh Tao to Suratthani is a bus and ferry combo ticket. On this journey, you take the ferry to Suratthani town and then get dropped off at Surat Thani Airport (URT).
Pro tip: This is the best route if you want to go straight to the airport. If you want to see the town and surrounding areas, a ferry without onward travel is the better choice.
A Sleeping Bus + Ferry journey takes approximately 9.5 hours to arrive and usually travels overnight. The amenities onboard include A/C, WCs, individual seats, one 20 kg bag and hand luggage per person. Tickets start at $31 per person.
Alternatively, an Express Bus + Ferry takes four hours, meaning you arrive at your destination much faster. Tickets for this trip start at $37 per person. Amenities include A/C, large luggage storage, and individual seats.
The trip starts at Mae Haad Koh Tao and drops you off at Surat Thani Airport.
Another way to get from Koh Tao to Suratthani is via a van + ferry combo.
This journey takes between 4 and 12 hours, depending on which provider you book with and where you get dropped off. The most affordable van and ferry costs $21 per person.
These are the different van and ferry options below:
Standard Van-Ferry — These journeys take 9.5 hours to arrive and cost $31 per person. These overnight journeys take you to Suratthani airport, making them a great option if you need to catch a flight.
Sleeping Van-Ferry — Sleeping Van-Ferries take the longest time, at 11 hours, and cost $35 per person. These have fans or A/C, depending on availability on the day of departure.
Speedboat Van-Ferry — These are the quickest, arriving at the Surat Thani Train Station in just under four hours. This costs around $32 per person, and each passenger is allowed 20 kg of luggage.
Catamaran Van-Ferry — Catamaran Van-Ferries are the cheapest way to get to Suratthani. These take 4.5 hours and cost $24 per person. Amenities on this route include A/C and WC access.
The ride from Koh Tao to Suratthani takes you southwest through the Gulf of Thailand to the coastal town.
If you book a direct ferry, your journey will end at the town’s port. If you book a van or bus and ferry, you’ll travel onwards to the airport, train station, or another drop-off point.
If you travel during the day, you’ll get the chance to admire the sea views and spot some nearby islands on the way (e.g., Koh Phlauai, Koh Pha Ngan, and the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park).
However, many journeys to Suratthani travel overnight, so the views are limited.
This popular tourist route is safe for all travelers, including solo and female travelers.
December to March are the best months to travel from Koh Tao to Suratthani. It’s when the weather sits between 30°C to 34°C (86°F to 93°F) and there’s little rain.
From April to November, the weather stays around 32°C/89°F, but there’s a lot more rain — on average 220 mm per month. This makes sightseeing more uncomfortable and limits certain outdoor activities.
The wettest months are May and November, with over 300 mm of rain.
You can spend one or two days in Suratthani town and easily see the main sights before zipping off to an island or another city.
However, if you want to see any nearby national parks, you’ll need three or four days to see them and soak in the main town without feeling rushed.
If you have more time after Suratthani, consider another island jaunt in Koh Samui. Also located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is a large island known for its lively nightlife, great scuba diving, and hidden waterfalls.
Suratthani to Koh Samui takes three hours via bus/van and ferry.
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