Koh Tao is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand, located on the eastern coast, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and excellent opportunities for diving and snorkeling. The island’s name translates to “Turtle Island” because it was once a popular habitat for sea turtles. The easiest way to reach Koh Tao is from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan.
We’ve put together a detailed guide on how to get to Koh Tao from Koh Samui. You’ll find information on ferry ticket prices, schedules, piers, where speedboats depart from, day trip price, and other useful tips to help you plan the perfect trip.
How Far is Koh Tao from Koh Samui?
Koh Tao is located in the Gulf of Thailand on the eastern coast. It is approximately 70 kilometers northeast of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, and about 85 kilometers from the mainland city of Chumphon.
Koh Tao belongs to Surat Thani Province and is one of the most popular diving destinations near Koh Samui. The trip from Koh Samui to Koh Tao takes between one to two hours, depending on which part of Koh Samui you’re departing from and the type of vessel you choose (ferry or speedboat).
How to Get to Koh Tao from Koh Samui
The only way to reach Koh Tao from Koh Samui is by water. You can choose between a ferry, a speedboat, or, if you’re planning to join a dive tour, you can book an excursion. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Ferries from Koh Samui to Koh Tao
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to travel between Koh Samui and Koh Tao, you can take a ferry. The trip between the islands takes around two to three hours. This option is ideal for those who suffer from seasickness, as the ferry’s movement is less noticeable. Ticket prices start from 500 baht per person.
Ferry services on this route operate daily, typically in the morning or early afternoon. Depending on the season, the number of trips and the schedule may vary.
Catamaran
If you want to reach your destination faster without sacrificing comfort, a catamaran is a great choice. They are usually faster than ferries and more stable than speedboats, especially in rough seas. Like ferries, catamarans are equipped with all the essentials for a comfortable journey, including restrooms, comfortable seating, and a small onboard café where you can order drinks.
Speedboats
If you choose a speedboat, you’ll reach Koh Tao from Koh Samui in about 90 minutes. The main companies operating this route are Lomprayah and Lomlahkkhirin. Ticket prices start from 700 baht and may vary depending on the season.
Speedboats are equipped with air conditioning, and you can order drinks and light snacks on board. If you’re prone to seasickness, be sure to bring motion sickness medication, as the ride on a speedboat can be bumpier than on a regular ferry.
Tours from Koh Samui to Koh Tao
If, like many tourists, you’re heading to Koh Tao for diving, the easiest option is to book a tour. A day tour includes hotel transfer to the pier, a boat trip from Koh Samui to Koh Tao, rental of the necessary diving equipment, and in some cases, visits to several islands where you can not only dive but also snorkel.
The cost of the tour starts from $70 per person, with the final price depending on the additional options you choose. A list of available tours can be found on websites like Klook or GetYourGuide.
Where to Buy Ferry Tickets from Koh Samui to Koh Tao
The easiest way to purchase ferry tickets from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is through online platforms such as 12Go, Bookaway, Direct Ferries, and others. This method is especially recommended if you’re traveling during the high season, as the number of available seats is limited.
You can also buy tickets directly from the official websites of the ferry operators, where you’ll find up-to-date information about schedules, the number of departures, and travel rules. Tickets are also available for purchase at the piers themselves.
Ferry Schedule
As of the time of publication, the following ferry operators run services between Koh Samui and Koh Tao: Lomprayah, Songserm, and Lomlahkkhirin. Lomprayah operates the most daily departures: catamarans depart daily at 08:00, 12:15, 12:30, and 16:00. There is one ferry departing daily at 11:00. Speedboats depart at 11:30, 14:30, and 15:30.
Lomlahkkhirin’s vessels depart at 11:30, 14:30, and 15:30. Songserm’s boats depart at 10:30 and 11:30.
This information is for reference only and may change depending on the season. Please check the official websites of the ferry operators for the most up-to-date details.
Which Piers in Koh Samui Do Ferries Depart From to Koh Tao
Ferries from Koh Samui to Koh Tao depart from several main piers. You can also check out our article on public transportation in Koh Samui to find the most convenient way to reach the nearest pier.
Maenam Pier
Maenam Pier, also known as Pralarn Pier, is located on the northwest coast of Koh Samui, on the western side of Maenam Beach. This pier serves as the primary departure point for ferries and catamarans operated by Lomprayah High Speed Ferries.
The journey from this pier to Koh Tao takes about two hours. Both regular ferries and speedboats depart from here.
Nathon Pier
This is the main seaport on the western coast of Koh Samui, located in the town of Nathon. It serves as an important transportation hub for ferries connecting Koh Samui with mainland Thailand and other islands in the Gulf of Thailand.
The main ferry operator on this route is Songserm Ferries. The journey from Koh Samui to Koh Tao from this pier takes approximately 3-4 hours.
Bang Rak Pier
Bang Rak Pier, also known as Big Buddha Pier, is located on the northeastern coast of Koh Samui, in the Bang Rak area, near the Big Buddha statue. It is one of the key transport hubs providing connections between Koh Samui and nearby islands such as Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
This pier is the closest to Samui Airport, just a 15-minute taxi ride away. The journey from Bang Rak to Koh Tao takes 2-3 hours.
What to Know Before Heading to Koh Tao
Arrive at the pier 35-40 minutes before departure. You can also arrange a transfer service in advance to be picked up from your hotel. As for baggage weight, it typically should not exceed 20 kg.
Make sure to attach a luggage tag with your destination. This helps with sorting luggage more easily. Since the journey can be quite long, it’s best to wear a light shirt to avoid getting sunburned. Be sure to bring a hat and sunscreen. It’s also a good idea to have motion sickness medication with you.
