Many Thais refer to Koh Tao as “the Spanish island,” especially those living in this enclave that is highly popular among Spanish-speaking visitors. This may be due to its remote location, its paradisiacal beaches, or its backpacker-friendly vibe.
Koh Tao is the ideal hideaway for those seeking a fresh start. However, for those arriving in the Thai capital, figuring out how to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao can be a bit tricky. That’s why we’re here to guide you through all the available options.
Although Bangkok and Koh Tao are separated by more than 700 kilometers, the biggest challenge lies in the fact that Koh Tao is situated in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand. You must reach it by boat, as there are no direct flights available.
While you can fly to the nearest airport, located in Koh Samui, and then take a boat, this isn’t the most recommended option due to its high cost.
The most popular way to get to Koh Tao from Bangkok is by bus, even though it’s also the most time-consuming option. The journey is long, but the buses are clean and comfortable.
Departures are from Rambutree Street, located in the backpacker district of Khaosan, and the route is operated by the Lomprayah agency. You can purchase tickets at the following link:
The 700-kilometer journey to the port of Chumphon, where you will catch the ferry, takes about 11 hours. For this reason, the most convenient option is to travel at night so that you arrive at the port in the morning. The ticket costs around 30 euros and includes the hour-long ferry ride.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free option, taking a bus from Bangkok to Koh Tao is the easiest and most common choice.
If you’re not a fan of bus travel and want to enjoy the experience of riding a train in Thailand, we recommend this option. However, be aware that it is the most time-consuming method, though it can be less tiring.
To take this route, it’s best to book a train ticket from Bangkok to Surat Thani. We strongly advise you to get an overnight ticket with a sleeping berth. It’s a bit more expensive, but you’ll be able to rest comfortably and save on a night’s accommodation.
Once you arrive at Surat Thani station, you’ll find that Lomprayah offers combined van and ferry services to Koh Tao. In total, the journey will take around 20 hours from the time you leave Bangkok until you reach the island. This option is slightly more expensive than the bus, costing around 45 euros.
As previously mentioned, the quickest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao involves flying part of the way. However, the nearest airport, Koh Samui, isn’t always the best choice.
It’s only served by one airline, Bangkok Airways, which charges around 250 euros or more for a round-trip flight. From there, you’ll need to take a 1.5-hour ferry to connect to Koh Tao.
The best alternative for reaching Koh Tao by plane is to fly to Surat Thani. As soon as you exit the airport terminal, you will find the ticket offices of the Lomprayah agency, where you can purchase a combined bus and ferry ticket to Koh Tao for about 16 euros.
Alternatively, you might consider buying a complete air, land, and sea package from your airline for added convenience.
This way, you’ll reach the island in about seven hours, and prices won’t skyrocket if you book your tickets in advance. If you’ve figured out how to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao, keep in mind that the journey is quite similar if you want to visit Koh Samui or Koh Phangan, the other two main islands in the Gulf of Thailand.
