Explore the Koh Tao guides

Free guides for arriving, exploring, staying and planning your island time.

Use these guides to plan your connections and questions. Operators confirm current times, fares and availability. Koh Lanta’s first transfer requires separate confirmation.

Bangkok skyline

Bangkok to Koh Tao: plan the whole connection

Start with the coach-and-ferry route, then check each transfer before you book.

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Bigcitydata · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original source · photo 2022-09-30 · WebP / display crop

Bottle Beach, Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan to Koh Tao: a simple ferry checklist

Check the sailing, pier and transfer as one plan before moving between islands.

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kaaist · CC0 · Original source · photo 2018-03-05 14:05:25 · WebP / display crop

John-Suwan viewpoint panorama

First time in Koh Tao: arrival, where to stay and what to do

Plan your first Koh Tao visit: choose a base, keep arrival day flexible, and pick a 2-, 3- or 5-day itinerary around your interests.

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Kanisornoil · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original source · photo 2020-04-01 · WebP / display crop

Chalok Baan Kao

Koh Samui to Koh Tao: choose the right pier

Match your ferry to the departure pier, then arrange the transfer from your hotel or airport.

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G.Mannaerts · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original source · photo 2014-04-18 · WebP / display crop

John-Suwan viewpoint panorama

Chumphon to Koh Tao: station, airport or pier?

Choose the correct Chumphon starting point and make sure the transfer to the ferry is included.

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Kanisornoil · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original source · photo 2020-04-01 · WebP / display crop

Sunrise over Ao Leuk bay

Surat Thani to Koh Tao: connect from the mainland

Start with your exact arrival location, then check the road transfer and boat as one journey.

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Dominic Nelson · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original source · photo 2024-10-07 06:24:34 · WebP / display crop

Phuket Old Town

Phuket to Koh Tao: road and ferry, or fly via Samui

Compare a combined bus-and-ferry journey with a flight to Samui and a separate ferry connection.

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Ryomaandres · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original source · photo 2022-09-27 09:21:32 · WebP / display crop

Ao Nang Beach, Krabi

Krabi to Koh Tao: plan from town, Ao Nang or the airport

Check the collection point for a bus-and-boat ticket, or compare flying to Samui before the ferry.

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Satdeep Gill · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original source · photo 2018-03-30 17:16:16 · WebP / display crop

Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai to Koh Tao: fly south or connect through Bangkok

Compare flying to Samui with a journey through Bangkok, then plan the final ferry connection.

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JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Original source · photo 2013-03-30 16:44:02 · WebP / display crop

Hua Hin railway station

Hua Hin to Koh Tao: coach, then ferry

Plan the coach to Chumphon and the ferry as one connection.

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Suikotei · CC BY 4.0 · Original source · photo 2024-01-13 13:57:07 · WebP / display crop

John-Suwan viewpoint panorama

Pattaya to Koh Tao: via Bangkok or U-Tapao

Compare a flight from U-Tapao via Samui with an onward journey through Bangkok.

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Kanisornoil · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original source · photo 2020-04-01 · WebP / display crop

Chalok Baan Kao

Hat Yai to Koh Tao: compare combined road-and-boat tickets

Check the actual collection point and all legs when choosing a combined ticket.

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G.Mannaerts · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original source · photo 2014-04-18 · WebP / display crop

Shark Bay

Koh Phi Phi to Koh Tao: a journey with sea and road legs

Start at Tonsai Pier and check every connection in the listed multi-leg journey.

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Justraveling.com · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original source · photo 2016-12-10 · WebP / display crop

Hin Wong Bay

Koh Lanta to Koh Tao: plan the mainland connection

A named multi-leg itinerary is documented, but its current operation remains unconfirmed.

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Mmarkin · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original source · photo 2017-02-24 · WebP / display crop

South end of Sairee Beach

Koh Tao without diving: plan a relaxed island day

Choose a shore-based day, a viewpoint outing or a boat trip, with time to change your plans.

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David Sim · CC BY 2.0 · Original source · photo 2009-08-22 06:13:39 · WebP / display crop

Sea fan and reef fish around Koh Tao

Care for Koh Tao: leave a lighter footprint

Practical reef-care and wildlife-photography habits for your Koh Tao visit.

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Amada44 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Original source · photo 2013-07-20 · WebP / display crop

Reef fish and corals around Koh Tao

Diving and snorkeling: choose your starting point

Compare a first experience, a course or an outing as a certified diver.

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Amada44 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Original source · photo 2013-07-18 · WebP / display crop

South end of Sairee Beach

Food and drink: build your own island food trail

Choose places around your plans, tastes and budget.

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David Sim · CC BY 2.0 · Original source · photo 2009-08-22 06:13:39 · WebP / display crop

Sai Nuan Beach at night

What’s happening: check the date before you go

Find events through the venue’s own current information.

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Busargin Sergey · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Original source · photo 2012-03-18 · WebP / display crop

South end of Sairee Beach

Getting around Koh Tao: plan each outing

Match your transport to the outing and confirm the return.

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David Sim · CC BY 2.0 · Original source · photo 2009-08-22 06:13:39 · WebP / display crop

Sunrise over Ao Leuk bay

Plan your days: one anchor, room to explore

Build a flexible stay around the experience you most want.

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Dominic Nelson · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original source · photo 2024-10-07 06:24:34 · WebP / display crop