Koh Tao, or Turtle Island, is one of Thailand’s jewels. Despite its small size, it has a lush nature including stunning beaches, coral reefs, fantastic snorkeling opportunities and even great trails. Without a doubt, this is an island not to be missed. Since Koh Tao doesn’t have its own airport, you can only get there by boat, but there are many companies that offer this service from the mainland. Chumphon is a popular base for exploring Koh Tao as it is the closest major city on the mainland and has an airport making it very easy to get there from Bangkok. If you’re thinking of spending some time in Koh Tao, read on to find out how to travel with Chumphon to Koh Tao.
Traveling from Chumphon to Koh Tao: options
As we mentioned, the only option to get to Koh Tao is by boat, but there are several types of ferries to choose from and services to suit all budgets and schedules, including options for travelers on tight budgets. As the crow flies, it’s only 97 kilometers (60 miles) from Chumphon to Koh Tao, so you won’t have to travel far. However, the duration of the trip varies greatly from one ferry to another, and above all, of course, depends on where you depart from. Sailing times can range from less than 3 hours to 7 hours if you choose a night boat. Read on to find out how to get from Chumphon to Koh Tao, whether you start your journey at the airport, city or train station.
From Chumphon Town to Koh Tao via Van and Ferry
Songserm offers a cheap ferry. © woraatep suppavas / Shutterstock.com
Chumphon province has spectacular scenery, so you may already know the area before you start your journey to Koh Tao. If you are staying in the city, you can choose between different travel agencies to go to Koh Tao. The Fame Tour has departures three times a day. Their vans (minibuses) leave the city center at 5:45, 11:45 and 21:00 and have connections to various ferry services. If you opt for the morning services, the whole trip will take 3 to 4 hours, but with the last minute service you will take the night ferry which is much slower. Travel time from the city is around 8 hours, so you’ll arrive in Koh Tao around 5 the next day.
If you fancy an overnight ferry, Axara Travel also offers a combined van and ferry ticket from the city center, and the price is similar to Fame Travel if one of the two is full.
Another option from downtown Chumphon on Koh Tao is Songserm. This reputable travel agency offers an early morning departure from their office. The tour departs by van and continues with a high-speed ferry that will take you to Koh Tao at breakfast time.
From Chumphon Railway Station to Koh Tao
Chumphon Train Station © WUTTISAK PROMCHOO / Shutterstock.com
If you are at Chumphon train station, there are two companies that can sell you a combo ticket from the same station to Koh Tao. KP Tripadvisor and Services offers three different options at different times of the day. Your early van departure is at 5:30am. You will then board the standard ferry to Koh Tao, arriving around 9:30 AM. In the morning hours there is a van that connects to a high-speed ferry, and in this case the journey takes only 3 hours and 15 minutes. In the evening, the van at 9:30 pm connects with the overnight ferry and this is usually a cheaper option than others if you want to save money.
You can also travel from Lomprayah from Chumphon train station. They have two daily services and both are connected by a high-speed ferry, making the trip just 3 hours. You can buy a cheaper ticket with Songserm, which leaves the station at 6:00 AM and arrives at Koh Tao at 9:45 AM.
From Chumphon Airport to Koh Tao
You can catch the Lomprayah high-speed catamaran in Chumphon. © Maxim Tupikov / Shutterstock, Inc.
If you flew from Bangkok to Chumphon, you can go to the port directly from the airport without passing through Chumphon city. Fame Tour has two daily departures from the airport. The downside of trying to get to Koh Tao directly from the airport is that it increases the travel time. The airport is 22 miles (35 kilometers) north of the city of Chumphon, so you’ll be further away from the ports, and with only two departures a day, it can be difficult to match one. With that in mind, it may be better to go to the city of Chumphon and buy your tickets from there, as you’ll have more options for times that fit your itinerary.
Drive from Chumphon to Koh Tao during the monsoon season
We want to give a little warning to everyone who intends to do this trip during the monsoon season or in unstable weather, because Koh Tao can only be reached by boat and in bad weather time can change a lot. Cruises will be longer as boats have to go slower and may even be canceled without notice if the waters are particularly rough. The night ferry is usually canceled first, so be prepared for delays, especially during the monsoon season.