Taking a ferry to Koh Tao is the most convenient way to reach the island. There are no airports here, so travelling by sea on a ferry or speedboat are the only means of inter-island transport to and from here.
Ferries are generally inexpensive, and for just a few hundred baht, you can easily explore the neighbouring beaches.
Koh Tao Ferry, Times, Pier Timetable, Schedule, Samui & Surat Thani
There are various ferry companies that service the island. You can choose ferries based on the level of comfort they are known for, as well as their prices, schedule, and the duration of their journeys. One ferry is known for its modern and fast fleet which can take you to and from the island as well as the nearby towns of Surat Thani and Chumphon.
There is another ferry that is also popular among ex-pats and locals, and it is preferred by many because it carries fewer people. If you find other ferries too hectic, you may want to look into one that is more laid-back. It is also equipped with a small convenience shop on board so you can buy some beer and noodles to fill you up during your journey at sea.
Budget travellers may want to consider the cheapest of all the ferries. It will save you some baht, but the journey is slightly longer. This is ideal, especially for backpackers trying to save money. However, if you’re prone to seasickness, you should spend a little more for a comfortable and quick ride.
No matter which Koh Tao ferry you decide to book, they all offer combination ferry and bus tickets; sometimes ferry/train ticket combos too. You may want to consider this option because it will save you time and prevent you from dealing with the hassles of going to another station just to book a separate ticket which you will inevitably need for the journey anyway.
Michael created and runs the Koh Samui Travel Hub website, as well as the Holiday Point travel brand that incorporates a network of 16 location based travel information and attraction websites around Australia, Asia, and around the world.
With 25+ years of online experience and a passion for travel (having visited Koh Samui many times), Michael not only researches and writes content for the website, he also tinkers behind the scenes with the website functionality & design.
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