Thailand has many beautiful islands, however, most of them don’t have their own airport. And this includes “Koh Tao”, which means that the closest airports are in Koh Samui and on the mainland at Surat Thani and Chumphon.
Surat Thani and Koh Samui have flight connections both domestically and internationally, on the other hand, Chumphon has a single flight connection to Bangkok, so bear this in mind when you are going to visit these magical islands.
Koh Tao is connected to both Chumphon on the mainland and Koh Phangan (its sister island) by direct ferry.
Why visit Chumphon?
Chumphon
is a southern Thai province on the narrow Kra Isthmus of the Malay Peninsula. This province capital is Chumphon city, it is a path to the tropical islands including the popular Koh Tao. Everybody knows Chumphon for its coral reefs and a long coastline dotted with beaches. In the south, there’s the forested Phato district, which is the home to the Phato Canal and the Heo Lom Waterfall protected by Phuket’s mountains.
Chumphon is an important historical city, door to the South of Thailand. It has 8 districts, and many popular beaches with white sand and clear water. Chumphon has a viewpoint near Hat Reein Khao Matsee, where you can see an open view of the sea and its sunset. It also has a famous beach Hat Thung Wua Laen with many resorts, restaurants, and hotels.
Why visit Koh Tao?
Koh Tao is a really good diving destination and it’s attracting a lot of divers around the world with its shallow and deep water where you can find a diversity of sea creatures. People around the world find this island a magical place. Here you can find the perfect diving schools and peaceful spots for that dream in paradise.
The island is located 74 kilometers away from the coast of Chumphon province which is 110 kilometers away from Surat Thani province coast and is 45 kilometers away from the famous island of Koh Phangan.
Before traveling (Take this into consideration)
Koh Tao is connected to Chumphon on the mainland by direct ferry. However, please note that the ferries’ departure times are subject to change and also subject to climate changes.
In case of really bad weather, boats can be canceled for days and the night ferries are usually the first to be affected.
Getting around Koh Tao
Mae Haad is Koh Tao's major port town, where most of the main government offices exist, so all travelers will pass through it when arriving in Koh Tao. You can reach most of the places near Mae Haad on foot, or you can take a songthaew in case you have a large luggage or kids.
Some people even walk to Chalok Baan Kao but you have to consider that it is not within comfortable walking distance. It is up to you!
>Remember that in Koh Tao there’s no airport, so the best way to reach the island is by ferry. All these islands and mainlands like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Surat Thani are covered frequently by ferries making these enchanting places accessible to everyone who wants to visit them.
Actually, traveling by ferry to these places is really enjoyable, whether if you travel sitting in the comfortable seats inside, or out on the deck watching the astonishing tropical surroundings through the Gulf of Thailand.
Our Ferry Schedule from Chumphon to Koh Tao
The first ferry departs at 7:00 am from Mataphon Pier in Chumphon and arrives on Mae Haad Pier in Koh Tao at 9:45 am, a trip of 2 hours and 45 minutes.
The second ferry departs at 7:30 am from Thung Makham Noi Pier in Chumphon and arrives on Mae Haad Pier at 8:45 am, a trip of 1 hour and 45 minutes.
The third ferry trip departs from Thung Makhan Noiu Pier at 13:00 pm and arrives at Mae Haad Pier at 14.45 pm, just 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Most of the ferries are carrying more or less than 180-300 happy travelers to their destination. The ferries are comfortable, safe and stable. All ferries arrive at Koh Tao’s pier called Mae Haad Pier that is located on the southwest of the island. Koh Tao is known as the island of “scuba diving” which is attracting many tourists to visit the island.
Mae Haad Pier will captivate you as soon as you step your foot there with the colorful parade of boats lined up.
Koh Tao is relatively small compared to Koh Samui but it is still a really beautiful island that worth visiting.
Important things you should know when traveling with ferrysamui.com
» Most ferries’ operators are familiar with our e-tickets and customer service’s processes, and they know us very well.
» Just make sure you get to the pier around 30 minutes early with your printed e-ticket in hand. The staff will replace your ticket with a destination sticker.
» It’s all plain sailing from there. Don't forget to check our Travel Tips page so you're prepared for the day, and keep in touch with us in case any question arises.
We'd love to get a journal update if you get the chance! Nice trip!
From Koh Tao to Chumphon
From Koh Tao to Chumphon by ferry
When you want to come back or return to the mainland; we have three ferries to take you back to Chumphon territory.
Here’s the schedule
The first departure is at 10:15 am from Koh Tao Mae Haad Pier and arrives at Thung Makram Noi Pier in Chumphon at 11:45. This trip takes 1 hour and 45 minutes.
The second boat departs at 14:30 from Koh Tao Mae Haad Pier, and arrives at Mataphon Pier in Chumphon at 17:30. A trip of 3 hours.
The Third departure is at 14:45 from Koh Tao Mae Haad Pier, and arrives at Thung Makram Noi Pier in Chumphon at 16:15. Just a trip of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
From Koh Tao to Chumphon (Train Station)
If you prefer the train, you will need to take the ferry from Koh Tao Mae Haad Pier at 14:30 to arrive at Chumphon train Station at 18:00. Just 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Some information when booking Chumphon to Koh Tao Online
There are five operators serving the route between Chumphon and Koh Tao; Thai Railways, Jolly Travel, KP Tripadvisor & Services, Paradive Travel, and Lomprayah. Some of them offer snacks and stops at food courts on the road, others include it in the ticket price. The prices go from US$ 16.33 to 22.69 depending on the operator.
How long is the Chumphon-Koh Tao route?
It takes average 3 hours and 22 minutes depending on the operator and vehicle.
What time is the earliest departure?
The earliest departure is at 03:20 while the latest is 13:00 Thailand time.
Travel from Chumphon to Koh Tao by boats
As we said previously, there are many beautiful islands in Thailand and among all; just a few have their own airport, however, there are several transportation choices available to either Chumphon or Koh Tao. Whether a ferry, a shuttle boat, a night boat, and even a long tail boat or a combination of bus and ferry or boat and transfer.
The Night Boat to Koh Tao
Chumphon Night Boat to Koh Tao offers accommodation 5 km from Wat Chao Fa Sala Loi and 16 km from Hat Sai Ri and Ocean Shopping Center 400 m from the boat, while Chumphon Night Plaza is 500 m from the property.
Chumphon Night Boat to Koh Tao has opened since 16 Jun 2017 and has an ATM machine inside in case you need cash.
Most popular facilities in Night Boat to Koh Tao
When we are traveling it is important to know what facilities are offered, and the Night Boat has neither parking nor internet services but provides bathroom with toilet paper, shower, and living and seating area, also there are fans, air conditioning, mini market, food and drink area, and designated smoking area. They also provide you with a bottle of water.
Pets are not allowed. They have an airport shuttle service with an extra charge, an ATM machine on site and the staff speaks English.
From Koh Tao to Chumphon by Night Boat (Some considerations)
It’s a fun experience to go with the night ferry as it allows you to sleep in a bunk for the evening and of course, it is cheaper than the other ferries as well. And it is important when you are going to travel to check their schedules before arriving, although most of the ferries aren't interrupted, make sure to check their schedule and the days they are offering the service. Note that the night boat trip is longer than regular boat trips during the day.
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What shall I do if I have to cancel my reservation for any reason?
In Ferrysamui we apply a money back guarantee policy, to make sure you’re completely satisfied. We just deduce USD $20 or your currency equivalent as a transaction fee when you make sure your cancellation is done within 14 days before the departure date.
You may also adjust your trip date within 7 days before the departure if you don't want to cancel it. A 10$ fee will be applied in this case.
Check out our updated booking schedule to/from Chumphon and Koh Tao, and choose the most suitable option.
1. No extra charges or hidden fees: you pay what you see! 2. Money back guarantee for cancellations within 14 days before ferry departure.
What to do in Koh Tao?
Check this out!
A one day trip in Koh Tao to practice Scuba Diving
Find extraordinary and beautiful creatures in three different immersion points. Relax and enjoy practicing scuba diving in unique and resting surroundings on Koh Tao’s island.
Ocean Sound Dive & Yoga in Koh Tao
Sign up for a course with a certified PADI diving school and professional yoga studio, and become more than a regular scuba diver by adding some yoga dedication at Ocean Sound Dive & Yoga Both underwater and on land, which will improve your body’s flexibility for diving.
Visit Sairee beach
This is a beautiful beach to drink something or to see the sunset. It is undoubtedly a party place where you can walk around and eat something on the stands.
Visit Koh Tao Pub Crawl
Visit Pub Crawl and get Tao Pub Crawl tank top. It’s a really popular activity in Koh Tao, It’s fairly inexpensive. They invite you to a ladyboy cabaret which is definitely interesting and pretty fun to see. They end up the night at a club on the beach with fire dancers and loud music until 2:00 am. Definitely, an entertaining place to visit.
Discover Koh Tao by a motorbike
One way to see much of Koh Tao is by renting a motorbike because the island has a lot more to offer than the main beach and nightlife area. It is not hard to rent one and get around the place, but make sure you rent a motorbike from a responsible company because sometimes they try to rip you off.
Chalok Baan Kao
It is just a short motor ride away from Sairee Beach, where the more relaxed and quiet area of Chalok Baan Kao is. An incredible place to have a relaxing day and get away from the busier area of Koh Tao.
Visit Koh Nangyuan
This island trio is at a stone throwing distance from Koh Tao and they are simply amazing. These three golden beaches connect the islands together and you can find only a beach bar lies on them, as well as some small boutiques, luxury boutiques, accommodation cottages or huts, a pier, and a zip-line that you can ride in between the islands, which is quite incredible and fun.
There are certainly many other fun activities you can do in Koh Tao and maybe some you may discover yourself.
And when is the best time to visit Koh Tao?
In Koh Tao, we have tropical weather kind of humid and hot all year round. The temperatures range between 28 to 32 °C The best tourism season is from December to March and July to August. During these months you better book in advance, especially in December (Christmas time), hotels are fully booked months ahead.
The rainy season goes from September to November and the water visibility could be reduced by 32% when it rains hard.
And the best time to visit Koh Tao is May and June when the weather is not too hot and not too many visitors.