Mataphon Pier

Mataphon Pier, Chumphon: Ferry Gateway to Koh Tao

Mataphon Pier, also known locally as Pak Nam Chumphon Pier (ท่าเรือปากน้ำชุมพร), is the main ferry pier serving Chumphon province on Thailand's Gulf coast. It is a boat pier, not a train station — travellers heading here are boarding a ferry, most commonly to Koh Tao. The pier sits a short transfer from Chumphon town, where the region's actual railway station and bus terminal are located.

Getting to Mataphon Pier

Most travellers reach Mataphon Pier by transfer van, taxi, or shared minibus from Chumphon town, Chumphon Railway Station, or Chumphon Airport. Several ferry operators run their own connecting transfers timed to their boat departures, so it is worth checking whether a transfer is included when you book your ferry ticket. If you are arriving by train or bus into Chumphon, plan for a short onward road transfer to the pier itself rather than expecting rail or coach services directly at the waterfront.

Ferry Operators and Routes

Mataphon Pier is the departure point for ferries across the Gulf of Thailand to Koh Tao, with onward connections toward Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. Operators serving this route include established Gulf ferry companies such as Lomprayah and Songserm, running a mix of catamaran and passenger ferry services. Each operator sets its own timetable and fleet, so check the specific operator and vessel type at booking.

• Mataphon Pier (Chumphon) to Koh Tao
• Mataphon Pier (Chumphon) to Koh Phangan, via Koh Tao
• Mataphon Pier (Chumphon) to Koh Samui, via Koh Phangan

Schedules, Travel Times and Prices

Departure times, journey duration, and fares vary by operator, vessel, and season, with fewer sailings typically running during the monsoon months. Rather than relying on a fixed number, use the live schedule and price shown at booking to confirm the departure that suits your plans, and book ahead during high season when popular sailings can fill up.

Nearby Destinations

Beyond the ferry connections, Chumphon province offers a few reasons to linger before or after your crossing. Chumphon National Park covers a stretch of coastline and islands near the pier, popular for day trips and snorkelling. The pier also lends its name to the nearby HTMS Mataphon dive site, a former naval vessel now used as an artificial reef and visited by local dive operators. Travellers connecting onward by rail can reach Surat Thani, a regional transport hub with its own ferry links to the Gulf islands.

Booking Your Ferry from Mataphon Pier

When booking, choose your operator and departure time based on the live schedule, confirm whether a road transfer to the pier is included, and arrive early enough to check in before boarding. This is the most reliable way to make sure your Koh Tao ferry departs on schedule.