From Samui Airport to Koh Tao: A Scenic Journey
- Crossing time 2h–3h 30m
- Operators 2
- Departures a day 9
700+ THB
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From Samui Airport to Koh Tao
Journey in Tranquil Waters: From Samui Airport to Koh Tao
To visit Koh Tao, you start by flying to Surat Thani International Airport or Koh Samui Airport. Airlines like Bangkok Airways and Nok Air have flights from Bangkok to these places. This connects you from the busy city to the calm islands in the Gulf of Thailand.
If you're embarking on your journey from Bangkok, flying from Bangkok to either of these airports is the first step. Upon reaching Koh Samui, your adventure to Koh Tao begins to unfold. Koh Tao is a haven nestled near its sister islands Samui and Koh Phangan. Koh Samui Airport, particularly well-connected with Bangkok Airways, serves as a popular starting point for many travelers.
To reach Koh Tao, you'll transition from air to sea, as the island doesn't have its own airport. This involves a delightful ferry ride, which is an experience in itself. There are a variety of ferry services available. Including the Lomprayah High Speed Ferries, known for their efficiency and comfort. These ferries often provide air-conditioned cabins, ensuring a comfortable journey.
You can take a ferry to Koh Tao directly from places like Chumphon, which you can reach by flying from Bangkok. Alternatively, there's a combined bus and ferry service that links the mainland to the islands.
For those starting their journey in Bangkok and heading to Chumphon, Bangkok Airways offers numerous flights. They serve destinations like Surat Thani, where you can then proceed to Koh Tao. From Surat Thani, you can avail yourself of the bus and ferry combination to smoothly reach Koh Tao. This service bridges the gap between the mainland and the islands. It makes it an essential part of the journey.
When planning your travel, it's crucial to consider the timings at which the boats leave for Koh Tao. It’s advisable to purchase a ticket in advance. It ensures your spot on the ferry and avoids any last-minute hassles. Once you set foot on Koh Tao, you're greeted by a realm of enchanting beauty.
From Samui Airport to Koh Tao by car and boat
To make your way to the enchanting Koh Tao, the journey necessitates taking a boat, as the island is accessible exclusively via sea. Prior to this maritime segment, your initial step is to travel from the airport to the pier. This can be efficiently achieved by securing a private car or taxi, which will transport you to the departure point for the boat to Koh Tao.
From Samui Airport to Mae Haad Pier
Getting from Samui Airport to Mae Haad Pier in Koh Tao is a two-part journey. First, you take a taxi from Samui Airport to a pier on Koh Samui, known as Bangrak Pier. This ride is straightforward and gives you a chance to see some of the island as you travel. Once you arrive at Bangrak Pier, the next part of your trip begins with a ferry ride. This ferry will take you across the water to Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao. It's a scenic route, offering views of the ocean and surrounding islands along the way.
From Samui Airport to Koh Tao by minivan and boat
In case you are looking for a less demanding option when it comes to your budget while risking a little comfortability, then this is definitely the one for you!
From Samui Airport to Mae Haad Pier
This is a pretty similar trip to the previous one mentioned above. The only difference is that the trip begins with you taking a shared minivan from Samui Airport to Bangrak Pier, then taking a ferry ride to Mae Haad Pier on the island Koh Tao.
Best time to visit
When to visit Koh Tao often depends on personal preferences, as every traveler's experience is unique. Despite this, a lot of visitors commonly recommend the period from July to September as the best time to go. These months are considered the high season on the island. During this time, you can expect to enjoy warm and sunny weather. The sea is also usually very clear, making it a fantastic time for activities like diving. This clear water enhances the diving experience, allowing you to see the vibrant marine life more vividly.
We also welcome you to share here your own experiences with us.
If you have any questions or need assistance, we encourage you to visit our help page and leave a message. Your feedback is important to us, and we are here to assist you.
Frequently asked questions
What's the boarding process on the day of my trip?
At the pier named on your ticket, look for the staff of the ferry operator listed on your ticket as well. Please present your e-ticket (QR code) from your phone or other device—they’ll provide you with a sticker and/or boarding pass and direct you to your boat. Most piers have staff available to help load your luggage. In Koh Samui, staff are usually stationed at booths near the boarding area; at other locations, they’re typically near the boats, wearing their company uniforms.
Do I need to print my ferry ticket or is mobile ok?
You don't need to print your ticket. On the day of travel, simply present your e-ticket (QR code) from your phone or other device to the ferry operator staff at the pier named on your ticket—they'll give you a sticker and/or boarding pass and direct you to your boat.
If you'd prefer a printed copy, you can register as a member on our site, which allows you to easily print out your e-tickets and VAT receipts.
What happens if my ferry is cancelled due to weather?
If your trip is cancelled due to bad weather, you can choose between receiving a refund or rescheduling your journey.
Please note that refunds for bad weather are only issued if the ferry operator cancels the trip. Also keep in mind that speedboats are more likely to be cancelled than ferries, as ferries can usually operate in the rain except in extremely bad weather — though journeys may take a little longer during storms or strong winds.
To arrange your refund or new travel date, please click the refund button in your personal Liva account.
What are the baggage allowances?
Your ferry e-ticket includes ferry transport, baggage fees, and handling. The free baggage allowance per person is 20–25 kg, depending on the operator. If your baggage exceeds this limit, you can pay the extra fee directly to the ferry operator in cash.
To check the baggage allowance for your specific trip, please refer to the trip details for your selected route.
Can I change the date of my ticket?
Yes, you can change your trip date as long as you provide notice at least 24, 48, or 72 hours before departure—the exact timeframe depends on the ferry operator you booked with. A small service fee of 200 baht per person applies for a second change.
Please note:
Changes must be for the same operator and boat type as your original booking.
The change applies to the entire booking; for example, if your booking is for 3 passengers, we cannot change the date or time for just one of them.
To proceed, please click the chat button to connect with one of our customer service agents, or use any of the official channels listed in the footer of our website.
Warning: Please do not send requests by replying directly to the booking confirmation email, as this is not an official support channel.
Bali Ferry :
Yes, you can. The change is required 7 days' notice prior to departure date. There is a small fee of USD $10 applied per time. Please click the chat button to speak with one of our customer service agents who will take you through the simple booking change process.
If I miss my ferry, can I take the next one?
Unfortunately, it is not possible. Tickets will expire for late arrivals and are strictly non-refundable and non-changeable.
To avoid missing your trip, please plan to arrive at the pier at least 30 minutes before departure to allow enough time for check-in and boarding.
If you do happen to miss your ferry and wish to travel as soon as possible, contact us right away, and we’ll advise you on the best available options.
