Bangkok to Koh Tao Ferry: Plan and Reserve Online
- Crossing time 9h–11h 30m
- Operators 1
- Departures a day 5
850+ THB
How to get from Bangkok to Tao Island

A Magical Trip: From Bangkok to Koh Tao by Bus and Ferry
Koh Tao is a small and peaceful island in the Gulf of Thailand. It is a hidden gem compared to the bustling city of Bangkok. This charming island is known for its tranquil atmosphere and unspoiled natural beauty. It's the perfect place to relax and take a break from the fast-paced urban life.
Traveling to Koh Tao by Ferry: A Scenic Journey
Traveling from Bangkok to Koh Tao is an adventure in itself, with several eco-friendly options available. The most popular and sustainable way to reach Koh Tao is by combining a Lomprayah bus journey with a Lomprayah high-speed ferry ride. It takes longer than flying, but it allows travelers to experience the diverse landscapes. It minimises carbon footprint.
The journey begins with a comfortable bus ride from Bangkok to a coastal ferry terminal. (You may take the boat from either Chumphon Pier or Surat Thani). Along the way, you’ll pass through Thailand’s countryside, seeing lush greenery and traditional villages.
Upon arrival at the Lomprayah office, the second leg of the trip begins. The ferry services across the Gulf of Thailand are a beautiful experience. They offer sea views, fresh ocean breezes, and a chance to relax before reaching Koh Tao. The high-speed ferries and high-speed catamarans operated by ferry operators ensure a smooth and scenic ride.
Alternative Routes to Koh Tao
If you’re looking for an efficient and comfortable route, consider taking a Lomprayah bus and ferry combination. This seamless journey includes an air-conditioned bus ride followed by a high-speed catamaran transfer. We recommend travelers to do Ticket booking in advance for a hassle-free experience.
While flights to nearby Koh Samui or Surat Thani are available, they are less environmentally friendly. After landing, travelers still need to take a ferry from Koh Samui or Surat Thani to Koh Tao. Opting for a bus and ferry instead helps reduce carbon emissions and offers a more immersive travel experience.
Journey Details
Traveling by Lomprayah bus and ferry to Koh Tao takes approximately 12 hours, including the ferry ride. The ferry services typically take around 30 minutes from Koh Samui to Mae Haad Pier Koh Tao and slightly longer from other ports. Though it may seem long, the journey is comfortable, with air-conditioning ensuring a pleasant ride. This is also the most budget-friendly way to travel while allowing you to experience Thailand’s diverse scenery.
Faster options exist, but they come with a higher environmental impact. Choosing overland routes helps preserve the natural beauty of places like Koh Tao by reducing unnecessary emissions.
Island-Hopping Opportunities
Once in Koh Tao, you can easily explore nearby islands like Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Short ferry rides connect these islands, making it easy to visit their unique attractions. Whether you want to experience Koh Phangan’s famous Full Moon Party or relax on Koh Samui’s sandy beaches, island hopping is a great way to enhance your trip.
Best Time to Visit Koh Tao
The best time to visit Koh Tao is from March to September when the weather is sunny and rainfall is minimal. This period is ideal for diving, snorkeling, and enjoying beach activities. The calm sea conditions also make ferry services more enjoyable.
Conclusion
A journey from Bangkok to Koh Tao by Lomprayah bus and high-speed ferries is the best way to experience Thailand’s stunning landscapes. Though it takes more time than flying, it’s a rewarding trip filled with scenic views and exciting experiences.
Koh Tao is a paradise where adventure meets relaxation. It makes it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and responsible travelers. Book your tickets (bus tickets and ferry tickets) in advance to ensure availability. The day of departure, please arrive at the pier or bus station 30 minutes before departure time.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to print my ferry ticket or is mobile ok?
You don't need to print your ticket. Your boarding voucher is in your account: open Bookings, then View trip details, and click Download PDF. On the day of travel, show the QR code on it — on your phone is fine — to the ferry operator staff at the pier named on your ticket, and they will direct you to your boat.
If you'd prefer paper, print the PDF yourself.
What happens if my ferry is cancelled due to weather?
We are sorry when weather stops a sailing. Ferries usually run in rain; speedboats are more often stopped by rough seas.
If your trip is cancelled because of weather, your booking in Bookings shows a message once our team has confirmed the cancellation. You can then either move to the next available service with Change this booking, or cancel with Cancel & refund for a full refund.
If the sailing is running but you choose not to travel, the normal cancellation policy applies.
Why is my account locked?
We lock an account for a short time after several failed sign-in attempts in a row. It is an automatic safety measure: it stops someone else guessing your password, and it happens whether or not the person typing was you.
You do not need to contact us. The lock lifts on its own — see How long am I locked out for?
What is the difference between a locked and a blocked account?
Locked is automatic and temporary. It happens after repeated failed sign-in attempts and it lifts by itself — within a minute in most cases.
Blocked is a decision made by our team, and it does not lift on its own. If your account is blocked you will need to contact us; waiting will not change it, and neither will resetting your password.
If you are not sure which applies to you, get in touch and we will tell you.
How do I unlock my account now?
Wait, and try again. Every lock lifts on its own — a minute the first time, and never more than an hour however many attempts have failed. There is nothing to click and nobody to contact.
If you have forgotten your password, do not keep guessing: each wrong attempt makes the next wait longer. Use Forgot password instead. Resetting your password gets you straight back in.
My account locked but I never tried to sign in
Then someone else was trying to sign in as you, and the lock did its job — it stopped them.
Your account is safe: a lock means the attempts failed. Nobody got in. You do not have to do anything, and the lock will lift on its own.
We would still recommend two things:
- Change your password, especially if you use the same one on another website.
- Add an authenticator app in your account security settings, so a password alone is never enough to sign in as you.
If you get these repeatedly, contact us and we will look into it.
