Surat Thani to Koh Tao

Surat Thani to Koh Tao

Surat Thani
Koh Tao
Sun, May 3
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Surat Thani to Koh Tao Destination Reviews

DB
Dirk B
We had to wait over an hour, only about 15 minutes after starting because there were 2 people late. Still arriving at the pier to board the ferry at 13:30 which then turned out to leave only at 15:00. The ferry also was supposed to arrive at Koh Tao at 17:45 but it was delayed to 18:45.
Surat Thani to Koh Tao, Van Van + Catamaran, Khaosok Evergreen House, Apr 26, 2026
CN
Christian N
Delayed and without AC, very hot and too crowded, Bus transfer needed in the beginning. Expected more for that high price
Surat Thani to Koh Tao, Ferry Express, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Apr 3, 2026
BL
Bastian L
Based on the information you get on the website you would think you take the ferry from tapee pier to koh tao. In the end you take the bus from tapee pier to another pier and then stop on every single island before reaching koh tao an hour or so late. After booking a vip Upgrade we at least had very good seats that were very comfortable.
Surat Thani to Koh Tao, Ferry Express, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Mar 24, 2026
PR
Patricia R
Not exactly the most comfortable beds or convenient bathroom situation but definitely sufficient for an overnight ferry trip. The whole process went very smoothly and we arrived safely on Koh Tao Pier.
Surat Thani to Koh Tao, Ferry Ferry, Ruea Chor Maetapee, Feb 12, 2026
MS
Maria S
On time
Surat Thani to Koh Tao, Van Speedboat, Lomlahkkhirin (ลมหลักคิรินทร์), Feb 5, 2026
UT
Ugnius T
Unorganized. Had to wait at the Koh Tao pier almost 1 hour after we arrived.
Surat Thani to Koh Tao, Ferry Express, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Jan 28, 2026
N
Niklas
Misunderstanding. I thought we are going directly with the speed boat to ko Tao. But instead we tooked the bus to an other pier, waited and tooked the boat. So much time waste
Surat Thani to Koh Tao, Ferry Express, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Jan 21, 2026
H
Hanieh
The boat was supposed to arrive at 5:45 and arrived at 6:45 and my hostel check in closed at 7 meaning I nearly was homeless for the night
Surat Thani to Koh Tao, Ferry Express, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Jan 15, 2026
MJ
Milton J
Not the Companies fault, but they could have maybe warned about it. The waves were bad, like 50% of passangers got Sea sick and puked. I never get Sea sick, but man this was bad. Before a 4 hours in that boat, some communication would be good.
Surat Thani to Koh Tao, Ferry Express, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Jan 11, 2026
NS
Nicolai S
All felt very safe at every time. I wish, they would give information on the way, if there was a delay to inform the local pickup :)
Surat Thani to Koh Tao, Van Speedboat, Lomlahkkhirin (ลมหลักคิรินทร์), Dec 17, 2025
4.4
408 customer reviews
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Surat Thani to Koh Tao Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Ferry
Koh Tao Booking Center
Sleeper Boat + Van
00:00
15:00
$44.20
Ferry
Lomprayah
Express
09:30
14:15
$16.77
  4.3
Bus
Lomprayah
Express
10:00
14:15
$22.86
  4.7
Ferry
465 Surat Thani Phuket Transport
Bus + Van + Speedboat
11:00
18:00
$42.68
Ferry
Lomlahkkhirin
Speedboat
12:00
16:00
$16.77
  4.4
Bus
Lomprayah
Express
13:00
17:45
$22.86
  4.7
Ferry
Koh Tao Booking Center
Long Tail Boat 6pax
14:00
14:20
$9.15
  5.0
Ferry
Koh Tao Booking Center
Long Tail Boat 6pax
15:00
15:20
$9.15
  5.0
Bus
465 Surat Thani Phuket Transport
Bus + Van + Sleeper Boat
15:20
06:00
$29.88
Ferry
Ruea Chor Maetapee
Ferry
17:00
06:00
$19.82
Bus
465 Surat Thani Phuket Transport
Bus + Van + Sleeper Boat
18:00
06:40
$29.88
Ferry
Ruea Chor Maetapee
Ferry
18:30
07:00
$19.82
Ferry
Ruea Chor Maetapee
Ferry
19:30
07:00
$19.82
Ferry
Ruea Chor Maetapee
Ferry
22:00
06:00
$19.82

Is it safe to explore Koh Tao alone?

Exploring Koh Tao alone is generally safe, as it is a popular tourist destination with a welcoming atmosphere. Solo travelers should exercise standard precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and securing personal belongings.

Transportation and Connectivity
Renting a scooter is a common way to get around, costing approximately 150-300 THB per day ($4.50-$9). Ensure you have a valid license and wear a helmet.

Activities and Safety
Koh Tao is renowned for diving and snorkeling. Always use reputable operators for excursions. Beach areas and hiking trails are usually safe but stay aware of your surroundings.

Dining and Accommodation
There are numerous dining options, from local Thai eateries to international cuisine. Budget meals start at around 60 THB ($1.80).

Health and Well-being
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled water. Be mindful of sun exposure and use insect repellent to avoid bites.

Can traveling to Koh Tao be very affordable?

Traveling to Koh Tao can be budget-friendly. Accommodation ranges from budget hostels at around 300 THB ($8) per night to mid-range hotels costing approximately 1,500 THB ($40). Street food and local eateries offer meals for about 100 THB ($3), while dining in restaurants may cost 300-600 THB ($8-$16).

Ferry transfers from Surat Thani or Chumphon to Koh Tao typically cost 500-1,000 THB ($13-$27). Renting a scooter is a common way to explore the island, with daily rates around 200 THB ($5). For activities, snorkeling tours start around 800 THB ($22).

Tap water is not safe for drinking, so plan to purchase bottled water. Overall, with careful planning and choosing local options, visiting Koh Tao can be quite affordable.

Which place is better Surat Thani or Koh Tao?

Surat Thani serves as a convenient transportation hub with access to nearby islands, while Koh Tao is a popular destination for diving and snorkeling.

Transportation: Surat Thani offers connections via bus, train, and ferry, making it easy to reach other locations. Koh Tao is accessible by ferry from Surat Thani, with travel times around 1.5 to 3 hours.

Activities: In Surat Thani, activities are limited primarily to local markets and temples. Koh Tao, however, is renowned for its dive sites, with PADI courses available.

Dining: Surat Thani has affordable local eateries, while Koh Tao offers a mix of Thai and international cuisine, with meal prices ranging from 100-300 THB ($3-$9).

Water Quality: Tap water is not recommended for drinking in either location; bottled water is advised.

Cost: Koh Tao tends to be more expensive due to its tourist focus. Choose based on interest in convenience or activities.

How to get from Surat Thani to Koh Tao

Travelling between Surat Thani and Koh Tao is possible by Bus, ferry, van and taxi. Taxi guarantees the fastest travel on this route. Ferry+van is the slowest option.

The most expensive ticket will cost you USD 51.79 if you go by Ferry+Van; to keep it budget-friendly, opt for a ferry+van which will set you back mere USD 32.38.

How long does it take to get from Surat Thani to Koh Tao?

It can take you anywhere between 1 and 15 hours to travel between Surat Thani and Koh Tao depending on the means of transport you choose.

Taxi is the fastest way to travel between Surat Thani and Koh Tao. Taxi will bring you to your destination in 20m. Ferry+van does a much slower job and take about 14h 30m to reach Koh Tao.

How much does it cost to get from Surat Thani to Koh Tao?

Travelling between Surat Thani and Koh Tao can be as cheap as USD 32.38 if you opt for a Future Travel and Service ferry+van and as expensive as USD 51.79 if you buy a Jarinthon Tour Ferry+Van ticket.

Here is the list of how much you can expect to pay travelling by each means of transport available for this route.

How many trips per day are there between Surat Thani and Koh Tao ?

  • 10 by Ferry+Van from Surat Thani to Koh Tao starting from 06:00 Khao Sok Van Station until 17:00 Khao Sok Bus Stop
  • 2 by Bus+Van from Surat Thani to Koh Tao starting from 15:00 Khao Sok Hotel Transfer until 15:00 Khao Sok Hotel Transfer
  • 2 from Surat Thani to Koh Tao starting from 09:30 Evergreen Guest House Khaosok until 10:30 Evergreen Guest House Khaosok
  • 1 by Bus+Ferry+Van from Surat Thani to Koh Tao starting from 17:30 Khao Sok Minivan Office until 17:30 Khao Sok Minivan Office

Check above for a bus, train, flight and ferry timetable from Surat Thani to Koh Tao.

What mode of transportation is the best one for my route?

Taxi

Some travellers consider taxi to be the most convenient form of overland transport thanks to flexible departure times, a possibility to choose the size of the car you need, and a hassle-free door-to-door service.

Things to remember: If you are planning to make detours during your trip, discuss it with your driver or service provider in advance as it may affect the price.

Companies offering charters between Surat Thani and Koh Tao

Koh Tao Booking Center

Ferry

Ferry may be a tiring experience especially if you are prone to seasickness and often is not the cheapest option available but it almost always makes for a very picturesque journey.

Things to remember: Ferry rides may be cancelled due to rough seas.

Companies operating ferry routes between Surat Thani and Koh Tao

Fame Tour (เฟมทัวร์), Lomlahkkhirin (ลมหลักคิรินทร์), Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Phantip 1970 (พันทิพย์ 1970)

Van

Vans are a great alternative - or, in many cases - your only option - if you need to travel overland within one and the same province or neighbouring provinces or states. Vans ply the roads between Surat Thani and Koh Tao, too.

Things to remember: When travelling by van with huge luggage buying a separate seat for your suitcase or backpack is a good idea. Do not expect there is a roomy luggage compartment in a van - there is actually none and your fellow passengers are unlikely to appreciate your luggage stuck under their feet, alas.

Companies operating vans between Surat Thani and Koh Tao

Khaosok Evergreen House

What is the most popular transport to get from Surat Thani to Koh Tao?

There is a choice of transportation means any time of the day with Ferry remaining the most popular option due to their reasonable pricing and comfort.

Out of 1000 travellers who bought tickets for this route

  • 77% travelled aboard a ferry
  • 11% chosen Ferry+Van
  • 6% chosen Bus+Ferry
  • 3% bought a taxi ride
  • 1% Other

Transportation from Surat Thani to Koh Tao

Facts about the transport from Surat Thani to Koh Tao

Cheapest Transport$20
Fastest Transport20m
Earliest Departure6:00 AM
Latest Departure10:00 PM
Departures per day15
Distance17 kilometers
Transport Companies465 Surat Thani Phuket Transport, Call Me Taxi, Fame Tour, Future Travel and Service, Jarinthon Tour, Khaosok Evergreen House, Koh Tao Booking Center, Lomlahkkhirin, Lomprayah, Nor Phuangphet Transport, Phantip 1970, PL Travel, PP Service, Ruea Chor Maetapee, Siamese Trans, Songserm, Van2Travel