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Unlike the small island of Koh Tao, Koh Samui is the second largest island in the Gulf of Thailand and one of Thailand’s most visited islands, offering a very different experience with beaches, spas and vibrant nightlife. Check how to get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao with (or without) a stopover in Koh Phangan.

How to get from Koh Samui / Koh Phangan to Koh Tao

Koh Tao can be reached from the neighboring islands of Koh Samui (about 65 kilometers away) and Koh Phangan (about 45 kilometers away). The only way to make the trip between these islands is by ferry or speedboat. Below, you will find detailed information about different transportation options for getting from Koh Samui / Koh Phangan to Koh Tao (and vice versa).

Ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao

There are several companies offering traveling by ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao.

1. Lomprayah Ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao

Lomprayah is the first and the only high-speed ferry operator in Thailand, established in 1999, and offering traveling between the 3 islands of the Gulf of Thailand. Although Lomprayah fares for ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao may not be the lowest that you can find, the price is really worth it for the comfortable and reliable journey. This high-speed ferry is equipped with comfortable seats both inside and outside. There is a shop where you can buy snacks and drinks. There are also many toilets on board and even TVs that play movies.

Lomprayah Ferry

Ferry Koh Samui – Koh Tao

Ferry to Koh Tao

  • Departure Point at Koh Samui: Pralan Pier, Bangrak Pier
  • Arrival Point at Koh Tao: Mae Haad Pier
  • Schedule: 08:00, 12:15, 12:30, 15:30

Ferry to Koh Samui

  • Departure Point at Koh Tao: Mae Haad Pier
  • Arrival Point at Koh Samui: Nathon Pier
  • Schedule: 09:30, 15:30

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes - 2 hours

Ferry Price: 700 THB

Ferry tickets can be booked here: Lomprayah ferry between Koh Samui and Koh Tao

To make a stopover in Koh Phangan, book separate tickets for the ferry between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan and the ferry between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.

Cheaper ferry tickets for a trip from Koh Tao to Koh Samui can be booked here: Discounted Lomprayah Ferry tickets

Ferry Koh Phangan – Koh Tao

Ferry from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao

  • Departure Point at Koh Phangan: Thong Sala Pier
  • Arrival Point at Koh Tao: Mae Haad Pier
  • Schedule: 08:30, 13:00, 16:00

Ferry from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan

  • Departure Point at Koh Tao: Mae Haad Pier
  • Arrival Point at Koh Phangan: Thong Sala Pier
  • Schedule: 09:30, 15:30

Duration: 1 hour

Ticket Price: 600 THB

Ferry tickets can be booked here: Lomprayah ferry between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao

2. Songserm Ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao

Songserm is another ferry company that offers trips between Koh Samui / Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Songserm tickets are slightly cheaper than another company charges. Their ferries are slightly older and slower and the facilities on board are not that good. The trip takes about two and a half hours.

Songserm Ferry

Ferry Koh Samui – Koh Tao

Ferry to Koh Tao

  • Departure Point at Koh Samui: Nathon Pier
  • Arrival Point at Koh Tao: Mae Haad Pier
  • Schedule: 10:30

Ferry to Koh Samui

  • Departure Point at Koh Tao: Mae Haad Pier
  • Arrival Point at Koh Samui: Nathon Pier
  • Schedule: 09:30

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes - 4 hours

Ticket Price: 600 THB

Ferry tickets can be booked here: Songserm ferry between Koh Samui and Koh Tao 

Ferry Koh Phangan – Koh Tao

Ferry from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao

  • Departure Point at Koh Phangan: Thong Sala Pier
  • Arrival Point at Koh Tao: Mae Haad Pier
  • Schedule: 12:30

Ferry from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan

  • Departure Point at Koh Tao: Mae Haad Pier
  • Arrival Point at Koh Phangan: Thong Sala Pier
  • Schedule: 09:30

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours

Ticket Price: 500 THB

Ferry tickets can be booked here: Songserm ferry between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao 

Booking Ferry Tickets

We would recommend booking your ferry tickets for the trip between Koh Samui / Koh Phangan and Koh Tao in advance, especially during the high season or before Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan. The number of boats is limited, so it is best to have a booking before arriving at the pier to guarantee your place on the desired ferry.

Different transportation options for the trip from Koh Samui / Koh Phangan to Koh Tao can be found and tickets can be booked by using this search form.

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Speedboat from Koh Samui to Koh Tao

Another alternative to travel between Koh Samui and Koh Tao is by private speedboats. This is an ideal option if you are traveling with a group of friends or family or you’re just in need of a little luxury. Speedboats are fast and flexible, so they are especially recommended when your arrival time doesn’t coincide with the ferry timetables.

Speedboat from Koh Samui to Koh Tao

There are many private companies offering privately chartered speedboats between Koh Samui and Koh Tao. The journey between Koh Samui and Koh Tao by speedboat takes about 1 hour. Normally, speedboats are spacious with plenty of seating and space to move around. You can also enjoy the warmth of the sun and the sights at the sundeck. Some of them even have marine toilet on board.

Tour from Koh Samui to Koh Tao

If your Thailand trip plan includes spending more than one day in each island, ferries are a good option, but if your time is very limited, it is better to take a day trip. There are many tours to Koh Tao that can be chosen depending on what you are interested in.

Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan Full Day Tour with Snorkeling Experience is one of the most popular tours. You will spend a day on Koh Tao and the tiny island Koh Nang Yuan, home to an amazing shallow reef perfect for snorkeling.

Another popular option is this Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan Speedboat Day Trip on which you explore Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan islands, enjoy sightseeing and snorkel at Ao Muang, swim and snorkel at Koh Nang Yuan, and finally hike to the top of the mountain for the panoramic view.

Tips

Koh Samui alongside Koh Phangan and Koh Tao are some of the best islands to visit in Thailand and even if they are situated in the Gulf of Thailand, the atmosphere in each of them is very different.

Koh Tao has lots of incredibly impressive destinations that pull tourists all year round. Explore the best things to do in Koh Tao to better prepare for your next holiday in Thailand.

Koh Tao has a selection of nice beaches. Explore the most beautiful beaches on the Turtle Island with our guide to Koh Tao Beaches!

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