Getting to Koh Tao

Traveling in Thailand is perhaps easier than in any country in SE Asia. The bus, train and flight schedules are more-or-less on time and all modes of travel are convenient, clean and efficient. From Bangkok, there are a number of ways to get to Koh Tao. All internship packages include transfer from Bangkok- Koh Tao. Tickets may be picked up at our office on Khao San Road.

By Train

Night trains run at 19:30 from the main railway station of Hua Lamphong in Bangkok with a few short stops on the way to Chumpon- the departure point for the ferries to the islands. The train has 1st-3rd class options. We recommend 2nd class sleeper (aircon).This ticket can be purchased with a connecting boat ticket in the railway station for 1350 Thai baht. It’s best to purchase tickets a day early to ensure a spot on the train. The train arrives at around 5:00 giving you an hour or so to have a coffee and freshen up before transferring to the boat at 6:00. Both the Seatran and Lomprayah ferries leave at 7:00 from Chumpon and arrive to the island about 2 hours later.

By Bus

Direct buses leave from Bangkok each evening at 21:30 from Khao San Road to connect with the morning boats in Chumpon. Both Lomprayah and Seatran provide these services and tickets may be purchased at any travel agency. Lomprayah also offers an early morning option with a bus leaving at 5:00 for connection with the 13:00 boat to Koh Tao.  These tickets are available for 1100 Thai baht from the agencies in Bangkok.

By Plane

For those with a bit more cash or less time to spend traveling, there are also 10 flights leaving daily to the neighboring island of Koh Samui. Because the airport is privately-owned, flight tickets into and out of Samui are relatively expensive in comparison to other destinations in Thailand. However, the first and last flights of each day are discounted to about 3000 Thai baht. Otherwise, expect to pay about 4500 Thai baht one way. Be aware that you should take a flight that will put you onto Koh Samui prior to about 12:15 so that you can catch the 13:00 Seatran ferry to Koh Tao. If not, you would have to stay on Koh Samui for the night and travel to Koh Tao the following day. For our hotel recommendation on Koh Samui check out the Samui Mermaid Hotel.

By Night Boat

Anyone who is traveling from the South or who is making their own way to Koh Tao should also be aware that there is the option of taking a night boat from either Chumpon or Suratthani. For about 500 Thai baht, the boats offer rudimentary sleeping on mats strewn on the floor and leave nightly at around 23:00 for arrival to Koh Tao at about 5-6:00. These boats primarily are transporting supplies to the island and are not the preferred mode of transportation- especially those leaving to the islands as they are well laden with the goods the islands require. We also recommend keeping a close eye on your belongings while traveling by night boat.