Bangkok to Koh Tao: The Ultimate Dive Trip Guide

Getting from Bangkok to Koh Tao

Koh Tao sits in the Gulf of Thailand, roughly 600km south of Bangkok. You can't drive there — it's an island — so every route involves a combination of land and sea. The good news: the journey is straightforward, well-served, and for most options, you can sleep most of the way.

Here are the three main routes.

Route 1: Bus + Ferry (Khao San Road / Surat Thani)

Best for: Budget travellers, backpackers, those already near Khao San Road

The classic backpacker route. Book a combined bus+ferry ticket from Khao San Road travel agents or online — it covers everything in one ticket.

How it works:

1. Board an overnight bus from Khao San Road (usually departs 7–9pm)
2. Arrive Chumphon pier or Surat Thani early morning (~5–7am)
3. Transfer to the ferry — Lomprayah high-speed catamaran or Songserm
4. Arrive Koh Tao mid-morning (around 9–11am)

Total journey time: ~10–12 hours

Cost: Approximately 600–900 THB ($17–25) for the combined ticket

Tip: Lomprayah is faster and more comfortable than Songserm; worth the slight premium

Route 2: Night Train + Ferry

Best for: Those who prefer trains, want a more scenic journey, or are travelling from areas near Hua Lamphong / Bang Sue Station

The night train from Bangkok (Hua Lamphong or Bang Sue Grand Station) to Chumphon is a genuinely pleasant way to travel. Book a sleeper berth — upper or lower — and you arrive well-rested.

How it works:

1. Take the night train from Bangkok to Chumphon (departs ~7–8pm, arrives ~6–7am)