By Kylian Dev
Koh Samui to Koh Tao: all options compared
The main operators on this crossing.
| Operator | Samui pier | Crossing time (indicative) | Price one way (indicative, THB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lomprayah high-speed catamaran | Maenam (Lomprayah pier) or Nathon | 1.5 to 2.5 h via Koh Phangan | About 700 to 900 · Book |
| Seatran Discovery | Bangrak (Seatran pier) | 1.5 to 2.5 h via Koh Phangan | About 600 to 800 · Book |
| Slower ferries (e.g. Songserm) | Nathon | Around 2.5 to 3 h | Often a little cheaper, check availability · Book |
Lomprayah and Seatran are the reliable choices, with the most departures. The best one is usually the one leaving from the pier nearest your hotel, at a time that suits you. There is no flight: Koh Tao has no airport. Coming from the mainland? See our Bangkok to Koh Samui transport guide.
Lomprayah high-speed catamaran
The largest operator in the Gulf islands.
Lomprayah runs large high-speed catamarans from its own pier at Maenam, on Samui's north coast, and from Nathon on the west coast. Boats stop at Thong Sala on Koh Phangan before continuing to Mae Haad on Koh Tao. Tickets can include a pick-up from your hotel on Samui for a small extra fee or free depending on the area.
- Book on the official Lomprayah website or at an office on the island.
- Arrive at the pier 30 to 45 minutes before departure to check in and tag your luggage.
- The upper deck has better air, which helps with seasickness.
Seatran Discovery
A good alternative from the north-east of Samui.
Seatran Discovery leaves from its pier at Bangrak (Big Buddha area), handy if you are staying at Chaweng, Bophut or Choeng Mon. Boats also stop on Koh Phangan before Koh Tao. Frequency varies by season, with several sailings a day in the busy months.
Slower ferries
Cheaper, when they run.
Slower boats, such as those run by Songserm from Nathon, have historically offered a cheaper, longer crossing. Their timetable can change or be reduced depending on the season, so check the current situation with the operator before counting on them. Night boats run from the mainland (Surat Thani or Chumphon), not from Samui.
Arriving at Mae Haad, Koh Tao
All boats arrive at the main pier on the west coast. To pick a base, see where to stay on Koh Tao.
Sairee Beach
NearestThe liveliest beach and most dive schools, 5 to 10 minutes north of the pier.
Chalok Baan Kao
SouthThe south of the island, about 10 to 15 minutes by taxi.
Tanote and Aow Leuk
EastThe east coast, on steep roads: a 4x4 taxi is recommended.
Pick-up taxis
Getting aroundShared pick-up taxis wait at the pier with fixed prices per person to each area.
Koh Tao's roads are steep and some are unpaved. If you have never ridden a scooter, do not start here.
Continue from Koh Tao
Koh Tao is the northern end of the island hop.
- Koh Phangan: 1 to 1.5 hours by catamaran, many departures a day.
- Chumphon, then a train to Bangkok: 1.5 to 3 hours by boat, then about 7 to 9 hours by train.
- Surat Thani: via Koh Phangan and Samui, or joint boat and bus tickets.
- Back to Samui for the airport: book a boat that arrives with a comfortable margin before your flight.
When to cross
The Gulf of Thailand has its own weather pattern. See the Koh Tao weather and sea by month.
| Period | Sea conditions | Impact on the trip |
|---|---|---|
| January to September | Generally calm to moderate | Regular departures, the best period for diving too |
| October to December | Northeast monsoon, heavier rain and swell | Rough crossings, occasional cancellations, plan a buffer day |
Mistakes to avoid
What I see most often on this route.
- Booking the last boat of the day on the same day as a flight into Samui without a margin.
- Going to the wrong Samui pier: check Maenam, Bangrak or Nathon on your ticket.
- Forgetting seasickness tablets in November and December.
- Renting a scooter on Koh Tao without experience.