How to get to Koh Tao without sacrificing your sanity

So you’ve decided to visit Koh Tao. Great choice. Your hair will never fully dry again and you’ll start saying “last dive of the day” like you’re in a James Cameron movie. First things first though: you actually have to get there.

Spoiler: you can’t fly. Airports are for bigger landmasses.

Step 1: Get yourself to the Gulf of Thailand region

This usually means flying into either Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, or Koh Samui. Think of them as different “levels” in a video game. Some are easier than others.

• Koh Samui: The VIP route. You’ll pay a little more for the flight but you’re basically right next door.
• Bangkok: The classic backpacker route where you’re guaranteed at least one confused taxi ride and a snack you can’t identify.
• Phuket or Krabi: Good if you’re already on the Andaman side.

Step 2: Bus or train your way toward Chumphon or Surat Thani

These are the two main ferry gateways to Koh Tao.

Chumphon
The fast route. You’ll find plenty of bus-ferry combo tickets leaving from Bangkok. Expect AC blasting like it’s trying to recreate winter and at least one person eating something very crunchy. Pro tip: book the VIP bus, it is just a few bucks more, but it is so worth it.

Surat Thani
The beefier transport hub. Good if you’re coming from the south or west. Also offers combo tickets that magically guide you from land to sea with minimal thinking required.

Train option
If you want to feel romantic or like you’re starring in your own low-budget travel documentary, take the overnight train from Bangkok to Chumphon. Sleeper bunks are comfy and the gentle rocking will make you feel like a baby seal.

Step 3: Get on a boat

This is the fun part unless you get seasick, in which case take a tablet and pray to Poseidon.

High speed ferries
These are the common ones, like Lomprayah or Songserm. They’re fast, efficient, and occasionally bouncy. Bring a snack and seasickness pills.

Slow ferries
Less common but a cheap option if you enjoy vibing on the ocean for half a day like a confused coconut.

Step 4: Arrive on Koh Tao like the main character

You’ll pull into Mae Haad Pier, probably squinting into the sunlight like you’ve been reborn. Grab your bags, follow the crowd, then congratulate yourself: you did it. You navigated buses, boats, possibly trains, and probably at least one moment of travel-induced existential crisis. Now it is time to do what you should to while you are in Koh Tao: Diving, Diving, Diving!

Pro tips to make the trip smooth

• Get a combo ticket so someone else does the thinking for you.
• Bring snacks because hunger plus ferry motion is a villain origin story.
• Book ahead in peak season unless you enjoy the thrilling sport of maybe I’ll get a seat maybe I won’t.
• If traveling from Koh Phangan or Koh Samui, you can ferry directly. Easy peasy.