By Boat

The only way to get to Koh Tao is by boat. Services run from the mainland leaving chumphon and Surat Thani, and from the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.

Koh Phangan & Koh Samui Route
There are three boats which operate between these two neighbouring islands and Koh Tao. They area Lomprayah Catamaran, Seatran Discovery and Songserm Express.

Chumphon & Surat Thani Route
Chumphon is the closest part of the mainland to Koh Tao, and so travel time by boat is the quickest and shortest compared whit Surat Thani. Two boats offer services between the mainland and Koh Tao, Lomprayah Catamaran and Songserm Express. There are also night boats (sleeping boat) and ferries available comfort on mattresses, Journey time on these boats is approximately 6 hours to/from Chumphon and 9 hours to/from Surat Thani.