Khao Lak to Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand. It’s a diver’s paradise, with crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, offering some of the best diving and snorkeling experiences in the country. It is located around 250 kilometers from the Khao Lak. If you plan to travel to Koh Tao by public transport, you must know exactly what options are available. Below, we will describe to you all the possible ways to get to Koh Tao: bus and ferry joint, and van and speedboat joint.

Khao Lak to Koh Tao by Bus and Ferry Joint

• Price: 1,269 THB
• Transport type: bus and ferry
• Companies: 465 Surat Thani Phuket Transport
• Travel time: 14 – 16 hours

If you’re planning a journey from Khao Lak to Koh Tao, there’s an adventure-packed combo of bus and sleeper ferry that might just suit you perfectly. This travel package comes in at around 1,269 THB and promises a blend of road and sea travel travel.

The whole journey takes from 14 to 16 hours, but it’s worth it for the beauty that awaits at Koh Tao.

The first leg of the trip involves boarding a bus at Khao Lak Nang Thong Center that heads for Surat Thani. Once you arrive in Surat Thani, the bus makes a stop at the Phangan Tour 2000 office.

From the office, you’re off to the Surat Thani Night Boat Port in a nifty truck taxi—a mere 3-minute transfer. After that, you switch to the ferry and continue the sea part of the journey. As evening sets in, it’s time for the night ferry adventure. It’s hard to say exactly which night ferry will be available on the day – it will be either Sea Crest Ferry, ST Ferry, Sandee111 Ferry, or Chor Maetapee Ferry, depending on the availability on your travel date. 

The night ferry departs from Surat Thani and sails through the night, so you will wake up to the beauty of Koh Tao.

Finally, as the dawn breaks, you’ll arrive at the Mae Haad Pier in Koh Tao. From here, you’re set to explore the wonders of Koh Tao, from its stunning beaches to the vibrant underwater world that awaits snorkelers and divers. It’s a bit of a haul, but the mix of road trip vibes and a night journey by sea makes for an unforgettable adventure to this paradise island.

Khao Lak to Koh Tao Bus and Ferry Joint Schedule

Departure Time	Departure Station	Arrival Time	Arrival Station	Duration	Company
13:10	Khao Lak Nang Thong Center	6:00	Mae Haad Pier	16h 50m	465 Surat Thani Phuket Transport
15:40	Khao Lak Nang Thong Center	6:00	Mae Haad Pier	14h 20m	465 Surat Thani Phuket Transport

Khao Lak to Koh Tao by Van and Speedboat Joint

• Price: 1,800 THB
• Transport type: van and speedboat
• Companies: Call Me Taxi, Lomprayah
• Travel time: 9 hours

If you’re looking for a faster way to get from Khao Lak to Koh Tao, there’s a pretty sweet van and speedboat combo you might wanna check out. It’ll cost you more than the ferry option (around 1,800 THB), but you will get to Koh Tao much faster. It includes a hotel pickup in Khao Lak. You’ll be cruising in a van and then hopping onto a speedboat to reach your tropical paradise.

The whole journey will take around 9 hours.

Departure from Khao Lak is at 08:00, and the speedboat arrives at Koh Tao at 17:00.

First up, you’ll be catching a ride in a van from Khao Lak. Call Me Taxi is handling this part of the journey, so keep an eye out for those vans near your hotel. The van will take you to the pier in Surat Thani.

Once you arrive at the pier, it’s time to switch transport to a speedboat operated by Lomprayah. That’s where the real fun begins! 

And before you know it, you’ll be stepping off the speedboat at Mae Haad Pier at Koh Tao.

Frequently Asked Questions about Travel to Koh Tao

What are the transportation options available for traveling from Khao Lak to Koh Tao?

There is no direct mode of transportation between Khao Lak and Koh Tao. However, you can take a combination of bus and ferry, or van and speedboat to reach your destination. The most common route involves taking a bus from Khao Lak to Surat Thani Pier, followed by a ferry ride to Koh Tao.

How long does it take to travel from Khao Lak to Koh Tao?

The total travel time varies depending on the type of transport. On average, it takes around 9-14 hours or more including transfers. 

Can I book tickets in advance?

Yes, and we recommend highly recommend booking your tickets in advance. Ferries and speedboats often sell out during the high season.

What is the best way to travel from Khao Lak to Koh Tao?

The most common route is a combination of bus and ferry. First, you will take a bus or minivan from Khao Lak to Surat Thani, which takes around 4-5 hours. From Surat Thani, board a ferry that will take you directly to Koh Tao. The entire journey usually takes around 14 hours in total.

Are there any direct flights from Khao Lak to Koh Tao?

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights between the two destinations as there are no airports in Koh Tao.

How much does it cost for transportation from Khao Lak to Koh Tao?

Prices for transportation can vary depending on seasonality and type of service. On average, expect costs ranging between 1,200 – 1,800 Thai Baht per person for a one-way journey.