Koh Tao, a paradisiac island in the Gulf of Thailand, it has won a place in the travelers hearts around the world. This tropical place, with only 7km long, has a huge variety of fauna and flora. As we have mentioned in other articles, in Koh Tao has a lot of marine animals such as colorful fishes, turtles, or sharks. Moreover, this island is the perfect place for diving in the world because聽Ko tao has many diving points.聽
But, how can you arrive to this paradise? In this blog, we will give you the information in detail about how you can come to Koh Tao from different cities in Thailand. With that information, you can plan your trip easily, and dad y enjoy to the maximum of all that wonderful island can offer you.聽
Travel to the diving island: Koh Tao
Traveling to Thailand can be a wonderful experience, with Thailand being the best country in South Asia with an excellent trasnportation network. If you want to visit Koh Tao, you have different options. It will depend on the starting point, your time and your finances.聽聽
Most travelers choose to fly to one of the airports closest to the island, such as Ko Samui, Chumphon or Surat Thani, and then take a ferry. However, you can also take a bus or train from Bangkok or Chiang Mai to Chumphon or Surat Thani and then a ferry.
It is essential to consider that only you can arrive to Koh Tao by聽ferry because it is a small island in the middle of the Gulf. Moreover, we believe that the transport company that works better with good schedules and prices is 12goAsia.聽
How do I get to Koh Tao from Bangkok?
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is one of the most common places to start your trip. If you decide to go from Bangkok, we will recommend you to book your tickets of bus, train, and ferry in advance. 聽Specially in the high season (december to april). From here, you have several options:聽
The quickets way to arrive at Koh Tao from Bangkok is taking a flight to Koh Samui, which is the city closest to the island. From there, you will take a 2h ferry for 600bth (18euros).聽 The flights Bangkok-Koh Samui are 1h and 30m aprox, with a price between 60-70 euros.聽 This option is the most expensive, but in about 4 hours, you can arrive at your destination.聽
Another option is to take a bus or night train from Bangkok to Chumphon or Surat Thani. And then, the ferry. This one is cheaper, but longer.聽 You can travel for 6-10 hours, and then take the ferry, 2 hours more.聽
go to Koh Tao from Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, the largest city in northen Thailand, is another popular sport for travelers who also, want to go to Koh Tao. From here, there are several ways to:聽
The quickest way to get to Koh Tao from Chiang Mai is to take a flight to Koh Samui, and then take a ferry to the island. Flights usually take around 2 hours and can cost you around聽80 euros. Another option is to take the bus or train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, and later follow the instructions that we have just explained.
Our favourite option if you are in Chiang Mai is to聽take a 2 hours flight to Surat Thani for 40-50 euros. Then, take a ferry Surat Thani -Koh Tao, about 3 hours.
from Krabi to Koh Tao
Krabi, the popular tourist province in Southern Thailand, is also a viable option for travelers who want to visit Koh Tao. From here, you can do:聽 The fastest option is taking a bus to Surat Thani (about 6-7 hours), and then the ferry Surat Thani-Koh Tao (3h). The whole trip can cost you about 30 euros.
Ko Samui to Koh Tao
If you want to arrive at Koh Tao, you definitely need to cross Koh Samui. This island is the largest one in the Gulf of Thailand, then Koh Phangan, and finally Koh Tao. These three islands are from Surat Thani province.聽 Likewise, traveling from Koh Samui is the easiest and cheapest option. You will need to take the聽ferry to Koh Tao.聽 You have ferries from early morning to 17.00h, and depending on the season, you have more or less times to take them. In general, the prices are from 600 y 800 baht (15-20euros) 聽
TIPS TO TRAVEL TO Koh Tao
Traveling to Koh Tao can be a fantastic experience, but it can also be challenging, especially if it is your first time in Thailand. For that reason, here we give you some advices when visiting Koh Tao.
Book your tickets in advance: As we have mentioned before, Koh Tao is a popular destination, and the ferries may be full quickly.聽聽
- Consider the weather:聽the weather in Koh Tao may be very unpredictable, especially in the rainy season.
Contact with a diving center:聽If you come to Koh Tao, you must do a diving course because, apart from being a famous diving place, it is the cheapest in the world. You can go from a beginner diving course聽to a聽professional diver course.
Have a snorkel mask: Koh Tao has the best beaches to see marine animals in Thailand. Only by snorkeling would you be able to see a diversity of animals and enjoy the crystalline water. You can discover the island by doing snorkel excursions, which is聽a good way to meet people.
聽
Koh Tao is undoubtedly a real paradise!, and arriving at this island is part of the adventure. Whether you decide to fly, take a bus or train, or finally take the ferry, you are guaranteed to love the island. Remember that the key to a successful trip in Thailand is to have a plan and include Koh Tao on your must-do list.聽
So, what are you waiting for? Come to meet the best island in Thailand with us! Our diving center in Koh Tao, Nitro Dive offers you the best diving courses, accommodation in the center of the island, and a Tapas bar in Ko Tao to enjoy parties and meet people.聽