Chumphon to Koh Tao Thailand: Transport Guide
Clear blue water, colorful coral reef, and the diversity of flora make Koh Tao a perfect destination for diving in Thailand.
In this travel guide, you’ll find useful information about traveling from Chumphon to Koh Tao by ferry and speedboat, including timetable, ticket prices, and tips.
Chumphon and Koh Tao: Overview
The distance between Chumphon and Koh Tao is about 88 km (50 miles), and you can easily travel between the two places by ferry or speedboat.
| Type | Time | Cost | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speedboat | 1 hour 45 mins | $21 (€19) | Check tickets |
Travel tips
- Guide: Scuba diving and island hopping are popular activities in Koh Tao, Thailand. You can also join a cooking class to make delicious Thai dishes.
- Accommodation: Ecotao Lodge and Cape Shark Villas are fabulous places to stay in Koh Tao. Both places offer beautiful views, outdoor pools, and comfortable rooms. If you travel on a budget, check out Savage Hostel, a stylish hostel in the center of Sairee beach.
- Course: You can also become PADI certified diver by joining a diving course. You’ll learn the science behind diving and practice with 1 pool session and 4 dives.
- Books: Learn more tips and guides with Lonely Planet Thailand Travel.
- Insurance: Don’t forget to buy travel insurance for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, delays, and item losses.
Chumphon to Koh Tao speedboat
Traveling by speedboat is the fastest and most comfortable option from Chumphon to Koh Tao.
Lomprayah speedboat is clean and comfortable. Travel takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, the shortest time to get to Mae Haad Pier in Koh Tao.
The ticket price starts at $21 (€19). Please book early, as the tickets usually sell out during peak season.
Departure & arrival stations
Speedboat departs from Tung Makham (13/7 Hat Sai Ri, อำเภอ เมืองชุมพร Chumphon 86120, Thailand) and arrives at Mae Haad pier (3RMF+WP6, Ko Tao, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand).
Boats depart daily from Thung Makham Noi beach, 27.5 km southeast of Chumphon train station (30 minutes by car). Chumphon airport is about 61 km from the pier, taking about 1 hour to transport.
Please note the departure time of Lomprayah boats (7 am and 1:30 pm), so you can schedule your flight and train properly. Please check my Bangkok to Chumphon article for more tips.
Lomprayah offers ferry and car transfer combo tickets from Chumphon train station and airport, so you can have a hassle-free experience. We recommend booking your ferry and transfer combo ticket to avoid haggling with taxi drivers and getting lost.
Note
Please come at least 30 minutes before departure for check-in procedures. You can carry 20kg per passenger, and extras may be charged.
| Boat info | |
|---|---|
| Journey time | 1 hour 45 mins |
| Price | $21 (€19) |
| Distance | 88 km (50 miles) |
| Frequency | 2 boats per day |
| Departure station | Tung Makham |
| Arrival station | Mae Haad Pier |
| Operators | Lomprayah |
| Provider | Departure | Arrival | Tickets |
| Boat | 07:00 | 08:45 | Check tickets |
| Boat | 13:30 | 15:15 | Check tickets |
| Train + Boat | 06:00 | 08:45 | Check tickets |
| Airport + Boat | 10:00 | 14:45 | Check tickets |
| Train + Boat | 12:00 | 14:45 | Check tickets |
Chumphon to Koh Tao ferry
The overnight ferry is currently suspended
Traveling by overnight ferry is another option from Chumphon to Koh Tao. The journey takes about 6 hours, and the ticket price starts at $15 (€15).
The ferry leaves at 9 pm and is scheduled to dock at Mae Haad early in the morning (around 3 am).
One of the advantages of sleeper boats from Chumphon to Koh Tao is that they leave late, so you can easily arrange when traveling by plane or train. There are shared sleeping areas for passengers with mattresses on board, and you can save an overnight stay in a hotel or hostel.
Please come at least 30 minutes before departure for check-in procedures.
| Ferry info | |
|---|---|
| Journey time | 6 hours |
| Price | $15 (€15) |
| Distance | 88 km (50 miles) |
| Frequency | 1 ferry per day |
| Departure station | Chumphon Pier |
| Arrival station | Mae Haad Pier |
| Operators | Axara Travel |
| Provider | Departure | Arrival | Tickets |
| Sleeper boat | 21:00 | 03:00 | Check tickets |
How long does it take from Chumphon to Koh Tao?
Speedboat usually takes about two hours to get from the mainland to Koh Tao. Including travel time from the airport or train station, the total travel time can be up to 3 to 5 hours. Night ferries are cheaper but travel slowly, taking about 6 hours to cross the sea.
How much is the ticket from Chumphon to Koh Tao?
Travel fares depend on the type of ferry you choose. The high-speed Lomprayah has the highest price, but not much compared to overnight ferries. The ticket to Koh Tao costs about $19 (€19) for speedboats and $15 (€15) for ferries.
How to get from Chumphon airport/train station to Koh Tao?
It takes 30 minutes to get from Chumphon train station and 1 hour from Chumphon airport to the pier. We recommend booking your ferry and transfer combo ticket to avoid haggling with taxi drivers.
What is the cheapest way to get from Chumphon to Koh Tao?
Taking the night ferry is the cheapest option to travel to Koh Tao. The ticket price is about $15 (€15), and you will save on your overnight stay. However, most passengers are willing to pay a little extra for speedboats because they travel faster and have comfortable seats.
Koh Tao to Chumphon by boat/ferry
You can also get back from Koh Tao to Chumphon by speedboat or ferry. Please check the following schedules.
| Provider | Departure | Arrival | Tickets |
| Lomprayah | 10:15 | 11:45 | Check tickets |
| Lomprayah | 14:45 | 16:30 | Check tickets |
