How to Get to Koh Tao: Every Route from Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Beyond (2026)

Koh Tao (เกาะเต่า — Turtle Island) sits in the Gulf of Thailand, roughly 70 kilometers off the coast of Chumphon Province. There are no bridges and no airport. The only way to reach it is by boat, and getting to the boat requires crossing a significant chunk of Thailand first.

This lack of easy access is part of Koh Tao's appeal — the island is far enough from the mainland to feel remote, small enough to explore on foot or scooter, and just difficult enough to reach that it filters out the day-trip crowd. But it also means planning your journey carefully to avoid wasted time, missed connections, and unnecessary expense.

This guide covers every route to Koh Tao from every common starting point in Thailand, compares the ferry operators, and gives you the practical details that make the journey smooth.

Understanding the Geography

Koh Tao is the northernmost of the three major Gulf islands:

• Koh Samui (เกาะสมุย): The largest, with its own airport. Closest to the mainland.
• Koh Phangan (เกาะพะงัน): Middle island. Famous for the Full Moon Party. No airport.
• Koh Tao (เกาะเต่า): The smallest of the three. No airport. Famous for diving.

Ferries connect all three islands to each other and to two mainland ports:

• Surat Thani Province: Donsak Pier (ท่าเรือดอนสัก) and Tapee Pier (ท่าเรือท่าพี) — southern gateway
• Chumphon Province: Multiple piers including Lomprayah Pier and Songserm Pier — the closer mainland port to Koh Tao

Chumphon is closer to Koh Tao (about 6 hours by slow boat, 1.5-2 hours by catamaran). Surat Thani is further south and services all three islands.

Route 1: Bangkok to Koh Tao by Train + Ferry (Best Budget Option)

This is the classic backpacker route and our top recommendation for budget travelers.

The Journey

Step 1: Overnight train Bangkok → Chumphon

Board the evening sleeper train from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (กรุงเทพอภิวัฒน์) to Chumphon (ชุมพร).

| Train | Departs Bangkok | Arrives Chumphon | Duration | |---|---|---|---| | Train #85 | 19:30 | 04:25 | ~9 hours | | Train #167 | 19:00 | 04:00 | ~9 hours | | Train #173 | 15:10 | 01:30 | ~10 hours |

Prices:

| Class | Price | |---|---| | 2nd Class AC Sleeper (Lower) | 590-680 ฿ | | 2nd Class AC Sleeper (Upper) | 490-580 ฿ | | 2nd Class Fan Sleeper | 380-430 ฿ | | 1st Class AC Cabin | 1,100-1,300 ฿ |

Step 2: Transfer Chumphon Station → Pier

You arrive in Chumphon in the early morning. The ferry piers are 10-20 km from the train station. Transfer options:

• Included transfer: If you bought a combined train + ferry ticket (via 12Go or a travel agent), a minivan meets you at the station and takes you to the correct pier. This is the easiest option.
• Taxi/Grab: 200-400 baht to the pier.
• Motorcycle taxi: 100-200 baht. The drivers wait at the station.

Step 3: Ferry Chumphon → Koh Tao

| Operator | Departure | Duration | Price | Vessel | |---|---|---|---|---| | Lomprayah | 07:00, 13:00 | 1.5-2 hours | 600 ฿ | High-speed catamaran | | Songserm | 07:00 | 3-3.5 hours | 400-450 ¿ | Conventional ferry | | Night Ferry | 23:00 | 6-7 hours | 400-500 ฿ | Converted cargo boat |

Total cost (train + ferry, budget): 890-1,130 ฿ Total cost (train + ferry, comfortable): 1,190-1,580 ฿ Total journey time: 12-14 hours (with overnight sleeping on the train)

Why This Route Works

You sleep on the train (saving a hotel night), arrive in Chumphon at dawn, and catch the morning ferry. By mid-morning, you are on Koh Tao. Total cost is under 1,200 baht for a comfortable journey, and you arrive refreshed because you actually slept in a proper berth.

Booking tip: Buy a combined train + ferry ticket through 12Go Asia or at a travel agent. The combined ticket includes the station-to-pier transfer, which solves the 4 AM "how do I get to the pier" problem. The markup over buying separately is 100-200 baht — worth it for the coordinated transfer.

Route 2: Bangkok to Koh Tao by Bus + Ferry

The Journey

Step 1: Overnight bus Bangkok → Chumphon

Buses to Chumphon depart from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal (สายใต้ใหม่, Sai Tai Mai). The journey takes 7-9 hours.

| Bus Class | Price | Comfort | |---|---|---| | VIP 24 | 600-800 ฿ | Good — wide seats, snack box, blanket | | VIP 32 | 400-600 ฿ | Decent — standard recliner | | Standard AC | 300-400 ฿ | Basic |

Step 2: Transfer + Ferry (same as Route 1)

Combined bus + ferry tickets are widely available and include the Chumphon terminal-to-pier transfer.

Total cost (bus + ferry, budget): 700-1,050 ฿ Total cost (bus + ferry, comfortable): 1,200-1,600 ฿ Total journey time: 10-12 hours

When to Choose This Over the Train

The bus is faster (7-9 hours vs 9-10 hours for the train) and cheaper. But you sleep in a seat instead of a bed. If the train sleeper berths are sold out, the VIP 24 bus is a solid backup. If budget is the primary concern, the VIP 32 bus + Songserm ferry is the cheapest overland route at around 700-800 baht total.

Route 3: Fly to Surat Thani + Bus + Ferry

The Journey

Step 1: Fly to Surat Thani

Budget airlines connect Bangkok (Don Mueang, DMK or Suvarnabhumi, BKK) to Surat Thani (URT).

| Airline | Typical Price | Duration | |---|---|---| | AirAsia | 800-2,000 ฿ | 1 hour 10 min | | Nok Air | 900-2,200 ฿ | 1 hour 10 min | | Thai Lion Air | 800-1,800 ฿ | 1 hour 10 min |

Step 2: Airport → Donsak Pier

Surat Thani Airport is 25 km from town and about 60 km from Donsak Pier (ท่าเรือดอนสัก), the main ferry terminal for the Gulf islands.

• Airport bus: 120-150 baht to Donsak Pier (shared minivan, included in combined flight + ferry tickets). Duration: 1-1.5 hours.
• Taxi: 800-1,200 baht to Donsak Pier.

Step 3: Ferry Donsak → Koh Tao

From Donsak Pier, ferries go to Koh Samui first, then Koh Phangan, then Koh Tao. Koh Tao is the last stop.

| Operator | Departure Times | Duration to Koh Tao | Price | |---|---|---|---| | Lomprayah | 09:00, 12:00 | 4-5 hours (via Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) | 850-1,050 ฿ | | Seatran Discovery | 08:00, 13:00 | 5-6 hours | 750-900 ฿ | | Raja Ferry | 05:00, 09:00, 14:00 | 6-7 hours | 500-650 ¿ |

Total cost (flight + transfer + ferry): 1,900-3,500 ฿ Total journey time: 6-8 hours (including airport, transfer, ferry)

When This Route Makes Sense

If you want to arrive the same day you leave Bangkok and you are willing to spend more. The early morning flight (depart Bangkok 06:00-07:00) connects to the midday ferry and gets you to Koh Tao by late afternoon. Compare that to the overnight train + ferry where you leave the evening before.

This route is also useful if you have flown into Bangkok and want to continue immediately to the islands without spending a night in the city.

Route 4: Fly to Chumphon + Ferry (Fastest)

The Journey

This is the fastest mainland route to Koh Tao because Chumphon is closer.

Step 1: Fly to Chumphon

| Airline | Typical Price | Duration | |---|---|---| | Nok Air | 1,000-2,500 ฿ | 1 hour 5 min | | AirAsia | 900-2,000 ฿ | 1 hour 5 min |

Note: Fewer flights serve Chumphon than Surat Thani. Check availability — some days only have 1-2 flights.

Step 2: Airport → Pier + Ferry

Chumphon Airport is small. Transfer to the pier (20-30 minutes) connects to the Lomprayah catamaran.

| Operator | Duration | Price | |---|---|---| | Lomprayah | 1.5-2 hours | 600 ฿ |

Combined flight + transfer + ferry packages are available through Lomprayah's website and 12Go.

Total cost: 1,500-3,100 ฿ Total journey time: 3-4 hours total

When This Route Makes Sense

When time is everything. Morning flight from Bangkok, afternoon on Koh Tao. The total travel time is about 4 hours gate to pier — the fastest possible surface route to Koh Tao.

Route 5: From Koh Samui to Koh Tao

If you are already on Koh Samui, getting to Koh Tao is straightforward.

| Operator | Departure Times | Duration | Price | |---|---|---|---| | Lomprayah (catamaran) | 08:00, 12:30 | 2-2.5 hours | 650-800 ¿ | | Seatran Discovery | 08:00, 13:00 | 2.5-3 hours | 600-700 ฿ |

Departure pier: Nathon Pier (ท่าเรือนาทอน), Koh Samui's main pier on the west coast.

Booking: At the pier ticket offices, your accommodation, or online via 12Go or Lomprayah.com.

Route 6: From Koh Phangan to Koh Tao

The shortest inter-island hop.

| Operator | Departure Times | Duration | Price | |---|---|---|---| | Lomprayah (catamaran) | 08:30, 13:00 | 30-45 minutes | 350-450 ฿ | | Seatran Discovery | 08:30, 13:30 | 45-60 minutes | 300-400 ฿ | | Songserm | 12:30 | 1-1.5 hours | 250-350 ฿ |

Departure pier: Thong Sala Pier (ท่าเรือท้องศาลา), Koh Phangan's main pier.

Post-Full Moon Party tip: If you are coming from the Full Moon Party and heading to Koh Tao the next day, book the afternoon ferry, not the morning one. You will not be in any condition for an 08:30 departure after a night on Haad Rin beach.

Route 7: From Chiang Mai to Koh Tao

There is no direct transport from Chiang Mai to Koh Tao. You need to get to Bangkok or one of the mainland port cities first.

Option A: Fly Chiang Mai → Surat Thani, then bus + ferry

Flights: AirAsia and Nok Air operate direct flights (1.5 hours, 1,000-3,000 baht). Connect to the ferry from Surat Thani.

Total time: 6-8 hours. Total cost: 1,800-4,000 baht.

Option B: Overnight train Chiang Mai → Bangkok, then train/bus → Chumphon, then ferry

This requires two overnight legs and is only practical if you want to stop in Bangkok.

Total time: 24+ hours with a Bangkok stop. Total cost: 1,500-2,500 baht.

Option C: Fly Chiang Mai → Bangkok → Surat Thani/Chumphon

Two flights. Expensive but fast.

Total time: 5-7 hours. Total cost: 2,500-5,000 baht.

Our recommendation: If coming from Chiang Mai, fly direct to Surat Thani (Option A). It is the most time-efficient route.

Ferry Operators Compared

Four companies operate ferries to Koh Tao. Here is how they compare:

Lomprayah (ลมพระยา)

Type: High-speed catamaran Speed: Fast (1.5-2 hours from Chumphon, 4.5 hours from Donsak via all islands) Price: The most expensive ferry operator Comfort: Air-conditioned cabin, outdoor deck, onboard snack bar, relatively smooth ride Reliability: Generally on time, good safety record Vessels: Modern catamarans, well-maintained

Prices from key ports:

| Route | Price | |---|---| | Chumphon → Koh Tao | 600 ฿ | | Donsak (Surat Thani) → Koh Tao | 850-1,050 ฿ | | Koh Samui → Koh Tao | 650-800 ¿ | | Koh Phangan → Koh Tao | 350-450 ฿ |

Verdict: The best ferry operator for Koh Tao. Fast, comfortable, reliable. Worth the premium.

Seatran Discovery (ซีทราน ดิสคัฟเวอรี่)

Type: Catamaran / conventional ferry hybrid Speed: Mid-range (2-2.5 hours from Chumphon, 5-6 hours from Donsak) Price: 10-20% cheaper than Lomprayah Comfort: Air-conditioned cabin, decent seating, slightly older vessels Reliability: Generally good, occasional delays

Prices from key ports:

| Route | Price | |---|---| | Chumphon → Koh Tao | 500-550 ฿ | | Donsak → Koh Tao | 750-900 ฿ | | Koh Samui → Koh Tao | 600-700 ฿ | | Koh Phangan → Koh Tao | 300-400 ฿ |

Verdict: Good mid-range option. Slightly slower than Lomprayah but noticeably cheaper on multi-stop routes.

Songserm (ทรายทอง/สองแสง)

Type: Conventional ferry Speed: Slow (3-3.5 hours from Chumphon, 6-7 hours from Donsak) Price: The cheapest option Comfort: Basic. Open-air seating, limited AC space, older vessels Reliability: Less consistent than Lomprayah/Seatran. More prone to delays and cancellations in rough weather.

Prices from key ports:

| Route | Price | |---|---| | Chumphon → Koh Tao | 400-450 ฿ | | Donsak → Koh Tao | 550-650 ฿ | | Koh Samui → Koh Tao | 450-550 ฿ | | Koh Phangan → Koh Tao | 250-350 ฿ |

Verdict: Budget option. Fine in calm seas. Slower and less comfortable, but the price savings are meaningful if you are on a tight budget.

Chumphon Night Ferry

Type: Converted cargo/passenger boat Speed: Very slow (6-7 hours) Departure: 23:00 from Chumphon, arriving 05:00-06:00 at Koh Tao Price: 400-500 ฿ (mattress on deck) Comfort: Extremely basic. You get a mattress on the deck of a converted cargo boat. No AC, no proper cabin, no frills.

Verdict: A unique experience for adventurous budget travelers. You sleep on a mattress under the stars as the boat slowly crosses the Gulf. It is uncomfortable, the boat rocks noticeably in any swell, and the toilets are grim. But it is cheap, it arrives at sunrise (beautiful), and it is a story you will tell. Not recommended in rough seas (November-January).

Operator Comparison Table

| Factor | Lomprayah | Seatran | Songserm | Night Ferry | |---|---|---|---|---| | Speed | Fast | Medium | Slow | Very slow | | Price | Highest | Mid | Low | Low | | Comfort | Best | Good | Basic | Minimal | | Reliability | Best | Good | Acceptable | Weather-dependent | | Rough weather performance | Good | Good | Poor | Poor | | AC | Yes | Yes | Limited | No | | Best for | Everyone | Budget-conscious | Ultra-budget | Adventurers |

Pier Guides

Chumphon Piers

Chumphon has multiple piers used by different operators. Do not go to the wrong one.

Lomprayah Pier (ท่าเรือลมพระยา): Located at Tha Yang, about 20 km southeast of Chumphon town. This is where Lomprayah catamarans depart.

Songserm Pier / Chumphon Main Pier: Located closer to town. Songserm and night ferry services depart here.

Important: If you have a combined ticket (train/bus + ferry), the transfer will take you to the correct pier. If you booked separately, confirm which pier your ferry departs from and arrange transport accordingly.

Donsak Pier (Surat Thani Province)

Donsak Pier (ท่าเรือดอนสัก) is the main ferry terminal for the Gulf islands from the Surat Thani side. It is about 60 km east of Surat Thani town.

• Lomprayah departs from their own section of Donsak Pier
• Seatran Discovery departs from Seatran Pier at Donsak
• Raja Ferry has their own terminal nearby

The piers are within a few kilometers of each other — all clearly signposted. Transfer buses from Surat Thani airport and town go directly to the appropriate pier based on your ticket.

Tapee Pier (Surat Thani Town)

Tapee Pier (ท่าเรือท่าพี) is in Surat Thani town itself, on the Tapee River. The night boat to Koh Tao departs from here (not from Donsak). This is a slow ferry (8-10 hours) departing around 22:00.

Price: 350-450 baht for a mattress on deck. Who uses it: Budget travelers who arrive in Surat Thani late and do not want to pay for accommodation.

Seasonal Weather Warnings

The Gulf of Thailand has a monsoon season that significantly affects ferry services.

Best Season (March-September)

Calm seas, reliable ferry schedules, clear conditions. This is the best time to travel to Koh Tao. Ironically, this overlaps with Thailand's general "wet season" (June-October) — the Gulf coast has different weather patterns from the Andaman coast.

Monsoon Season (October-December)

The Gulf of Thailand monsoon brings strong winds, high waves, and storms. This affects ferry services in several ways:

• Cancellations: Ferries may be cancelled entirely during storms. Lomprayah and Seatran are more likely to run than Songserm.
• Rough crossings: Even when ferries run, the seas can be rough. If you are prone to seasickness, take Dramamine.
• Delays: Ferries may run late due to conditions.
• Night ferry suspended: The Chumphon night ferry usually does not operate from mid-October to mid-December.

November is the worst month for rough seas. If you are visiting Koh Tao in November, build flexibility into your schedule — you may be stuck on the island (or stuck on the mainland) for an extra day due to cancellations.

January-February

Conditions improve but occasional storms still occur. By February, seas are generally calm.

Combined Ticket Scams and Pitfalls

Combined tickets (bus + ferry or train + ferry to Koh Tao) are convenient but come with a few warnings:

The Khao San Road Combined Ticket

Travel agents on Khao San Road (and in tourist areas across Thailand) sell "combined tickets" to Koh Tao. These typically include a bus from Bangkok + ferry from Surat Thani or Chumphon.

The issues:

• The "bus" may be an unlicensed minivan, not a proper VIP bus
• Departure times are often vague ("we pick you up between 17:00-18:30")
• The minivan is cramped and makes multiple pickups across Bangkok before heading south
• The ferry connection may be with the cheapest operator (Songserm or the night ferry)
• Total price: 700-1,000 baht — seemingly cheap, but you get what you pay for

Our recommendation: Buy your combined ticket from 12Go Asia, Lomprayah's website, or directly at an official bus terminal. You will pay 100-300 baht more but get a proper bus, a reliable ferry, and coordinated transfers.

The "VIP" Label

In Thailand, "VIP" is applied liberally. A Khao San Road travel agent's "VIP bus" is not the same as a Nakhonchai Air VIP 24-seat bus. Always ask which company operates the bus and how many seats it has. A genuine VIP bus has 24-32 seats. A fake "VIP" has 40+ cramped seats.

Connection Timing

Combined tickets assume the bus/train arrives on time and the transfer to the pier is smooth. Usually this works. When it does not — bus delayed by traffic, train delayed by mechanical issue — you may miss the ferry.

Mitigation: If buying a combined ticket, choose a route where the bus/train arrives at least 1-2 hours before the ferry departure. The 07:00 Lomprayah from Chumphon connects well with trains arriving at 04:00-05:00, giving you a buffer.

Arriving on Koh Tao: What to Expect at the Pier

All ferries arrive at Mae Haad Pier (ท่าเรือแม่หาด) on the west coast of Koh Tao. Mae Haad is the island's main village and transport hub — most of what you need is within walking distance.

At the Pier

You step off the ferry onto a small concrete pier. The scene is chaotic: taxi touts holding signs, hotel representatives with name cards, backpackers looking dazed, longtail boat operators hawking rides to remote bays. Here is how to navigate it.

If your accommodation is in Mae Haad: Walk. Most hostels and guesthouses in Mae Haad are within 5-10 minutes on foot from the pier. Head up the main road (the one with 7-Eleven and dive shops) and follow your map.

If your accommodation is in Sairee Beach: Sairee (หาดทรายรี) is the main backpacker beach, about 2 km north of Mae Haad. You can walk (20-25 minutes, flat road) or take a shared taxi (songthaew — 100-150 baht per person). Taxis line up at the pier.

If your accommodation is in Chalok Bay or further south: Chalok Baan Kao (อ่าวโฉลกบ้านเก่า) is the third main area, about 2.5 km south of Mae Haad. Songthaew taxi: 100-150 baht per person. The road is hilly.

If your accommodation is in a remote bay (Tanote, Mango Bay, etc.): Some remote bays are accessible only by dirt road (4WD taxi, 200-300 baht) or longtail boat (300-500 baht). Check with your accommodation in advance for their recommended transfer method.

Getting Around Koh Tao

Koh Tao is small — about 7 km long and 3 km wide. Getting around options:

Walking: Mae Haad to Sairee is a flat 25-minute walk along the main road. Most people walk this route daily.

Scooter rental: The standard transport on Koh Tao. Automatic scooters (Honda Click, Yamaha Fino) rent for 150-250 baht per day. The main roads are paved but some resort access roads are steep, unpaved, and genuinely dangerous when wet. Koh Tao has a high motorbike accident rate — take the condition of the roads seriously, especially the road to Tanote Bay and the road over the hill between Sairee and Chalok.

Taxi (songthaew): Shared pickup trucks run between Mae Haad, Sairee, and Chalok. Fares: 100-200 baht per person for short routes, 300+ baht for remote bays. Negotiate before getting in.

Longtail boat: For remote beaches and snorkeling spots not accessible by road (Shark Bay, Lighthouse Bay, Hin Wong Bay). Prices: 300-800 baht per trip, negotiable depending on distance and group size.

Mountain bike / bicycle: Some shops rent bicycles, but the island's hills make this impractical for most routes. Good for Mae Haad to Sairee (flat), terrible for anything involving elevation.

Leaving Koh Tao: Return Journey

Ferries depart from Mae Haad Pier. Book your return ticket at one of the many travel agents on the main road in Mae Haad or Sairee, or online through 12Go or the operator's website.

To Chumphon (mainland):

| Operator | Departure Times | Duration | Price | |---|---|---|---| | Lomprayah | 09:30, 15:00 | 1.5-2 hours | 600 ฿ | | Songserm | 14:30 | 3-3.5 hours | 400-450 ฿ |

To Koh Phangan:

| Operator | Departure Times | Duration | Price | |---|---|---|---| | Lomprayah | 09:30, 15:00 | 30-45 min | 350-450 ¿ | | Seatran | 09:00, 15:00 | 45-60 min | 300-400 ¿ |

To Koh Samui:

| Operator | Departure Times | Duration | Price | |---|---|---|---| | Lomprayah | 09:30, 15:00 | 2-2.5 hours (via Koh Phangan) | 650-800 ¿ | | Seatran | 09:00, 15:00 | 2.5-3 hours | 600-700 ¿ |

Combined ferry + bus/train tickets back to Bangkok are available from travel agents on Koh Tao. Same principle as the inbound journey, just reversed.

Booking tip: Book your departure ferry 1-2 days before leaving, especially during peak season. Ferries from Koh Tao can sell out on busy days (after Full Moon Party weekends, end of dive courses, Thai holidays).

Koh Tao Quick Facts for Transport Planning

Before you finalize your route to Koh Tao, here are the practical details that affect your planning:

How Long to Stay

Most travelers stay 4-7 days. If you are doing a PADI Open Water diving course (the main reason people come to Koh Tao), that takes 3-4 days. Add 1-2 days for beach time, snorkeling, and the island vibe.

Minimum worthwhile stay: 3 nights. The journey to Koh Tao is long enough (10-14 hours from Bangkok) that staying just 1-2 nights is poor time economics.

Budget on Koh Tao

| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | |---|---|---| | Hostel dorm | 200-400 ฿/night | — | | Private bungalow | — | 600-1,500 ฿/night | | Meals | 60-120 ฿/meal | 120-250 ฿/meal | | Scooter rental | 150-250 ฿/day | 150-250 ฿/day | | Diving (Open Water) | 8,000-10,000 ฿ | 10,000-12,000 ฿ | | Snorkel gear rental | 150-200 ฿/day | 150-200 ฿/day | | Daily total (non-diving) | 500-900 ฿ | 1,000-2,000 ฿ |

ATMs and Money

Koh Tao has ATMs in Mae Haad and Sairee, but they charge 220 baht per withdrawal (the standard Thai ATM fee for foreign cards). Bring enough cash to avoid excessive ATM fees, or withdraw a larger amount at once.

Some dive shops and accommodation accept credit cards, but many budget places are cash-only.

When to Go

Best months: March-September (calm seas, good visibility for diving, sunny weather) Worst months: November-December (monsoon, rough seas, ferry cancellations) Busiest months: July-August, December-January (peak tourist season) Best value: May-June, September (good weather, fewer tourists, lower prices)

Connectivity

Koh Tao has mobile signal (True, AIS, DTAC networks all work) and most accommodation has WiFi. Signal can be weak in remote bays. 4G coverage is generally adequate for maps, messaging, and basic browsing.

Our Recommended Route

For most backpackers coming from Bangkok:

Best overall: Overnight train to Chumphon + Lomprayah morning catamaran. Total cost: ~1,300-1,500 baht (combined ticket via 12Go). You sleep on the train, arrive at dawn, catch the 07:00 catamaran, and are on Koh Tao by 09:00. Comfortable, affordable, and you lose no daytime hours.

Best budget: Overnight bus to Chumphon + Songserm ferry. Total cost: ~700-900 baht. Less comfortable sleep, slower ferry, but the cheapest mainland route.

Fastest: Fly to Chumphon + Lomprayah catamaran. Total cost: ~1,500-3,000 baht. Total time: 3-4 hours. Best if time is more valuable than money.

From Koh Phangan: Lomprayah catamaran (30 minutes, 350-450 baht). Easy day trip or island hop.

For more information on ferries between the Gulf islands, see our island ferry guide and complete Thailand transport guide.