Hua Hin to Koh Tao tickets

About the ride from Hua Hin to Koh Tao

Your Thailand adventures have taken you to the laid-back coastal town of Hua Hin. Your days there will be spent sunbathing, taking long walks on the beach and participating in water sports activities. And, of course, indulging in the irresistible Thai food at the night markets!

Since vacation is all about relaxation, it's time to go to an island off the mainland, Koh Tao. 

Known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, this island is a haven for divers and beach lovers.

The 6.5-11-hour journey by bus and ferry will be worth it once you arrive at this island paradise. 

Five fascinating things to do in Koh Tao

If you have seen any photos of Koh Tao online, you will instantly see how easy it is to fall in love with the island. 

Days will be spent basking in the sunshine, splashing in the dazzling blue ocean, while nights will be best enjoyed with a cocktail in hand as you taste-test delicious local Thai food. 

More specifically, below are some must-include things on your Koh Tao itinerary: 

1. Prebook a snorkeling tour. The island of Koh Tao is known for its incredible underwater sites, such as Shark Bay and the Japanese Garden. You can expect to see turtles, tropical fish species and reef sharks. Typically, most tours will include a visit to a number of snorkeling spots as well as lunch. 

2. Spend a couple of days exploring the beaches of Koh Tao. Sairee Beach, the main one, is the perfect spot to watch the sunset.  Also, visit Freedom Beach, Sai Nuan Beach and Jansom Bay. The latter is best for those who wish to escape the crowds.  

3. Get up early and hike to John Suwan Viewpoint for picturesque island views. The climb to the summit only takes 20 minutes. However, it is predominantly rock, so be sure to wear comfortable, closed shoes.

4. Rent a kayak and paddle around the calm waters. Rent them from Chalok Bay, and from there, access Freedom Beach, where you can see lots of tropical fish just a few feet from the shore. 

5. Take a trip to the neighboring island of Koh Nang Yuan. The beaches are small and idyllic, making them a safe place to swim and snorkel. Keep in mind Koh Nang Yuan is typically included in most snorkeling tours, but if you want to visit separately, it's easy to take a taxi boat there. 

How to get from Hua Hin to Koh Tao 

Prices start from $35 

Before securing your accommodation and activities in Koh Tao, you may wish to consider your transportation options from Hua Hin to Koh Tao. 

You'll start with the bus portion of the journey and then hop on a ferry to complete the trek to Koh Tao. It is available seven days a week. 

The express bus and ferry ticket takes between six and eleven hours, depending on the company you choose.  You can opt for a daytime or overnight journey and save on one night's accommodation. However, the overnight ride takes longer because you'll need to wait for the first ferry in the morning to complete the trip. 

Details about the journey from Hua Hin to Koh Tao

The trip from Hua Hin to Koh Tao is an adventure in itself. While the first few hours will allow you to get some sleep, waking up brings a new sense of excitement as you pass through small villages with the coastline never far away. 

Once you arrive at the ferry terminal, you'll board a ferry bound for Koh Tao. It is a journey filled with breathtaking views. 

Have your camera ready as the ferry glides across the Gulf of Thailand — you'll want to capture the endless blue waters, distant islands, and the shimmering sun on the horizon.  

The best time to visit Koh Tao

Seeing as Koh Tao experiences a tropical, warm climate year-round, it's no surprise that this island is one of the most popular for holiday-goers. 

No matter the month you visit, you can expect beautiful water temperatures ranging from 79-93°F (26-34°C). 

Let's break the year down into three periods:

Dry season (February to May)

During these months, rainfall is at its lowest, and the sun is always shining.

You can expect average temperatures between 84-95°F (29-35°C). Of course, due to the warm weather, sunscreen is a must, but picture days spent on the beach with the cool ocean breeze in the background. 

For animal lovers, March and April are ideal for whale shark sightings.

Windy season (May to October)

While you can still expect average warm temperatures of 81-90°F (27-32°C), the refreshing winds make these months a pleasant and popular time to visit. 

Due to the underwater visibility, July through September are the best months for scuba divers.

Wet season (October to February)

Even though you may have the occasional afternoon thunderstorm during these months, temperatures rarely drop below 82°F (28°C). 

If the timing of your trip is flexible, October and November are the two months when Koh Tao typically experiences the most rainfall. 

This means it is best to plan your activities, such as snorkeling and scuba diving, in the morning. 

Where to go after Koh Tao

Your memories from your Thailand holiday don't have to come to an end after Koh Tao. 

Why not continue your island-hopping adventures by traveling from Koh Tao to Koh Samui? The fastest ferry takes two hours and will have you in another paradise in no time. Think crystal clear water, beautiful beaches, lush vegetation and waterfalls. 

Another island not far from Koh Samui is Koh Phangan. From Koh Tao to Koh Phangan, the ferry will take 1.5 hours. 

Otherwise, take a ferry from Koh Tao to Surat Thani to return to the mainland. The eight-hour sleeping ferry means you don't have to spend the day traveling. From Surat Thani, you can continue your adventure to either Phuket or Krabi, both popular spots.