Koh Samui to Koh Tao

About the journey from Koh Samui to Koh Tao

Taking the journey from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is a chance to travel between some of the most popular and beautiful islands in Thailand. Koh Tao translates to “Turtle Island”, an appropriate name for several reasons as the mountain peaks of the island makes it look like a turtle’s shell as well as the Hawksbill and Green turtle populations that can be seen on the surrounding shores and come to breed here. 

For a chance to see the turtles, or just to explore the vibrant aquatic life, Koh Tao offers affordable snorkeling and scuba diving options at over 80 different diving schools on the island. After a day of adventure or simple relaxation, Koh Tao has a great buzzing nightlife and many places to dine on delicious and fresh food.

Getting to the island of Koh Tao means sea travel, which can be booked with a ferry trip or with a combined bus and ferry service. Ferry travel is relatively cheap and gets you to your destination with ease, speed, and comfort. A bus and ferry booking is a great option for those looking for extra convenience when getting to the departing pier on Koh Samui. For a bonus, some bus/ferry operators do day trips, so you can make the most of your journey and see some sights you otherwise might not get the chance to see.

Arriving in Koh Tao off the ferry from Koh Samui is an exciting experience. The tiny island region is made up of a few forest-covered peaks connected by sandbars, and is perhaps the closest you can get to a true tropical island paradise.

 

What to see when traveling from Koh Samui to Koh Tao

It is a 62 kilometer (39 mile) trip by ocean from Koh Samui to Koh Tao along the Chumphon Archipelago. As you travel north between the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Tao, you will pass the Mu Koh Ang Thong National Marine Park which is spread over an island archipelago where you can hike up forested peaks to enjoy expansive views or make the most of the warm waters through swimming and other watersport activities.

Between Koh Samui and Koh Tao sits Koh Phangan, another popular island-hopping destination for party goers and beach lovers that is famous for its full moon parties. 

 

How to get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao

Taking a ferry

Ferry travel is the standard option for getting from Koh Samui to Koh Tao, and therefore has a few operators to choose from. Most ferries depart a few times a day and take around 1.5 to 2 hours. Ferries have air conditioning and toilets on board. Some boats also have extras such as the availability of snacks and drinks to purchase.

Many ferry operators now do accommodation pick ups in Koh Samui for an additional cost. Although most ferries from Koh Samui to Koh Tao are direct, there are catamaran services available which makes a stopover in Koh Phangan. 

 

Taking a bus-ferry

The combined bus and ferry services from Koh Samui to Koh Tao allow you to be picked up and taken to the departure pier on Koh Samui from a convenient location depending on the operator. Different operators vary in what they offer, as some can do an airport pick up in Koh Samui or will pick you up at your accommodation. 

Another option is to take a shared day tour which includes a visit to an extra island and the chance to snorkel among some beautiful coral reefs before being dropped on Koh Tao at the end of the day. Once you arrive in Koh Tao, the small size of the island means it is easy to traverse on foot.