Koh Tao to Koh Samui

About the journey from Koh Tao to Koh Samui

From the tiny island of Koh Tao, you might be looking for a bigger island with an array of new things to explore and experience. Why not hop over to Koh Samui? It is the second largest island in Thailand after Phuket and is easy to get to from Koh Tao. All sorts of people flock to Koh Samui as it has something for everyone. Accommodation options range from cheap backpacker hostels to luxurious beachside hotels. Get in touch with nature at one of the many waterfalls on the island or enjoy some coastal activities such as scuba diving or flyboarding.

Thailand is famous for its religious architecture and Buddha statues, with Koh Samui being no exception. The 12 meter Big Buddha is an intriguing site, while another large Buddha statue nearby worth viewing is Wat Plai Laem. The beaches, nightlife, and food are also great reasons to visit Koh Samui.

The trip from Koh Tao to Koh Samui is done by ferry or a bus-ferry service. Either way, you will be on a boat for some of your island-hopping journey. If you are not blessed with sea legs don’t worry, as most ferries are high speed and don’t travel in severe weather. The bonus of a bus-ferry service is convenience, as you will be picked up off the ferry and taken to your onward destination. 

The journey from Koh Tao to Koh Samui is an experience within itself as you can sit back and marvel at the beautiful sights of the islands that make up the Chumphon Archipelago.

 

What to see when traveling from Koh Tao to Koh Samui

The journey from Koh Tao to Koh Samui is a relatively quick trip of 62 kilometers (39 miles), but there are still lots of nice views to enjoy on this short, scenic sailing along the Gulf of Thailand. The vividly blue waters are home to lots of interesting wildlife, with a small chance to spot turtles or a whale shark. The boat will take you past the island of Koh Pha Ngan which sits between Koh Tao and Koh Samui. Some ferries will even make a stopover here so you can get a closer look at this sandy beach haven. The onward journey from Koh Pha Ngan is very quick and you will dock in Koh Samui in no time with the option to be driven to your onward destination through this luscious green island.

How to get from Koh Tao to Koh Samui

Taking a ferry

The ferry service from Koh Tao to Koh Samui is a cheap and quick option with several operators to pick from. If you would like to be driven to your accommodation after arriving off the boat in Koh Samui, some operators can do this for a small additional fee as long as you request this when booking. Ferries all have air conditioning and toilets, but some also have snacks and drinks available to buy onboard. The island-hopping journey is a nice way to relax and enjoy the sea views from below or above deck.

Taking a ferry-bus 

The ferry-bus service from Koh Tao to Koh Samui starts with a ferry journey between the islands before a minivan will pick you up from the ferry terminal and take you to Samui Airport. This can be a good option for those who are taking onward travel back to the mainland or another destination by flight, or just if you are staying on Koh Samui in the north east of the island where the airport is located. On the ferry crossing you will find toilet facilities and the option to purchase food and drinks. Both the ferry and bus can take a good size of luggage.

 

The best time of year to visit Koh Tao 

The best time of year to visit Koh Tao is from December until around February. Temperatures will peak at around 81F (27) at this time of year and rain is an uncommon occurrence.

 

The best time of year to visit Koh Samui

The best time to visit Koh Samui is from January until March for the best weather. The high season is between the same months which will up prices on the island but means there is a good buzz of nightlife.