About the ride from Koh Tao to Suratthani
After soaking up the sun on the white sand shores of Thailand’s most exciting diving spot, you’ll be ready to return to the mainland haven of Suratthani. Though many tourists know Suratthani only as a hub to access some of Thailand’s most inviting island destinations, it offers lots of excitement and adventure, and deserves more than a few hours of your time.
For those who haven’t yet tired of romantic shores, crashing waves and the endless allure of Thai beaches, Suratthani itself is filled with beautiful beaches. This coastline is way more deserted than its Koh Tao counterparts, as way fewer travelers opt to spend any time here.
The largely unexplored city also boasts temples, waterfalls, fishing villages and some of Thailand’s most mouth-watering food. In short, you should spend some time in Suratthani after traveling from Koh Tao to Suratthani.
For those making the journey, there are three types of trip:
- Combined ferry and bus trip from Koh Tao to Suratthani Airport (for those in a hurry who don’t want to take the advice above!). This typically takes from 6-8 hours.
- Combined ferry and bus trip from Koh Tao to Suratthani centre. This trip can take you to various locations, from Suratthani train station, Suratthani bus station to various hotels! This journey typically lasts around 6 to 7 hours
- Ferry from Koh Tao to Suratthani. A simple pier-to-pier journey which takes around 4.5 hours
Different journeys are suitable for different types of travelers. If you’re in a hurry to escape Suratthani, it’s of course best to choose a trip which takes you to the Airport, train station or bus station. If you want to hang around and explore all of Suratthani’s beauty, choose one of the other options!
What to see when traveling from Koh Tao to Suratthani
Southern Thailand is full of countless beautiful ferry journeys, but this is one of the best. Remote and small, Koh Tao is an idyllic slice of heaven dropped right in the heart of the Gulf of Thailand.
For some stretches, you’ll feel like a seafaring pioneer, coasting aboard the vessel, riding the depths of Thailand’s seas. At other points, you’ll pass an interesting mixture of various boats - travelers, locals and fisherman all traverse this stretch of the ocean every single day.
Towards the end of your ferry journey from Koh Tao to Suratthani, you’ll see Thailand's eastern shore come into view. With its bright-white shores, tropical flora and legions of humble wooden boats, Thailand’s mainland is as alluring and exciting as its remote islands.
Suratthani Pier itself offers interesting insights into the action and adventure of coastal life, with the comings and goings of locals and travelers alike.
If your journey stops on Suratthani Pier, this is your final destination. If not, you’ll now embark upon a bus, which will take you to and through the charming streets of Suratthani, with its small seafood stalls, humble homes and laid-back atmosphere.
How to get from Koh Tao to Suratthani
Taking a ferry
The ferry ride from Koh Tao to Suratthani is an easy journey, perfect for those who want to arrive right into Suratthani Pier.
The ferry from Koh Tao to Suratthani is basic but comfortable. There are onboard toilets, AC and comfortable seats. You can enjoy the excellent views from both your seat and from the boat’s observation decks.
Coasting along the Gulf of Thailand on a boat’s deck is one of Thailand’s most simple and enjoyable adventures. And this journey is one of the best ways to do it.
Taking a combined bus and ferry
If you take a combined bus and ferry from Koh Tao to Suratthani, you experience the same ferry journey described above.
After this ferry journey is over, you then board a bus, which can take you to one of four places: Suratthani centre, Suratthani train station, Suratthani bus station or Suratthani Airport. Which one you go for depends on your future plans.
The bus journeys aren’t as beautiful or enjoyable as the ferry journeys which precede them, but they’re a great way to see a small snapshot of Suratthani life.
Though all ferries have onboard toilets, it’s very rare that buses do.