From Bangkok to Koh Tao

[Thanshin]

A friend of mine is in Chumphon and he just told me he didn't find a good way of going from Bangkok to Koh Tao. (Something about ferries only going on mornings and nights, forcing you to spend a night there or take the slow one)

Anyway, what are the best options to go from Bangkok to Koh Tao?

 

[Arizona]

You could fly from BKK to Samui, spend the night and take the ferry in the morning as the Seatran ferry departs from Samui to Koh Tao at 8:00am or 8:30am. This is by far a more comfortable IMO. Another option is Train/Bus/Boat Combinations.

This link spells it out.

Safe diving,

 

[DevonDiver]

I always used to catch the overnight sleeper train from BKK to Chumporn. Arrive in Chumporn with enough time to grab breakfast and a coffee in the Farang Bar, before the coach arrives to take you to the Lomprayah ferry.

There are overnight sleeper buses direct from Koh San Rd that follow the same schedule, slightly cheaper, but much less comfortable than the train.

The Lomprayah ferry arrives in Tao at around 9.30am.

 

[Arizona]

Yuck! Fly or at least take the train, splurge it is worth it. Not to mention the real issue of theft on buses from Koh San. Whatever makes you happy though. No offense meant Devon!

 

[DevonDiver]

None taken.
I often used to fly, if nothing else it was an excuse to visit mates on Samui.

However, I found the train to be a good compromise. I always had a good night's sleep on there (air-con, 2nd class upper)...arriving in Chumporn fresh in the am.

 

[Arizona]

A good option may be to fly on the way there and take the train back while off gassing for a flight out of BKK for tourists.

 

[jkaterenchuk]

The Ferry Line runs a bus out of Bangkok that leaves at 6am and goes to Chumporn where you board the ferry. They wait for the bus to arrive. I took this trip in April and it was not a problem. I actually got off the ferry in Samui around 4:30pm (the last stop) and I think the total price was 1200 THB with a sandwich and water for lunch.

John

 

[Louie]

Depends on your budget...

I always did overnight train from BKK to Chumphon and then Lomprhaya to Koh Tao (but then, an instructor's salary in Thai Baht wasn't always that grand so it was the luxury option - with the dreaded alternative being the Kao San Road bus). TAKE THE SLEEPER (2nd class) with the bunks, air conditioned - not fan - and it's not so bad

 

[BabyFugu]

if you've got the coin, then flying into samui is your best bet.... but if you're in no rush then the train should do the job.