Koh Tao is the smallest of the three main Gulf islands — and the most renowned for diving. Getting there from Koh Phangan is simple: a high-speed catamaran takes around 1 hour and runs several times daily. This guide covers the ferries, the piers, and what to do when you arrive.
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The Ferry: Thong Sala to Mae Haad
All ferries from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao depart from Thong Sala Pier and arrive at Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao\’s west coast. Journey time is approximately 1 hour on the Lomprayah high-speed catamaran, or 1.5–2 hours on slower vessels.
Operators and Prices
- Lomprayah High Speed Catamaran: Fastest and most popular. ~1 hour. Fares from ~600 THB (~$17 USD). Departs Thong Sala 08:30 and 13:00 approximately.
- Songserm Express: Slower boat, ~1.5–2 hours. Fares from ~400 THB (~$11 USD). Good budget option.
- Seatran Discovery: High-speed, fares from ~550 THB (~$15 USD).
ℹ️ Book ahead in peak season (December–February) and around Full Moon Party dates — ferries fill quickly. The Lomprayah morning departure from Thong Sala often sells out 2–3 days ahead in January.
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Arriving at Mae Haad Pier
Mae Haad Pier is on the west coast and is Koh Tao\’s main arrival point. Sairee Beach — the island\’s main strip — is a short walk or 5-minute drive north. Most guesthouses will arrange pickup if you contact them in advance. Motorbike taxis from the pier charge around 100–150 THB to most parts of the island.
Koh Tao: What to Do
Koh Tao has a clear identity: it\’s a diving island. It\’s one of the cheapest places in the world to get PADI certified — an Open Water course costs around $300–350 USD, significantly less than most Western countries or even other Thai dive hubs. The diving is genuinely excellent — Sail Rock (between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan) is one of the best dive sites in the Gulf of Thailand for whale shark sightings.
- Sairee Beach: Main strip, dive shops, restaurants, some nightlife. Best for first-timers.
- Chalok Ban Kao (south): Quieter, family-friendly bay, good for snorkeling.
- Mae Haad: Pier area, connected to Koh Nang Yuan by a sandbar at low tide.
- Koh Nang Yuan: Tiny three-island cluster reachable by longtail — famous viewpoint, day trip only (no overnight stays for non-guests).
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Related Guides
- Koh Samui to Koh Phangan: Ferry Guide
- Gulf of Thailand Island Hopping: Samui, Phangan, Tao
- Kuala Lumpur to Koh Samui
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