Koh Samui to Koh Tao is one of the Gulf of Thailand\’s most popular island connections — divers heading north from Samui to Thailand\’s best dive island. You can go direct by high-speed catamaran in about 1.5 hours, or stop at Koh Phangan along the way. This guide covers every option with exact departure times and prices.
🚤 [Travelpayouts 12Go widget: Koh Samui → Koh Tao ferry]
Direct: Lomprayah High Speed Catamaran
Lomprayah runs direct services from Koh Samui (Na Thon Pier and Bangrak/Maenam piers) to Koh Tao — approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Departures approximately 08:00 and 13:00 from Samui. Fares from ~600–800 THB (~$17–22 USD) one way.
🎟 [Travelpayouts 12Go widget: Koh Samui → Koh Tao Lomprayah direct]
Via Koh Phangan (Scenic, ~2.5 hours total)
Seatran Discovery and Lomprayah both run Samui → Koh Phangan → Koh Tao — stopping at Thong Sala on Koh Phangan (~30 min from Samui) before continuing to Koh Tao (~1 hour from Phangan). Total time ~1.5–2 hours. Good option if you want to check out Koh Phangan\’s Haad Rin or wellness area en route, with luggage storage available at Thong Sala while you explore for a few hours.
🎟 [Travelpayouts 12Go widget: Koh Samui → Koh Phangan → Koh Tao ferry]
Slow Ferry (Overnight — Budget)
Raja Ferry operates an overnight boat from Don Sak Pier (Surat Thani province, ~1.5 hours from Samui by ferry) all the way to Koh Tao — approximately 6 hours, arriving early morning. Cheapest option at ~200–350 THB (~$6–10 USD) but not comfortable for sleeping. Only for very budget-conscious travelers.
Quick Comparison
| Option | Time | Cost from | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lomprayah direct | ~1.5 hours | ~600 THB (~$17) | Most travelers |
| Via Koh Phangan | ~2–2.5 hours | ~600 THB | Phangan stopover |
| Overnight slow ferry | ~8+ hours | ~300 THB (~$8) | Budget only |
Where to Stay on Koh Tao
- Sairee Beach: Main strip, most dive shops, restaurants, social scene
- Chalok Ban Kao (south bay): Quieter, family-friendly, good snorkeling
- Mae Haad (pier area): Convenient, close to Koh Nang Yuan longtail boats
🏨 [Travelpayouts Hotellook/Agoda widget: Hotels on Koh Tao]
Related Guides
- Koh Phangan to Koh Tao Ferry
- Koh Samui to Koh Phangan Ferry
- Gulf of Thailand Island Hopping
- Koh Tao to Bangkok
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