How to Get from Koh Tao to Khao Sok

Leaving the turquoise reefs and granite boulders of Koh Tao for the emerald waters and limestone karsts of Khao Sok National Park takes you from one masterpiece of Thai nature to another. Koh Tao is defined by its underwater life; Khao Sok offers a prehistoric landscape of ancient rainforest and hidden caves. The journey takes you from the Gulf of Thailand across the mainland and combines sea and land transport.

The logistics of going from a remote island to a deep inland jungle can seem daunting, but the route is well traveled. Whether you travel overnight to make the most of your daylight hours or cross the water by speedboat to catch an afternoon hike in the jungle, there is an option for your pace. You can book your combined tickets on GoAsia.cc.

Koh Tao to Khao Sok by Ferry and Van

The most common way to reach the park is a combined boat and van ticket. The boat connects with a van on the mainland, which carries on to Khao Sok. On booking platforms these tickets cost about $37 to $43 (October 2026), and the trip takes from about 5 hours 30 minutes, longer on the overnight options.^[1]

The Speedboat and Van Experience

The speedboat and van combination is the quickest way to swap the beach for the jungle. An early morning boat crosses the Gulf of Thailand, and a van takes over on the mainland. The ride through Surat Thani province passes palm plantations and rural villages before the dramatic limestone cliffs of Khao Sok take over the horizon.

The Sleeper Boat and Ferry Options

If you would rather save a night of accommodation, the overnight options give you a classic Thai travel experience. The Sleeper Boat and the traditional ferry run through the night and arrive on the mainland in the early morning, and a van then drives you to Khao Sok. The total journey takes up to about 12 hours 15 minutes, and you wake up as the sun rises over the mainland, ready to start your jungle adventure first thing in the morning.^[1]

Doing It in Two Steps

You can also travel in two steps. The Lomprayah catamaran leaves Koh Tao at 09:30 and reaches Donsak Pier in Surat Thani province at 12:45.^[2] From Surat Thani, minivans leave Talat Kaset 2 for the park every hour from 07:30 to 17:30 and take about 2.5 hours.^[3]

Comparing Your Options

Tips for Traveling from Koh Tao to Khao Sok

• Book in Advance: During peak season, especially around the Full Moon Party on nearby Koh Phangan, these routes can fill up quickly. Book a few days ahead to avoid being stranded.
• Pack for the Van: The van segment can be chilly because of the air conditioning. Keep a light sweater or sarong in your carry-on.
• Luggage Handling: When you transfer from the boat to the van, you will likely need to identify your luggage at the pier. Keep your valuables in a small daypack that stays with you.
• Arrival Points: Minivans from Krabi, Phang Nga and Takua Pa stop at the park junction, which is about 1.9 km from the park headquarters.^[3] If you stay in a floating raft house on Cheow Lan Lake, you need a further transfer to Ratchaprapha Pier, about 1 hour from Khao Sok, and a longtail boat from there.^[4]