How to Get from Surat Thani to Koh Tao
Surat Thani to Koh Tao by ferry via Donsak and Koh Phangan, or by catamaran. Sailings, fares in baht and tips.
Last updated: November 2, 2026
Contents
Koh Tao is the diving island of the Gulf, and you reach it by boat. From Surat Thani you go to Donsak pier and take a ferry to Koh Phangan or Koh Samui, then continue by catamaran or speedboat to Koh Tao.
Step 1: Surat Thani to Donsak to Koh Phangan
Raja Ferry sails from Donsak pier to Thong Sala on Koh Phangan for THB 290, about 2 hours 30 minutes, with a first sailing at 04:00.[1]
Step 2: Koh Phangan to Koh Tao
Lomprayah lists sailings between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan: a speedboat at 07:05 arriving 07:50 for THB 700, catamarans at 09:15 and 15:30 for THB 600 (about 1 hour 15 minutes), and a ferry at 16:30 for THB 450.[2]
Via Koh Samui
Songserm sails from Koh Samui (Bangrak) to Koh Tao: 09:30 arriving 10:55 for THB 800, or 11:30 arriving 14:15 for THB 700.[3]
Lomprayah's catamaran from Koh Tao to Samui takes 2 hours (09:30 to 11:30) for THB 700.[2]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Raja Ferry Donsak - Thong Sala | About 2h 30min | THB 290[1] |
| Lomprayah catamaran Koh Phangan - Koh Tao | About 1h 15min | THB 600[2] |
| Lomprayah speedboat Koh Phangan - Koh Tao | 45min | THB 700[2] |
| Songserm Koh Samui - Koh Tao | 1h 25min - 2h 45min | THB 700 - 800[3] |
Tips for Traveling from Surat Thani to Koh Tao
- Plan a full day: With a change at Koh Phangan or Samui, the trip fills most of a day.
- Book in diving season: Boats fill up in the dry months.
- Waterproof your bag: Spray is common on speedboats and in the rainy season.
- Protect yourself from the sun: Even on short crossings the sun is strong.
Timetable
| Ferry Surat Thani - Koh Tao $ 11.84–29.61 20m – 4h | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Surat Thani to Koh Tao, including current prices and schedules.
The route runs through Donsak pier and Koh Phangan or Koh Samui.
The Raja Ferry to Koh Phangan, THB 290, then the Lomprayah ferry to Koh Tao, THB 450.
From Koh Phangan, the Lomprayah speedboat reaches Koh Tao in 45 minutes.
Operators can delay or cancel sailings in storms or high swell.
Yes. Songserm sails from Samui to Koh Tao, THB 700 to 800.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Raja Ferry Port: Raja Ferry Port. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- [2] Lomprayah High Speed Ferries: Timetable Lomprayah 2026 (update 25/08/69, PDF). Retrieved October 21, 2026.
- [3] Songserm: Songserm timetable. Retrieved October 31, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.