Koh Tao
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Koh Tao, Thailand's Premier Dive Island

Koh Tao is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand, belonging to Surat Thani Province and sitting roughly 70 kilometres north of Koh Samui. Despite its modest size, it has earned an outsized reputation as one of the world's best places to learn to dive, with calm, clear waters, abundant marine life, and a thriving cluster of dive schools along its western shore. The island draws a mix of backpackers, dive enthusiasts, and travellers seeking a quieter alternative to the busier resort islands nearby.

Beyond diving, Koh Tao rewards those who take the time to explore. Inland trails connect rocky viewpoints with sweeping vistas across the Gulf, while the island's southern and eastern coasts offer secluded bays that see little of the crowds. The pace of life is relaxed, the accommodation ranges from hostel bunks to comfortable beachfront bungalows, and the nightlife, while present, rarely overwhelms the natural setting.

Viaferry sells ferry tickets to Koh Tao operated by Boonsiri High Speed Ferries, covering routes from Bangkok, Pattaya, and Hua Hin as combined bus and ferry journeys via Chumphon Pier, as well as ferry crossings from Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.

How to Get to Koh Tao by Ferry

Boonsiri High Speed Ferries connects Koh Tao to the Thai mainland and to its neighbouring Gulf islands. All mainland routes involve a combined bus and ferry journey arriving at Koh Tao via Chumphon Pier. Island-to-island crossings from Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are direct ferry services. All tickets are bookable on Viaferry.

  • Bangkok to Koh Tao: Travelling from Bangkok to Koh Tao with Boonsiri is a combined bus and ferry journey. The bus departs Bangkok and travels south to Chumphon Pier, where passengers transfer to the high-speed ferry for the crossing to Koh Tao. The full journey takes the better part of a day, making it a popular overnight option.

  • Pattaya to Koh Tao: From Pattaya, Boonsiri operates a combined bus and ferry service to Koh Tao via Chumphon Pier. The bus picks up passengers in Pattaya and connects to the ferry at Chumphon for the onward crossing.

  • Hua Hin to Koh Tao: is served by a Boonsiri bus and ferry combination departing from Hua Hin and connecting at Chumphon Pier. The journey is shorter than from Bangkok, given Hua Hin's proximity to Chumphon, making it a practical choice for travellers already on the upper Gulf coast.

  • Chumphon to Koh Tao: If you are already in Chumphon, you can board the Boonsiri high-speed ferry directly from Chumphon Pier to Koh Tao.

  • Koh Samui to Koh Tao: The ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is a direct crossing operated by Boonsiri, departing from Koh Samui and arriving at Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao. It is a popular route for travellers island-hopping through the Gulf, and the crossing is notably shorter than the mainland options.

  • Koh Phangan to Koh Tao: Boonsiri also operates a direct ferry between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Many travellers visit Koh Phangan before continuing north to Koh Tao for diving and hiking.

Island Hopping from Koh Tao

Koh Tao sits at the northern end of a chain of Gulf islands that also includes Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. All three are connected by Boonsiri ferry services, and tickets for onward travel can be booked through Viaferry.

Koh Phangan, the closest island to the south, is best known for its monthly Full Moon Party on Hat Rin beach, but its northern and western coasts offer quieter beaches and a more relaxed atmosphere. Koh Samui, further south, is the largest and most developed of the three, with an international airport, a broad range of resort accommodation, and a well-established food and nightlife scene.

Combining all three islands is a natural itinerary for travellers exploring the Gulf of Thailand, and Viaferry make it straightforward to book each leg of the journey.

Koh Tao Beach

Koh Tao Beaches

  • Sairee Beach: the longest and liveliest stretch on the island, lined with dive schools, restaurants, and bars; the social hub of Koh Tao

  • Chalok Baan Kao: a sheltered bay on the southern coast, calmer and more family-friendly than Sairee, with good snorkelling

  • Aow Leuk: a quiet cove on the south-eastern tip, excellent for snorkelling and well away from the main crowds

  • Hin Wong Bay: a rocky, secluded bay on the east coast with outstanding underwater visibility, popular with divers

  • Mae Haad Beach: the small beach adjacent to the main pier; most arrivals pass through here, making it a convenient base for early departures Most ferries arrive at Mae Haad Pier, which sits at the centre of the island's western coast within easy reach of

    Sairee Beach.

Best things to Do in Koh Tao

  • Scuba diving: Koh Tao is one of the most accessible places in the world to earn an open-water certification, with a high concentration of dive schools along Sairee Beach. Top sites include Chumphon Pinnacle, Sail Rock, and Southwest Pinnacle, with regular encounters with whale sharks, barracuda, and reef fish.

  • Snorkelling: non-divers can explore the underwater world through snorkel trips easily arranged from any pier or beach, with Aow Leuk and Koh Nang Yuan among the best spots.

  • John Suwan Viewpoint: a short but steep hike to the southern headland, with sweeping views across Shark Bay and the Gulf of Thailand; one of the most photographed spots on the island.

  • Koh Nang Yuan day trip: a small cluster of three islets connected by a sandy spit just off Koh Tao's north-western tip, with excellent snorkelling and a climb to a rewarding viewpoint.

  • Kayaking and longtail boat hire: a popular way to reach secluded bays such as Mango Bay on the north coast, away from the main beaches.

  • Jungle trails: the largely undeveloped interior connects the main settlements through jungle and past granite boulders, offering an easy escape from the coast.

Best Time to Visit Koh Tao

The best time to visit Koh Tao is between December and April, when the island experiences dry, sunny weather and calm seas. This is also peak season, so ferry tickets and accommodation book up quickly, reserving in advance is strongly recommended.

The Gulf of Thailand experiences its monsoon from October to December, when Koh Tao sees heavy rain and rougher seas. Ferry services may be reduced or suspended during periods of severe weather, and dive visibility can be affected.
The shoulder months of May and September offer a reasonable compromise: fewer crowds and lower prices, with generally acceptable conditions.

July and August see a secondary influx of visitors during European summer holidays, keeping prices elevated despite the heat.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Koh Tao?

What are the best things to do on a Koh Tao holiday?

When is the best time to visit Koh Tao?

How much does a ferry ticket to Koh Tao cost?

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