Koh Samui to Koh Tao — everything you need to book your ferry, choose the right operator and make the most of your time on Thailand's diving capital. Updated April 2026.
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Koh Samui to Koh Tao — The Basics
The journey from Koh Samui to Koh Tao takes between 1h30 and 2 hours by high-speed catamaran — operated exclusively by Lomprayah. There is no car ferry on this route. Two daily departures from Koh Samui (typically 8am and 1pm) with tickets starting from 650 THB (~$18). All boats depart from Nathon Pier on Koh Samui's west coast.
Distance: ~85 km · Duration: 1h30–2h · Operator: Lomprayah · Departures: 2 daily · From: 650 THB (~$18) · Pier Koh Samui: Nathon · Pier Koh Tao: Mae Haad
How to Get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao
Direct Speedboat — Lomprayah (Recommended)
Lomprayah operates the only direct high-speed catamaran between Koh Samui and Koh Tao. The journey takes approximately 1h30–2h depending on sea conditions. Departures from Nathon Pier at approximately 8am and 1pm daily. Arrives at Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao's west coast — the island's main pier with restaurants, tour operators and taxi boats to beaches.
Via Koh Phangan
You can also break the journey by stopping at Koh Phangan — Lomprayah runs Samui → Phangan (30 min) then Phangan → Tao (45 min). This is the best option if you want to spend a night or two on Koh Phangan en route. Book both legs via 12Go Asia as a combined ticket.
Book your Koh Samui to Koh Tao ferry at least 48 hours in advance in high season (December–February, July–August). Lomprayah runs only 2 boats per day on this route — both regularly sell out.
Ferry Schedule & Prices 2026
| Operator | Type | Duration | Departures | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lomprayah (direct) | High Speed Catamaran | 1h30–2h | ~8am · ~1pm | 650 THB |
| Lomprayah (via Phangan) | High Speed + Stop | 2h30–3h | Multiple | 700 THB |
| Seatran (via Phangan) | Ferry + Speedboat | 3h+ | 1–2 daily | 600 THB |
Adult passenger: 650–700 THB (~$18–20) · Child (3–11): 325–350 THB · No car ferry on this route · Book via 12Go Asia for real-time availability and best prices.
What to Do When You Arrive in Koh Tao
All ferries from Koh Samui arrive at Mae Haad Pier — Koh Tao's main pier on the west coast. From there:
- Taxis / pickup trucks — available at the pier exit for all beaches. Sairee Beach costs 100–150 THB, Chalok Baan Kao 200 THB.
- Scooter rental — widely available near the pier from 150–200 THB/day. The island is small enough to explore entirely by scooter.
- Taxi boats — if you're heading to Koh Nang Yuan or remote beaches, longtail taxi boats depart from the pier. Koh Nang Yuan costs 100 THB each way.
- Dive shops — most dive schools have representatives at the pier offering same-day dive courses. Koh Tao is the cheapest place in Southeast Asia to get your PADI Open Water certification (~8,000–10,000 THB).
Koh Tao — What to Know Before You Go
Best Beaches
Sairee Beach is the longest and most popular — great for swimming, snorkeling and nightlife. Chalok Baan Kao on the south coast is quieter and better for families. Tanote Bay on the east coast has excellent snorkeling directly from the beach.
Diving & Snorkeling
Koh Tao is world-famous for scuba diving — the clearest water and most abundant marine life in the Gulf of Thailand. Whale sharks appear regularly at Sail Rock between April and September. Koh Nang Yuan — a 10-minute taxi boat from Mae Haad — has the most photographed sandbar in Thailand and excellent shallow snorkeling.
How Many Days to Spend
2–3 days is the minimum to do Koh Tao justice. If you're doing a PADI Open Water course, allow 3–4 days. Island-hoppers combining Koh Phangan and Koh Tao typically spend 1–2 nights on each island before returning to Koh Samui.
Snorkeling tours, diving day trips and island hopping excursions from Koh Tao are all bookable via Klook — instant confirmation, free cancellation on most bookings.
Step-by-Step — Koh Samui to Koh Tao
- Book your ferry in advance — via 12Go Asia. Select Lomprayah direct for the fastest crossing. Choose the 8am departure if you want a full day on arrival.
- Get to Nathon Pier, Koh Samui — on the west coast. Taxi from Chaweng costs 300–400 THB. Allow 30 minutes before departure for check-in.
- Board the Lomprayah catamaran — fully air-conditioned with assigned seats. Snack bar on board. Journey takes 1h30–2h.
- Arrive at Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao — pick up your taxi or scooter. Head to your accommodation and explore.
- Return to Koh Samui — same route in reverse. Book return ferry before you leave Koh Samui to guarantee your spot.
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Insider Tips — Koh Samui to Koh Tao
- Take the 8am boat — arrives in Koh Tao around 10am, giving you a full day. The 1pm boat arrives around 3pm — less time to settle in and explore.
- Sea sickness warning — the Koh Samui to Koh Tao crossing can get rough, especially May–October. Take Dramamine 30 minutes before boarding. Sit mid-boat for the smoothest ride.
- Book your accommodation in advance — Koh Tao fills up fast in high season. The best budget guesthouses near Sairee Beach book out weeks ahead.
- Koh Nang Yuan day trip — if you only have one day on Koh Tao, take the 10-minute taxi boat to Koh Nang Yuan in the morning. Best visibility before noon.
- Return ferry — book your return to Koh Samui before you leave Samui. Don't assume you can buy at the pier in Koh Tao in high season.
- ATMs on Koh Tao — there are ATMs near Mae Haad Pier but they charge high fees (200–250 THB). Withdraw cash in Koh Samui before departing.
FAQ — Koh Samui to Koh Tao
How long is the ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?
The direct Lomprayah catamaran takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on sea conditions. The via-Koh-Phangan option takes around 2h30–3h total including the stop.
How much does the ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao cost?
Adult passenger tickets start from 650 THB (~$18) for the direct Lomprayah catamaran. Children (3–11 years) pay half price. Book via 12Go Asia for the best prices — same as the counter with no hidden fees.
How many ferries run from Koh Samui to Koh Tao per day?
Lomprayah operates approximately 2 direct departures daily from Nathon Pier — typically around 8am and 1pm. Schedules vary by season — always verify current times on 12Go Asia before travelling.
Is there a car ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?
No — there is no car ferry on the Koh Samui to Koh Tao route. Lomprayah is a passenger-only catamaran. Koh Tao is a small island where scooters and pickup trucks are the main transport — most visitors leave their vehicles in Koh Samui.
Can I go from Koh Samui to Koh Tao in one day?
Technically yes — take the 8am boat, arrive around 10am and return on the last afternoon boat. But we recommend at least one overnight stay on Koh Tao to experience the diving, snorkeling and beaches properly.
What is the best way to get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?
The Lomprayah direct catamaran is the only practical option — fast, comfortable and the only operator running this route directly. Book via 12Go Asia for real-time availability. The 8am departure is the best choice for a full day on arrival.
Continue Reading
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- Island Hopping from Koh Samui — Koh Phangan, Koh Tao & Ang Thong
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Some links in this article are affiliate links. InsideSamui.com earns a commission if you book through our 12Go Asia links, at no extra cost to you. Prices and schedules are indicative for 2026 — always verify on 12Go Asia before travelling.