The journey from Chumphon to Koh Tao is one of the most popular ferry routes in Thailand — and one of the best value. At just 2 hours by high-speed catamaran, Chumphon pier is the closest mainland departure point to Koh Tao, making it the preferred route for travellers arriving by train from Bangkok or coming from northern Thailand. This complete guide to the Chumphon to Koh Tao ferry covers every operator, every departure time, current prices for 2026, how to get to Chumphon pier and everything you need for a smooth crossing.
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Chumphon to Koh Tao — Why This Route?
Chumphon is a small city on Thailand's southern Gulf coast — approximately 500 km south of Bangkok and significantly closer to Koh Tao than Surat Thani. The Chumphon to Koh Tao crossing covers just 80 km of open water, making it the shortest mainland-to-Koh Tao route available. For travellers coming from Bangkok by overnight train, Chumphon is the ideal connection point — the train arrives in Chumphon early morning and the first ferry to Koh Tao departs shortly after.
Distance: ~80 km · Duration: 2h (speedboat) or 6–8h (night boat) · Main operators: Lomprayah · Songserm · Night Boat · From: 300 THB (~$8) · Pier: Thung Makham Pier, Chumphon · Arrival: Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao · Book via: 12Go Asia
All Ferry Options — Chumphon to Koh Tao 2026
There are three main ways to travel from Chumphon to Koh Tao — each with very different journey times, comfort levels and prices. The right choice for the Chumphon to Koh Tao crossing depends entirely on your priorities:
| Operator | Type | Duration | Departures | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lomprayah | High Speed Catamaran | 2h | ~7am · ~1pm | 600–700 THB |
| Songserm | Speedboat | 2h30 | ~7am | 500–550 THB |
| Night Boat | Slow Overnight Ferry | 6–8h | ~11pm | 300–450 THB |
Lomprayah for speed and comfort — the best Chumphon to Koh Tao crossing for most travellers. Songserm if Lomprayah is sold out. Night boat if you want to save money and arrive at dawn. All three options are bookable via 12Go Asia.
Option 1 — Lomprayah High-Speed Catamaran (Recommended)
The Lomprayah high-speed catamaran is the premium option for the Chumphon to Koh Tao crossing — fast, comfortable and the most reliable operator on the route. The Chumphon to Koh Tao journey takes just 2 hours on Lomprayah's modern catamaran, arriving at Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao's west coast.
Lomprayah Chumphon to Koh Tao — Schedule 2026
| Departure Chumphon | Arrive Koh Tao | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ~7:00am | ~9:00am | Best for overnight train arrivals |
| ~1:00pm | ~3:00pm | Good for afternoon arrivals |
The 7am Lomprayah departure is timed perfectly for travellers arriving on the overnight train from Bangkok — the train reaches Chumphon station at approximately 5:30–6:30am, leaving just enough time to collect your luggage and transfer to the pier. This is the most popular combination for the Bangkok → Chumphon → Koh Tao journey.
Lomprayah Prices — Chumphon to Koh Tao 2026
| Ticket Type | Price (THB) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult passenger | 600–700 THB | ~$17–20 |
| Child (3–11 years) | 300–350 THB | ~$8–10 |
| Combined Bangkok train + Chumphon to Koh Tao | From 1,200 THB | ~$34 |
Book via 12Go Asia — real-time pricing for all operators, instant confirmation, same price as the pier counter. Combined Bangkok train + Chumphon to Koh Tao ferry tickets available as a single booking — the most convenient option for travellers coming from Bangkok.
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Option 2 — Songserm Speedboat
Songserm is the oldest and most established operator on the Chumphon to Koh Tao route. Their speedboat service departs once daily at approximately 7am, takes around 2h30 and arrives at Mae Haad Pier. Slightly slower and cheaper than Lomprayah — a good alternative when Lomprayah is fully booked or if you want to save 100–150 THB on the Chumphon to Koh Tao crossing.
The Songserm boat is an open speedboat rather than a covered catamaran — great on calm sunny days, less comfortable in choppy seas. Bring sunscreen and a light rain jacket just in case. The Songserm Chumphon to Koh Tao ticket costs approximately 500–550 THB for adults.
Option 3 — The Night Boat (Midnight Express)
The night boat from Chumphon to Koh Tao is a beloved institution among backpackers and budget travellers — and one of the best ways to save both money and a night's accommodation on your Chumphon to Koh Tao journey. The slow overnight ferry departs Chumphon pier at approximately 11pm and arrives at Koh Tao at 5–6am.
Night Boat Experience
The night boat is operated by local companies and offers basic sleeping arrangements — foam mats or thin mattresses on the deck or in a basic cabin. It is a genuine Thai travel experience rather than a tourist product. Bring your own sleeping bag liner, an eye mask and earplugs for the best experience. The night boat Chumphon to Koh Tao costs just 300–450 THB depending on your sleeping class — significantly cheaper than the daytime crossing.
Is the Night Boat Worth It?
The Chumphon to Koh Tao night boat is worth it if you are on a tight budget and want to save on accommodation. Arriving at Koh Tao at dawn also means you avoid the midday heat for your first beach session. However, comfort is basic and sleep quality is limited. For most travellers, the Lomprayah daytime crossing from Chumphon to Koh Tao is the better choice.
Book Chumphon → Koh Tao — All Options
Lomprayah · Songserm · Night Boat · Real-time availability
How to Get to Chumphon Pier from Chumphon Town
The ferry pier in Chumphon is called Thung Makham Pier (also known as Lomprayah Pier) — located approximately 15 km south of Chumphon town centre. Getting from Chumphon town or train station to the pier requires a short transfer:
From Chumphon Train Station
Chumphon train station is in the town centre, approximately 15–20 minutes from Thung Makham Pier by taxi or songthaew. Lomprayah operates a shuttle bus from their town centre office to the pier — timed to connect with the 7am catamaran departure. This shuttle is included when you book a combined Bangkok train + Chumphon to Koh Tao ferry ticket via 12Go Asia. A private taxi from the train station to the pier costs 150–200 THB.
From Chumphon Town Centre
Shared songthaews run from the town centre market area to Thung Makham Pier for 50–80 THB per person. The journey takes approximately 20–25 minutes. A tuk-tuk or taxi costs 150–200 THB for the private transfer. Most guesthouses in Chumphon can arrange a transfer to the pier for 100–150 THB per person.
From Chumphon Airport
Chumphon Airport is approximately 25 km from Thung Makham Pier — around 30–40 minutes by taxi (300–400 THB). Chumphon is served by limited domestic flights — most travellers arrive by train or bus from Bangkok rather than by air.
The most seamless way to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao via Chumphon is to book a combined overnight train + Chumphon to Koh Tao ferry ticket via 12Go Asia. One booking covers your sleeper berth from Bangkok, the transfer at Chumphon and the Lomprayah catamaran to Koh Tao — all coordinated automatically.
Bangkok to Koh Tao via Chumphon — The Complete Route
The Bangkok to Koh Tao via Chumphon route is the classic backpacker journey to Koh Tao — beloved for its combination of adventure, value and the iconic overnight train experience. Here's the complete step-by-step for the Bangkok → Chumphon → Koh Tao journey:
- Board overnight train at Bangkok Hua Lamphong or Bang Sue — departs approximately 6–8pm. Choose a 2nd class air-conditioned sleeper (from $12) for maximum comfort on the Bangkok to Chumphon leg.
- Arrive Chumphon (Phunphin-adjacent station) — approximately 5:30–6:30am. Collect your luggage and find the Lomprayah shuttle or a taxi to Thung Makham Pier.
- Transfer to Thung Makham Pier — 15–20 minutes. Arrive by 6:30am for the 7am Lomprayah departure.
- Board the Lomprayah catamaran at Chumphon pier — the Chumphon to Koh Tao crossing takes 2 hours. Sit back, relax and watch the Gulf of Thailand pass by.
- Arrive Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao — approximately 9am. Full day ahead. Collect your taxi or scooter and head to your accommodation.
2nd class sleeper Bangkok → Chumphon: ~$12–20 · Lomprayah Chumphon to Koh Tao: ~$17–20 · Total: ~$29–40 for the complete Bangkok to Koh Tao journey. Book both legs as a combined ticket via 12Go Asia for the smoothest connection and best pricing.
⛴️ Book Bangkok → Koh Tao via Chumphon on 12Go →
Arrival — Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao
All ferries from Chumphon to Koh Tao arrive at Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao's west coast — the island's main commercial hub. From Mae Haad you can access all parts of the island:
| Destination | Transport | Price | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sairee Beach | Walk or pickup truck | Free–100 THB | 10–15 min |
| Chalok Baan Kao | Pickup truck | 150–200 THB | 15–20 min |
| Tanote Bay | Pickup truck | 200–300 THB | 20–25 min |
| Koh Nang Yuan | Taxi boat from pier | 100 THB each way | 10 min |
| Scooter rental | Rent at pier shops | 150–200 THB/day | — |
What to Do on Koh Tao After the Chumphon Crossing
After completing the Chumphon to Koh Tao journey and arriving at Mae Haad, the island awaits with some of Thailand's finest underwater experiences and most beautiful beaches.
Scuba Diving — The Main Reason to Visit
Koh Tao is renowned worldwide as the cheapest and best place to get a PADI Open Water diving certification in Southeast Asia. Over 20 dive schools compete for business around Mae Haad and Sairee Beach — driving prices down to 8,000–10,000 THB for a full Open Water course. The underwater world around Koh Tao is exceptional — giant groupers, sea turtles, leopard sharks and occasional whale sharks at Sail Rock between April and September. Book your PADI course in advance — popular schools fill up in high season.
Snorkeling Without Diving
Even without diving gear, Koh Tao offers outstanding snorkeling. Tanote Bay on the east coast has coral directly accessible from the beach with excellent visibility. Shark Bay (Ao Leuk) is famous for the blacktip reef sharks that patrol the shallows — a remarkable experience with just a mask and fins. Koh Nang Yuan, a 10-minute taxi boat from Mae Haad (100 THB each way), has arguably the best shallow snorkeling in the Gulf. Book snorkeling tours via Klook for guided tours with equipment included.
Koh Nang Yuan — The Must-See
Koh Nang Yuan is three tiny islands connected by pristine white sand bars — one of Thailand's most photographed locations. Take the 10-minute taxi boat from Mae Haad Pier (100 THB each way), pay the 100 THB entrance fee and spend the morning snorkeling and exploring before the crowds arrive. No plastic bottles or outside food allowed — all available to buy at the small resort on the island.
How Long to Stay on Koh Tao
After the Chumphon to Koh Tao crossing, plan to stay at least 2–3 days for beaches and snorkeling. Allow 4–5 days for a PADI Open Water course. Most island-hoppers combine Koh Tao with Koh Phangan (2–3 nights) and occasionally Koh Samui before flying home. The Koh Tao to Koh Samui and Koh Tao to Koh Phangan ferries are bookable via 12Go Asia.
Insider Tips — Chumphon to Koh Tao
- Book the combined overnight train + Chumphon to Koh Tao ferry — the most seamless way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Tao. One booking via 12Go Asia covers everything including the transfer at Chumphon pier.
- The 7am Lomprayah is the one to catch — timed for overnight train arrivals. If you miss it, the 1pm departure is the next option — but you'll lose half a day on Koh Tao.
- Arrive at Chumphon pier 30 minutes early — the Lomprayah departs on time. The shuttle from Lomprayah's town office to the pier takes 20 minutes — factor this in.
- Sea sickness on the Chumphon to Koh Tao crossing — the 2-hour open water crossing can get rough May–October. Take Dramamine 30 minutes before boarding. Sit inside the Lomprayah catamaran for the smoothest ride.
- Withdraw cash before Chumphon — ATMs on Koh Tao charge 200–250 THB per withdrawal. Use the ATMs at Chumphon train station before boarding your Chumphon to Koh Tao ferry.
- Download offline maps before the crossing — save Google Maps for Koh Tao and Mae Haad area before the Chumphon to Koh Tao departure. Signal is non-existent during the crossing.
- Night boat — bring warm layers — the Chumphon to Koh Tao night boat runs its air-con cold and the Gulf can be breezy at night. A lightweight sleeping bag or travel blanket transforms the experience.
- Book Koh Tao accommodation before departing Chumphon — don't arrive on Koh Tao without a booking in high season. The best budget guesthouses near Sairee fill up weeks in advance.
FAQ — Chumphon to Koh Tao
How long is the ferry from Chumphon to Koh Tao?
The Lomprayah high-speed catamaran takes approximately 2 hours from Chumphon pier (Thung Makham Pier) to Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao. The Songserm speedboat takes around 2h30. The night boat takes 6–8 hours, departing at 11pm and arriving at dawn.
How much does the Chumphon to Koh Tao ferry cost?
Lomprayah catamaran: 600–700 THB (~$17–20) for adults, half price for children 3–11. Songserm speedboat: 500–550 THB. Night boat: 300–450 THB depending on sleeping class. Book via 12Go Asia for current prices and real-time availability on the Chumphon to Koh Tao route.
How do I get from Chumphon train station to the ferry pier?
Thung Makham Pier is approximately 15 km from Chumphon town centre — 20 minutes by taxi (150–200 THB) or shared songthaew (50–80 THB). Lomprayah operates a shuttle bus from their town office to the pier — included when you book a combined train + Chumphon to Koh Tao ferry via 12Go Asia. Allow at least 45–60 minutes between the train arriving and the 7am ferry departure.
Is the Chumphon to Koh Tao route better than the Surat Thani route?
For travellers coming from Bangkok by train, Chumphon is generally better — the train reaches Chumphon at 5:30–6:30am, perfectly timed for the 7am Lomprayah to Koh Tao. The Chumphon to Koh Tao crossing is also shorter (2h vs 3h+ from Surat Thani). For travellers flying into Surat Thani Airport, the Surat Thani route is more convenient. Both options are bookable via 12Go Asia.
Can I book the night boat from Chumphon to Koh Tao on 12Go Asia?
Yes — the Chumphon to Koh Tao night boat is available via 12Go Asia. Search for “Chumphon to Koh Tao” and filter by departure time to find the overnight option. The night boat is the cheapest way to make the Chumphon to Koh Tao crossing and is particularly popular among backpackers wanting to save on accommodation.
What time does the first ferry depart from Chumphon to Koh Tao?
The first Lomprayah departure from Chumphon pier is approximately 7am — arriving at Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao around 9am. This is timed for travellers arriving on the overnight train from Bangkok. Always verify current departure times on 12Go Asia as schedules change seasonally on the Chumphon to Koh Tao route.
Is Chumphon worth visiting before taking the ferry to Koh Tao?
Chumphon itself is a functional transit city rather than a tourist destination — most travellers pass through without stopping. However, if you have time to spare, Chumphon has pleasant beaches on the Pak Nam coast (15 km from town), good seafood restaurants and a relaxed local atmosphere. For most travellers on the Chumphon to Koh Tao route, catching the first morning ferry is the priority.
Continue Reading
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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.