The route from Maenam Pier to Koh Tao is one of the most convenient ferry connections on Koh Samui's north coast — and a popular departure point for travellers staying in Maenam, Bophut or Choeng Mon who want to avoid the longer transfer to Na Thon or Donsak on the west and south coasts. Understanding exactly how the Maenam Pier Koh Tao ferry works — which operators serve the route, schedules, prices and what to expect — saves significant time and confusion on travel day. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about the Maenam Pier to Koh Tao route in 2026.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Koh Tao receives over 500,000 visitors annually — the majority arriving via ferry from Koh Samui or Chumphon, making inter-island ferry connections one of the most commercially active transport sectors in the Gulf of Thailand.
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Maenam Pier to Koh Tao — Key Facts
⏱️ Duration: 2h–2h30 · 💰 Price: 400–600 THB · 🚢 Operator: Lomprayah (primary)
📍 Pier: Maenam Pier (Bang Po area, north coast Koh Samui)
🏝️ Arrival: Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao · 📅 Departures: Morning only (check schedule)
⚠️ Important: Maenam Pier has limited services — Na Thon Pier has more options
Maenam Pier to Koh Tao — Understanding the Route
It is important to understand a key fact about the Maenam Pier to Koh Tao route before booking — Maenam Pier (also called Bang Po Pier) has fewer daily ferry departures than Na Thon Pier or Donsak Pier. The Lomprayah catamaran that serves the Maenam Pier Koh Tao route typically operates one morning departure, making it essential to book in advance and plan your travel day accordingly.
The main ferry operators on the Maenam Pier to Koh Tao route are Lomprayah (high-speed catamaran) and Seatran Discovery. The journey calls at Koh Phangan's Thong Sala Pier before continuing to Koh Tao's Mae Haad Pier. The full crossing from Maenam to Koh Tao takes approximately 2 hours to 2h30 depending on conditions at Koh Phangan.
| Operator | Departs Maenam | Via | Arrives Koh Tao | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lomprayah | ~08:00 | Koh Phangan (Thong Sala) | ~10:30 | 500–600 THB |
| Seatran Discovery | ~08:30 | Koh Phangan (Thong Sala) | ~11:00 | 400–500 THB |
The Maenam Pier to Koh Tao schedule changes seasonally. Always verify the current departure time via 12Go Asia before confirming your travel day plans. Maenam Pier has only 1–2 departures daily — missing the ferry means waiting until the next day or travelling to Na Thon Pier for an afternoon service.
Maenam Pier to Koh Tao — How to Get to Maenam Pier
Maenam Pier is located on Koh Samui's north coast near the Bang Po area — west of Maenam Beach. Getting there from different parts of the island:
| From | Transport | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maenam Beach hotels | Grab / Taxi | 5–10 min | 80–150 THB |
| Bophut / Fisherman's Village | Grab / Taxi | 10–15 min | 120–180 THB |
| Choeng Mon / SAii / Kimpton | Grab / Taxi | 15–20 min | 150–220 THB |
| Chaweng Beach | Grab / Taxi | 25–30 min | 250–320 THB |
| Lamai Beach | Grab / Taxi | 35–45 min | 350–450 THB |
| Koh Samui Airport (USM) | Grab / Taxi | 15–20 min | 180–250 THB |
The Maenam Pier to Koh Tao route is most convenient for guests staying on Koh Samui's north coast — Four Seasons, Santiburi, Anantara Bophut, SAii, Kimpton Kitalay. For guests on the east coast (Chaweng, Lamai), the Na Thon Pier or Donsak Pier routes offer more daily departures and may be equally convenient given the transfer time. Always compare total journey time door-to-door when choosing your departure pier.
Maenam Pier to Koh Tao — Step by Step
- Book via 12Go Asia — confirms your seat on the Lomprayah catamaran and provides a PDF ticket. Essential for the Maenam Pier to Koh Tao route as morning departures fill quickly in peak season.
- Arrange Grab the night before — pre-book a Grab for 30–40 minutes before departure. Morning Grab availability on Koh Samui's north coast is good but not guaranteed without advance booking.
- Arrive 30 minutes early — check in at the Lomprayah or Seatran counter at Maenam Pier. Present your 12Go Asia ticket (digital or printed). Large luggage is tagged and placed in the hold.
- Board and settle in — the catamaran has air-conditioned interior seating and an open upper deck. For the Maenam Pier Koh Tao crossing, the upper deck offers excellent photography of Koh Phangan and the Gulf on calm days.
- Koh Phangan stop — the ferry docks at Thong Sala Pier for 15–20 minutes. Passengers for Koh Phangan disembark. Remain on board if your destination is Koh Tao.
- Arrive Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao — taxis and motorbike taxis available at the pier. Transfer to Sairee Beach: 10 minutes by taxi (100–150 THB).
Maenam Pier to Koh Tao — Alternative Routes
If the Maenam Pier to Koh Tao morning departure doesn't suit your schedule, these alternatives offer more flexibility:
| Alternative Route | Departures/Day | Duration | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Na Thon Pier → Koh Tao | 2–3/day | 2h | 450–600 THB | More flexibility · Afternoon option |
| Donsak Pier → Koh Tao | 2/day | 3h (Raja Ferry) | 300–400 THB | Budget · Car transport |
| Fly Samui → Chumphon + ferry | Multiple | 3h+ total | 2,500+ THB | Not recommended · Complex |
Maenam Pier to Koh Tao — What to Do on Koh Tao
After the Maenam Pier to Koh Tao crossing, arriving by 10:30–11:00am gives you a full day on the island. The top priorities:
| Activity | Why | Price | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snorkeling (Shark Bay) | Black-tip reef sharks · Best beginner site | 300–600 THB | Afternoon arrival day |
| PADI Open Water Course | World's cheapest · High quality | 9,000–13,000 THB | Book day before · 3–4 days |
| Japanese Gardens snorkeling | Best coral · Turtles · Easy | 600–1,000 THB | Morning |
| Sunset at John Suwan viewpoint | Best sunset view on island | Free | Evening arrival day |
| Sairee Beach | Main beach · Bars · Restaurants | Free | Any time |
| Sail Rock dive trip | Best advanced dive site · Whale sharks | 2,500–3,500 THB | Full day · Book ahead |
Maenam Pier to Koh Tao — Where to Stay on Koh Tao
Arriving from the Maenam Pier to Koh Tao route, Mae Haad Pier is Koh Tao's main pier — all accommodation is accessible from here:
| Area | Best For | Distance from Pier | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mae Haad Village | Budget · Divers · Central | Walk | $15–30 |
| Sairee Beach | Most popular · Bars · Restaurants | 10 min walk | $20–80 |
| Chalok Ban Kao | Quiet · Snorkeling · Family | 10 min taxi | $25–100 |
| North West (Ao Mao) | Luxury · Seclusion · Views | 15 min taxi | $100–300 |
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Maenam Pier to Koh Tao — Return Journey
The return from Koh Tao to Koh Samui (via Maenam Pier) follows the same route in reverse. Key consideration: the return ferry to Maenam Pier may not operate at all hours — always check the current schedule via 12Go Asia for the return leg. If the Maenam Pier return doesn't align with your plans, the Na Thon Pier departure from Koh Tao offers more flexibility:
| Return Route | Duration | Price | Book Via |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koh Tao → Maenam Pier KS | 2h–2h30 | 450–600 THB | 12Go Asia |
| Koh Tao → Na Thon Pier KS | 2h | 450–600 THB | 12Go Asia |
| Koh Tao → Koh Phangan | 1h | 300–400 THB | 12Go Asia |
| Koh Tao → Chumphon (mainland) | 2h | 400–550 THB | 12Go Asia |
Maenam Pier to Koh Tao — Complete Koh Tao Guide
Arriving via the Maenam Pier to Koh Tao route puts you at Mae Haad Pier by mid-morning — enough time to explore the entire island. Koh Tao is small (21km²) but extraordinarily rich in activities. Here is the complete breakdown of what to do, where to go and how to make the most of every day after the Maenam Pier Koh Tao crossing.
Koh Tao's main areas are Mae Haad (arrival pier area), Sairee Beach (longest beach, main social hub), Chalok Ban Kao (south bay, calmer), Hat Sai Daeng (east coast, rocky) and the island interior (viewpoints, jungle tracks). Each has a distinct character — understanding which suits your style before arrival makes the difference between a great Koh Tao experience and a frustrating one.
Maenam Pier to Koh Tao — Diving Guide
The primary reason most travellers make the Maenam Pier to Koh Tao journey is diving — Koh Tao is consistently ranked among the world's top 10 diving destinations for value, quality and marine life variety. Here is what to know before arriving:
| Dive Site | Depth | Highlight | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Bay (Thian Og Bay) | 2–8m | Black-tip reef sharks · Easy snorkeling | Beginner | South coast |
| Japanese Gardens | 5–12m | Coral gardens · Turtles · Colourful reef | Beginner | Northwest |
| White Rock | 5–20m | Diverse marine life · Moray eels · Fusiliers | Beginner–Mid | Northwest |
| Chumphon Pinnacle | 15–40m | Whale sharks · Giant grouper · Barracuda | Advanced | Northwest |
| Sail Rock | 5–40m | Whale sharks · Massive schools · Best site | Advanced | Between KT/KP |
| Southwest Pinnacle | 10–35m | Reef sharks · Mantarays · Leopard sharks | Intermediate | Southwest |
| Hin Wong Pinnacle | 10–30m | Pristine coral · Hawksbill turtles | Intermediate | East coast |
PADI courses on Koh Tao: The island has over 60 dive schools — from small boutique operations to large PADI Career Development Centres. The Open Water course costs 9,000–13,000 THB (approximately $250–360 USD) — one of the world's lowest prices for a PADI certification. Advanced Open Water adds another 8,000–11,000 THB. Rescue Diver and Divemaster courses are also widely available. Most dive schools on Sairee Beach can begin a course the morning after the Maenam Pier to Koh Tao arrival.
Best dive schools on Koh Tao: Big Blue Diving, Crystal Dive, Scuba Junction and New Way Diving are consistently well-reviewed for PADI training quality and equipment standard. All are located on or near Sairee Beach — within 10 minutes of Mae Haad Pier by taxi.
Maenam Pier to Koh Tao — Snorkeling Guide
Not every traveller making the Maenam Pier to Koh Tao journey is a certified diver — and Koh Tao's snorkeling is genuinely excellent for non-divers. The best snorkeling sites are accessible without any certification:
| Snorkeling Site | Access | Marine Life | Visibility | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Bay | Walk from Chalok Ban Kao | Black-tip reef sharks · Turtles | 10–15m | Free (bring own gear) |
| Japanese Gardens | Longtail boat (15 min) | Coral · Parrotfish · Turtles | 10–18m | 300–600 THB/boat |
| Mango Bay | Longtail boat (20 min) | Diverse coral · Reef fish | 8–15m | 300–600 THB/boat |
| Snorkeling day tour | Organised tour from pier | Multiple sites · Guide included | 10–20m | 600–1,200 THB/person |
Maenam Pier to Koh Tao — Island Viewpoints
Beyond diving and snorkeling, Koh Tao's interior offers some of the finest island viewpoints in the Gulf of Thailand — accessible after the Maenam Pier to Koh Tao ferry crossing on the same afternoon of arrival:
John Suwan Viewpoint: The most famous viewpoint on the island — a 20-minute walk from Chalok Ban Kao bay, reaching a rocky promontory with 270-degree views over the south bay, the open Gulf and the silhouettes of Koh Phangan and Koh Samui on the horizon. At sunset, the rock catches the golden light in a way that makes it one of the most photographed spots in the Gulf of Thailand. Free access, bring water.
Koh Tao View Point (Mango Viewpoint): A 30-minute uphill walk from Sairee Beach, reaching a wooden platform with views north over the Gulf toward Chumphon. The Thai flag at the summit is visible from the beach below. Brings a 360-degree perspective of how small and extraordinary the island is. Sunrise from here is exceptional.
Ao Leuk Beach: The island's most secluded east-coast beach — a 15-minute taxi from Mae Haad Pier, down a rough track to a turquoise bay with almost no development. Excellent snorkeling directly from the beach. Brings a packed lunch as there are no facilities.
Maenam Pier to Koh Tao — Food Guide
The food scene on Koh Tao has developed dramatically alongside the diving tourism — after the Maenam Pier to Koh Tao crossing, these are the best eating options by area:
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Area | Price | Why Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barracuda Restaurant | Mediterranean · Seafood | Sairee | $$$ | Best fine dining on island |
| Zest Coffee Lounge | Café · Breakfast | Mae Haad | $$ | Best coffee · Smoothies |
| Zanzibar Restaurant | Thai · International | Sairee | $$ | Best sunset view · Beachfront |
| Local Thai restaurants (market) | Authentic Thai | Mae Haad | $ | 60–150 THB · Most authentic |
| Chopper's Bar & Grill | BBQ · Sports bar | Sairee | $$ | Burgers · Happy hour |
| KohTao Seafood | Grilled seafood | Mae Haad | $$ | Fresh catch · Reasonable prices |
Maenam Pier to Koh Tao — Getting Around the Island
Once you arrive via the Maenam Pier to Koh Tao route at Mae Haad Pier, getting around Koh Tao is straightforward:
Motorbike taxi / pickup truck taxi: The most common transport on Koh Tao — available at the pier and throughout the island. Fixed rates between main areas: Mae Haad to Sairee Beach 100 THB, Mae Haad to Chalok Ban Kao 150 THB, Mae Haad to Shark Bay 200 THB. Negotiate fare before boarding.
Scooter rental: Available from multiple shops on Sairee Beach and Mae Haad for 200–300 THB/day. Koh Tao's roads are steep and winding in parts — only rent a scooter if you are confident and experienced. The road between Sairee and Chalok Ban Kao via the interior is particularly challenging in wet conditions.
Walking: Mae Haad to Sairee Beach is a flat 15-minute walk along the beach path. Sairee to Chalok Ban Kao requires either the steep interior road or a taxi. Walking is practical within areas but not between the north and south of the island.
Longtail boats: For reaching east-coast beaches and snorkeling sites inaccessible by road — Ao Leuk, Hin Wong Bay, Mango Bay. Available from Mae Haad Pier and arranged through any dive shop or guesthouse. 300–600 THB per boat for half-day trips.
Maenam Pier to Koh Tao — How Many Days to Stay
| Duration | What You Can Do | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 nights | Snorkeling · Shark Bay · Sunset viewpoint · Sairee Beach | Transit visitors · No diving |
| 3–4 nights | Above + PADI Open Water course complete | Beginner divers · First visit |
| 5–7 nights | Open Water + Advanced OW + multiple dive sites | Serious divers · Full experience |
| 7–14 nights | Rescue Diver · Divemaster preparation | Career divers · Extended stay |
Maenam Pier to Koh Tao — Best Season
| Month | Conditions | Diving | Ferry | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January–April | ☀️ Perfect · Calm | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best visibility | ✅ Always runs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best season |
| May–July | 🌦️ Mixed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good | ✅ Usually runs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good |
| August–September | 🌧️ Wetter | ⭐⭐⭐ OK | ⚠️ Occasional cancel | ⭐⭐⭐ Acceptable |
| October–November | ⛈️ Monsoon | ⭐⭐ Poor visibility | ❌ Frequent cancel | ⭐ Avoid |
| December | 🌤️ Improving | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good | ✅ Reliable | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good value |
Maenam Pier → Koh Tao — Book Now
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FAQ — Maenam Pier to Koh Tao
Is there a direct ferry from Maenam Pier to Koh Tao?
The Maenam Pier to Koh Tao ferry is not technically direct — it stops at Koh Phangan's Thong Sala Pier en route. However, passengers for Koh Tao remain on the boat during the Koh Phangan stop. The total journey time from Maenam Pier to Koh Tao is approximately 2 hours to 2h30 depending on the operator and conditions.
How often does the ferry run from Maenam Pier to Koh Tao?
The Maenam Pier Koh Tao ferry typically runs 1–2 times daily — primarily a morning departure. This is significantly fewer departures than Na Thon Pier (which has 2–3 daily services). Always book in advance via 12Go Asia and verify the current schedule before your travel day.
How much does the Maenam Pier to Koh Tao ferry cost?
The Maenam Pier to Koh Tao ferry costs approximately 400–600 THB depending on the operator and season. Lomprayah is the most expensive at 500–600 THB but the fastest and most comfortable. Seatran Discovery is slightly cheaper at 400–500 THB. Book via 12Go Asia for the guaranteed rate.
Should I use Maenam Pier or Na Thon Pier for Koh Tao?
Use Maenam Pier to Koh Tao if you are staying on Koh Samui's north coast (Maenam, Bophut, Choeng Mon) — the proximity saves 20–30 minutes of transfer time. Use Na Thon Pier if you are staying on the east coast (Chaweng, Lamai) — the transfer to Maenam Pier is similar to Na Thon, but Na Thon offers more daily departures and more operator choice.
Continue Reading
- Koh Tao to Samui — Ferry Guide
- Donsak Pier to Koh Tao — Complete Guide
- Complete Guide to Koh Samui 2026
- Best Hotels in Koh Samui 2026
- Scooter Rental Koh Samui
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