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From Koh Tao to Koh Samui: Travel by Ferry

Key facts
  • Crossing time 1h 25m–3h 30m
  • Operators 3
  • Departures a day 9
Sailing season This route sails all year round.

500+ THB

Transition from Koh Tao to Koh Samui by Ferry and Bus

Eighteen-armed white Guanyin statue at Wat Plai Laem temple, Koh Samui, with stone guardian lion under pastel sky

From Koh Tao to Koh Samui 

Koh Samui is Thailand's second-largest island. It is nestled in the Gulf of Thailand. It is a picturesque paradise famed for its palm-fringed beaches, lush mountainous rainforest, and charming coconut groves. This island captivates visitors. It possesses a blend of natural beauty and luxurious amenities. They  include upscale spas and resorts for those seeking a lavish island experience. The east coast of Koh Samui is particularly renowned. Espescially for its beautiful beaches like Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach. Each offers unique landscapes and activities.

For travelers, the journey from Koh Tao to Samui island is an adventure in itself. Koh Tao, known as Tao Island, is a smaller but equally enchanting island famous for its coral reefs and diving spots. The trip between these islands can be made via various ferry services. They provide a scenic route across the waters of the Gulf. These ferry companies often offer combined bus and ferry tickets. This is perfect for a seamless travel experience. It is especially useful for those coming from Surat Thani Town or heading to Koh Samui Airport.

Once in Koh Samui, visitors can explore numerous attractions. The Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) stands as a majestic landmark. While the tranquil Wat Plai Laem Temple is known for its detailed and beautiful design.

Nature lovers will be drawn to the Na Muang Waterfalls. This is a breathtaking natural spectacle on the island. For a total experience, many opt for a day trip, which can include visits to various attractions and beaches.

The island's connections to nearby places like Don Sak also adds to its ease of access. It makes it a central point for exploring the surrounding islands and coastal towns. Whether it's a day spent lounging on the beach, exploring cultural landmarks, or hopping from island to island, Koh Samui offers a rich tapestry of experiences, making it a must-visit destination in Thailand.

From Koh Tao to Koh Samui by boat 

Traveling from Koh Tao to Koh Samui presents limited options. Primarily because there are no direct flights or land routes connecting these islands. The main mode of transport is by sea, with ferry services being the most common and practical choice for this journey. These ferries offer regular schedules and are the go-to solution for travelers looking to move between the islands. This lack of variety in transportation might seem restrictive. But the ferry journey itself is an enjoyable experience. It showcases the beautiful marine landscape of the Thai Gulf.

From Mae Haad Pier to Nathon Pier 

Traveling from Mae Haad Pier to Nathon Pier offers a scenic journey along the beautiful waters of Thailand. This route connects two bustling hubs. It provides travelers with a glimpse of the picturesque coastal landscapes and vibrant marine life of the region.

From Mae Haad Pier to Bangrak Pier 

The journey from Mae Haad Pier to Bangrak Pier is a captivating experience, showcasing the stunning seascape of Thailand. This route not only connects travelers to key locations. It also offers breathtaking views of the island's serene beaches and crystal-clear waters.

From Mae Haad Pier to Maenam Pier 

The voyage from Mae Haad Pier to Maenam Pier is a delightful trip across the tranquil waters of Thailand. It offers passengers a chance to witness the splendid natural beauty and serene coastal scenes of the region. This trip offers an easy and smooth way to get between these important places. It adds to the journey with lovely ocean views and a peaceful, sea-side feel. 

From Koh Tao to Koh Samui by helicopter 


Helicopters are like something out of a movie. They are often used by very important people or spies to get around quickly and with style. If you have the cash and want to experience this high-flying adventure, it's pretty easy to book a ride online. But there's a catch: helicopters aren't great for the environment, and here's why.

First off, they use a lot of fuel. Flying a helicopter, especially during takeoff and landing, consumes a lot of energy. It is one of the causes of air pollution. This kind of pollution is not only bad for the air we breathe but also adds to climate change.

Best time to visit 

The best time to visit Koh Samui is from December to February. During these months, the weather is usually dry, sunny, and not too hot. It is perfect for enjoying the beaches and exploring the island. March to August is also nice, but it gets a bit hotter, which is great for sunbathing and water sports.

However, from September to November, it's the rainy season. This means more rain and sometimes rough seas, which can change your plans, especially for outdoor activities. Keep in mind that around Christmas and New Year, the island is very busy with tourists. If you prefer a quieter visit with good weather, late January to April is a good choice. So, the best time really depends on what you like – sunny weather, fewer tourists, or enjoying the island's lively side. 

We also welcome you to share here your own experiences with us.

If you have any questions or need assistance, we encourage you to visit our help page and leave a message. Your feedback is important to us, and we are here to assist you.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to print my ferry ticket or is mobile ok?

You don't need to print your ticket. Your boarding voucher is in your account: open Bookings, then View trip details, and click Download PDF. On the day of travel, show the QR code on it — on your phone is fine — to the ferry operator staff at the pier named on your ticket, and they will direct you to your boat.

If you'd prefer paper, print the PDF yourself.

What happens if my ferry is cancelled due to weather?

We are sorry when weather stops a sailing. Ferries usually run in rain; speedboats are more often stopped by rough seas.

If your trip is cancelled because of weather, your booking in Bookings shows a message once our team has confirmed the cancellation. You can then either move to the next available service with Change this booking, or cancel with Cancel & refund for a full refund.

If the sailing is running but you choose not to travel, the normal cancellation policy applies.

Why is my account locked?

We lock an account for a short time after several failed sign-in attempts in a row. It is an automatic safety measure: it stops someone else guessing your password, and it happens whether or not the person typing was you.

You do not need to contact us. The lock lifts on its own — see How long am I locked out for?

What is the difference between a locked and a blocked account?

Locked is automatic and temporary. It happens after repeated failed sign-in attempts and it lifts by itself — within a minute in most cases.

Blocked is a decision made by our team, and it does not lift on its own. If your account is blocked you will need to contact us; waiting will not change it, and neither will resetting your password.

If you are not sure which applies to you, get in touch and we will tell you.

How do I unlock my account now?

Wait, and try again. Every lock lifts on its own — a minute the first time, and never more than an hour however many attempts have failed. There is nothing to click and nobody to contact.

If you have forgotten your password, do not keep guessing: each wrong attempt makes the next wait longer. Use Forgot password instead. Resetting your password gets you straight back in.

My account locked but I never tried to sign in

Then someone else was trying to sign in as you, and the lock did its job — it stopped them.

Your account is safe: a lock means the attempts failed. Nobody got in. You do not have to do anything, and the lock will lift on its own.

We would still recommend two things:

  • Change your password, especially if you use the same one on another website.
  • Add an authenticator app in your account security settings, so a password alone is never enough to sign in as you.

If you get these repeatedly, contact us and we will look into it.

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