How to go → CHIANG MAI to KOH TAO? ☀️

1. Train + Ferry to Tao
2. Flight + Ferry to Koh Tao
3. Bus + Ferry to Tao
🎫 Book Ticket to Koh Tao

From Chiang Mai to Koh Tao you can get by plane, train, bus + ferry.

• • The distance from Chiang Mai to Koh Tao (via Bangkok, Chumphon) spans approximately 1240 km by land. The most efficient and rapid means of reaching Koh Tao from Chiang Mai is to fly and then take a ferry via Bangkok and Chumphon. Chumphon hosts an airport with ferry and boat services to Koh Tao. Flights from Chiang Mai to Chumphon with a layover in Bangkok are available. The journey by plane and ferry from Chiang Mai to Koh Tao typically takes around 9-14 hours, costing approximately $100-140 per person. Ferries or speedboats from Chumphon dock at Mae Haad Pier in Koh Tao.
  • Another popular mode of transport to Koh Tao from Chiang Mai involves traveling by train and ferry, also via Bangkok and Chumphon. The train and ferry combination takes approximately 24-30 hours and costs about $30-150 per person. Although it’s the most economical option, it’s not the fastest. Alternatively, you can opt for a tourist bus and ferry or a private car and ferry via Bangkok and Chumphon. Flying to Koh Samui and then traveling from Koh Samui to Koh Tao by boat or ferry is also feasible. Easily secure your tickets and flights from Chiang Mai to Koh Tao online.

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• • Koh Tao ranks among the smallest inhabited islands in Thailand. The name „Koh Tao“ translates to Turtle Island, reflecting its former abundance of sea turtles, although their numbers have dwindled over time. Renowned as a „diver’s paradise,“ Koh Tao boasts the highest concentration of dive centers globally and issues the most diving certifications worldwide. For non-divers, the island offers typical beach activities found throughout Thailand. Due to its compact size, the island features a single beach encircling its perimeter, segmented by rocks into smaller sections. Before embarking on your journey to Koh Tao, familiarize yourself with the island’s weather conditions through this article: Weather in Koh Tao.
• • Two beaches stand out as particularly noteworthy: Sairee Beach, which fronts the main island town of Mae Haad and is arguably the most famous and accessible beach on the island, boasting numerous beach bars, pubs, and restaurants that remain lively until late at night. Haad Thien Beach, or Rocky Bay, ranks among the island’s most picturesque. Nestled within a small bay and sheltered by surrounding rocks, it enjoys relative seclusion from the waves. No visit to the island is complete without a trip to the nearby islet of Nangyuan, featuring a star-shaped beach connecting it with two other small islands. From Koh Tao, you can journey by ferry and minivan via Surat Thani to Khao Sok National Park, a distance of approximately 280 km through this town.

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How do I get from Chiang Mai to Koh Tao?

1. TRAIN + FERRY from Chiang Mai to Koh Tao

A) Train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok

• • there are trains of State Railway of Thailand from Chiang Mai to Bangkok
  • there are also comfortable sleeper trains, seats are the cheapest option
  • you can buy drinks and snacks and there is a toilet in the train
  • transfer by train to Bangkok from Chiang Mai costs about $6-50/pp (1st, 2nd, 3rd class trains)
  • transfer by train to Bangkok from Chiang Mai akes about 11-14.5 hours

B) Train from Bangkok to Chumphon

• • from Bangkok to Chumphon you can travel by train of State Railway of Thailand
  • transfer by train to Chumphon from Bangkok costs about $8-40/pp
  • transfer by train to Chumphon from Bangkok takes about 8.5-10.5 hours
  • the best option is to book your sleeper berth
  • you can check current Thailand Railway Map + Thailand Train Timetable

C) Ferry / Speedboat from Chumphon to Koh Tao

• • from Chumphon to Koh Tao you can get by ferry, speedboat or catamaran
  • transfer by ferry/boat to Koh Tao from Chumphon costs about $15-30/pp
  • travel by ferry/boat from Chumphon to Koh Tao takes about 2-3 hours
  • boats and ferries by KP Tripadvisor, Songserm, Lomprayah
  • you can also travel by bus+ferry from Chumphon Railway Station or Chumphon Airport
  • read this article: Chumphon to Koh Tao – Ferry Schedule

2. FLIGHT + FERRY from Chiang Mai to Koh Tao (via Chumphon)

A) Flight from Chiang Mai to Chumphon (via Bankgok)

• • there are some flights from Chiang Mai to Chumphon with stopover in Bangkok in Thailand
  • travel by plane from Chiang Mai to Chumphon takes about 5-8 hours
  • airlines to Chumphon Airport: Nok Air + various airlines from Chiang Mai to Bangkok
  • travel by plane from Chiang Mai to Chumphon with stopover in Bangkok costs about $80-100/pp

B) Ferry or Speedboat to Koh Tao from Chumphon

• • from Chumphon to Koh Tao you can travel by ferry, speedboat or catamaran
  • transport by ferry/boat to Koh Tao from Chumphon costs about $15-30/pp
  • transport by ferry/boat from Chumphon to Koh Tao takes about 2-3 hours
  • boats and ferries operated by KP Tripadvisor, Songserm, Lomprayah
  • you can also travel by bus+ferry from Chumphon Railway Station or Chumphon Airport
  • read this article: Chumphon to Koh Tao – Ferry Schedule

3. BUS + FERRY from Chiang Mai to Koh Tao

A) Bus from Chiang Mai to Bangkok

• • from Chiang Mai to Bangkok you can get by tourist bus or minivan
  • transfer by tourist bus to Bangkok from Chiang Mai takes about 11-14 hours
  • various bus companies to Bangkok: Songserm, Thai Sriram, Bangkok Bus Line, Transport Co…
  • travel by bus or minivan from Chiang Mai to Bangkok costs about $14-33/pp

B) Bus from Bangkok to Chumphon

• • from Bangkok to Chumphon you can get by tourist bus or minivan
  • transfer by tourist bus to Chumphon from Bangkok takes about 7 hours
  • bus companies to Chumphon: Suwanaatee (bus departs from Southern Terminal in Bangkok)
  • travel by bus from Bangkok to Chumphon costs about $12-15/pp

C) Transfer by ferry/boat from Chumphon to Koh Tao

• • ferry, speedboat or catamaran – available options of transfer to Koh Tao
  • ferry and boat tickets to Koh Tao from Chumphon cost about $15-30/pp
  • to reach Koh Tao from Chumphon takes about 2-3 hours
  • ferry and boat companies Koh Tao: KP Tripadvisor, Songserm, Lomprayah
  • read this article: Chumphon to Koh Tao – Ferry Timetable

4. TAXI/CAR + FERRY from Chiang Mai to Koh Tao

A) Private car from Chiang Mai to Chumphon (via Bangkok)

• • from Chiang Mai to Chumphon you can also travel by private car/taxi with stopover in Bangkok
  • transport by car/taxi to Chumphon from Chiang Mai takes about 16-20 hours with stopover in Bangkok
  • taxi companies to Bangkok + Chumphon: Jed Yord, Glassflower, Bangkok Taxi 24, Thailand Limo by Datum…
  • travel by car/taxi to Chumphon from Chiang Mai costs about $490-750/pp

B) Transport by ferry from Chumphon to Koh Tao

• • Koh Tao is accessible by ferry, boat or catamaran from Chumphon
  • transfer to Koh Tao from Chumphon costs about $15-30/pp
  • travel time by boat to Koh Tao is about 2-3 hours
  • read and check this article: Chumphon to Koh Tao – Ferry Times

❓ FAQ + TIPS – Travel from Chiang Mai to Koh Tao:

BOOK a TOUR / TRIP in Koh Tao ➜

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4 Ways of Transfer from Chiang Mai to Koh Tao:

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🎫 Book your tickets or flights from Chiang Mai to Koh Tao + Schedule:

(You can change your departure or arrival place, eg. Chiang Mai to Surat Thani, Bangkok to Koh Tao…)

Chiang Mai > Phi Phi｜Surat Thani > Koh Tao｜Pakse > Phnom Penh｜Vang Vieng > Pakse｜DonDet > Vientiane｜Hat Yai > Bangkok｜Hat Yai > Phuket

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