Choosing the best way to reach the stunning dive island of Koh Tao often comes down to two major mainland hubs: Chumphon and Surat Thani. Both offer access to the Gulf of Thailand’s Turtle Island, but they differ significantly in travel time, cost, and overall experience.
🏝️For the eco-conscious traveler, selecting the shorter, more direct route generally translates to a lower carbon footprint. Let’s compare the options to help you make a smarter, greener travel choice.
Route Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | Chumphon Pier to Koh Tao | Surat Thani Pier to Koh Tao |
| Duration (Sea) | Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes | Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 45 minutes (Varies significantly by pier/vessel) |
| Distance | Shorter (Approx. 68 km) | Longer (Approx. 150 km) |
| Indicative Cost (One-Way Ferry) | THB 750 – 950 (Approx. $20 – $26 USD) | THB 900 – 1,200+ (Approx. $25 – $35+ USD) for direct pier-to-pier or bus/van + ferry combo |
| Key Advantage | Fastest sea crossing, minimizing fuel use and travel time. | Better option for travelers coming directly from Krabi, Phuket, or landing at Surat Thani Airport (URT). |
| Eco Choice | Generally the greenest option (shorter distance). | Offers a more budget-friendly Sleeper Boat option (long, slow crossing). |
| Timetable of ferry | 07:00 AM and 13:30 | 10:00 AM and 13:00 |
Chumphon: The Swift and Sustainable Choice ⚡️
The route from Chumphon is the shortest sea crossing to Koh Tao. This is why it is widely considered the superior choice for travelers prioritizing speed and lower overall journey emissions.
Travel Time & Schedule
Ferry Duration: The journey from Thung Makham Noi Pier in Chumphon to Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes via high-speed catamaran.
Mainland Access: To get to Chumphon, you can take an overnight train from Bangkok (more eco-friendly than flying), a bus, or a domestic flight to Chumphon Airport (CJM). Integrated bus/van transfers from the train station or airport to the ferry pier are common.
Cost
Ferry Ticket: Expect prices for the fast ferry to be around THB 750 – 950 (approx. $20 – $26 USD) one-way.
Our Geo-Friendly Verdict for Chumphon
Chumphon is the recommended route for a lower-carbon journey. The significantly shorter distance means the ferry uses less fuel per trip compared to the Surat Thani route. If you are starting your journey from Bangkok, consider the overnight train to Chumphon; it is the most sustainable way to cover the long distance to the south.
Surat Thani: The Budget and Southern Hub Option 💰
Surat Thani acts as a major travel hub, especially for those arriving from the Andaman Coast (Krabi, Phuket) or using the larger Surat Thani International Airport (URT). However, the sea journey to Koh Tao is considerably longer.
Travel Time & Schedule
Fast Ferry/Speedboat Duration: Crossings from piers like Tapee Pier can range from 2 hours 30 minutes (by fast speedboat) up to 4 hours 45 minutes (by express catamaran) to Koh Tao. The total travel time including the initial bus/van transfer from the airport or city center is often 4 to 6 hours.
Sleeper Boat Option: For budget travelers, there are overnight Sleeper Boats that take about 8 to 10 hours. While slow, this option saves you a night’s accommodation cost.
Cost
Combined Tickets: Tickets often include the bus/van transfer from the airport/train station/city to the pier, costing roughly THB 900 – 1,200 (approx. $25 – $35 USD) or more.
Sleeper Boat: The slower overnight boat is typically the cheapest option, often starting around THB 750 – 950 (approx. $20 – $26 USD).
Our Geo-Friendly Verdict for Surat Thani
Choose the Surat Thani route only if it is significantly more convenient for your entire itinerary, especially if you are connecting from another major travel point like Phuket or Krabi. If you do use this route, consider the Sleeper Boat. While it takes a long time, its slow speed might contribute to a lower per-passenger fuel consumption rate compared to the fast speedboats, and it certainly helps you conserve resources (and money!) by eliminating a night at a hotel.
