Getting here, when to come, what to pack and how to make the trip painless.
32 stories
TravelEverything a solo traveller needs to know before Koh Tao — safety (including for solo women), where to stay, a realistic budget, how to get here, things to do alone and how scuba diving works when you arrive without a buddy.
TravelDocuments, clothing, footwear, dive gear, health items, toiletries, tech and money — a table-by-table packing checklist for Koh Tao, plus what to leave at home.
TravelVisas, the TDAC, cannabis and vape bans, alcohol hours, scooter licences, coral-protection rules, dress codes and emergency numbers — the Thai laws every visitor to Koh Tao should know before arriving.
TravelEvery way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Tao — flight and ferry via Koh Samui, bus and ferry combos, the sleeper train to Chumphon and overnight boats — with times, costs and booking tips.
TravelFrom Koppee's quiet bay views in Chalok to Savage Hostel's rooftop pool parties, here are the hotel pools worth a lazy afternoon on Koh Tao — and which ones non-guests can use.
TravelEvery route to Koh Tao from Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Chumphon, Surat Thani and beyond, with durations, costs and the fastest and cheapest combinations of flight, bus, train and ferry.
TravelEvery way to travel from Koh Chang to Koh Tao — flying via Trat and Bangkok, overland bus and minivan to Chumphon or Surat Thani, and the ferry for the final leg — compared by time, cost and comfort.
TravelFerry times, prices and operators between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, plus the cheapest and most comfortable ways to reach the pier by minivan, songthaew or private taxi.
TravelGetting from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is a simple two-step trip — minivan or taxi to the pier, then a ferry. Here are the options, prices, timings and booking tips.
TravelEvery way to travel from Udon Thani to Koh Tao — flight and ferry via Koh Samui or Surat Thani, the scenic train via Chumphon and the budget bus — with durations, costs, ferry times and booking tips.
TravelEvery way to travel from Ayutthaya to Koh Tao — train, flight and ferry via Koh Samui, the overnight sleeper train via Chumphon, or the budget bus — with times, costs and booking tips.
TravelBus, train, taxi or plane plus the ferry — every route from Hua Hin to Koh Tao compared by time, cost and comfort, with ferry timetables, booking tips and the best season to travel.
TravelThere is no direct route between Koh Phi Phi and Koh Tao. Here is how the ferry-and-bus combo and the flight options compare on time, cost and comfort, plus timetables, prices and packing tips.
TravelEvery way to travel from Kanchanaburi to Koh Tao — flights via Bangkok to Samui, Surat Thani or Chumphon, bus and ferry combos, overnight trains and the ferry crossings that get you to the island.
TravelEvery way to travel from Pattaya to Koh Tao — bus, train, flight and ferry combinations compared by time, cost and comfort, with step-by-step routes and booking tips.
TravelEvery way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Tao — flight and ferry via Koh Samui, bus and ferry combos, the sleeper train to Chumphon and overnight boats — with times, costs and booking tips.
TravelFlight via Koh Samui, bus and ferry, private van, self-drive or overnight sleeper boat — every route from Phuket to Koh Tao compared by time, cost and comfort, with step-by-step directions and money-saving tips.
TravelEvery way to travel from Hat Yai to Koh Tao — train and ferry, combined bus and ferry tickets, and flights via Koh Samui, Surat Thani or Chumphon — with times, costs and tips for a smooth trip.
TravelVan, bus, flight or private taxi to Chumphon or Surat Thani, then the ferry — every way to get from Krabi to Koh Tao with durations, costs, ferry schedules and money-saving tips.
TravelEvery way to travel from Surat Thani to Koh Tao — bus and high-speed ferry, minivan, night ferry, speedboat or flying via Samui — with durations, prices, a typical day schedule and booking tips.
TravelChumphon is the closest mainland gateway to Koh Tao — here is how the ferry, the combined minivan-and-ferry ticket and the night boat work, what they cost, and what to do once you land at Mae Haad Pier.
TravelHow many days you need on Koh Tao depending on what you want to do — diving, beaches, viewpoints or a certification course — plus when to come, where to stay and what to budget per day.
TravelKoh Tao has no airport — Chumphon (CJM) is the nearest mainland gateway and Koh Samui (USM) the best-connected alternative. How to get from each airport to the ferry pier, which ferry to pick and what it all costs.
TravelTwo Gulf of Thailand islands, two very different vibes. Compare diving, nightlife, beaches, accommodation, getting there and the best time to visit so you can pick the island that fits your trip.
TravelHow to pick a dive hotel on Koh Tao — beachfront access, in-house dive courses, eco-friendly resorts, gear quality and what to consider for your skill level, plus planning and packing tips.
TravelDaily prices, the best rental shops, deposits and licences, road conditions, police checkpoints and how to avoid damage scams — everything you need to rent a scooter or motorbike on Koh Tao safely.
TravelThe main ways to travel from Bangkok to Koh Tao — by plane via Chumphon or Surat Thani, by train, by bus and by overnight ferry — and how each connects to the boat to the island.
TravelThere is no direct flight or ferry from Chiang Mai to Koh Tao — here are the realistic routes via Koh Samui, Surat Thani or Chumphon, and why the bus is not worth it.
TravelLomprayah and Songserm ferry times, ticket prices, the step-by-step journey from Thong Sala Pier to Mae Haad, and insider tips for a smooth crossing.
TravelAll four routes from Krabi to Koh Tao compared — minivan and high-speed ferry, bus and ferry via Surat Thani, the overnight direct boat and flying via Koh Samui — with 2026 prices, operators, departure times and insider tips.
TravelBus and ferry via Surat Thani, van and high-speed catamaran, the overnight sleeper boat or a flight to Koh Samui — all four Phuket to Koh Tao routes compared with prices, timings, operators and booking tips.
TravelDry season, monsoon and shoulder months explained month by month — temperatures, rainfall, diving conditions, what to pack and how the weather affects each dive site.
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