How to Get to Koh Tao from Koh Phangan

Key takeaways

• The ferry is the only way to travel between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, with all departures leaving from Thong Sala Pier and arriving at Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao.
• Lomprayah is the fastest option, completing the crossing in approximately one hour with up to four or five daily departures, while Songserm offers one daily service at a slightly lower price.
• Booking in advance is essential around Full Moon Party dates, as ferries sell out very quickly in the days following the event.
• A 20 THB pier entry fee is charged on arrival at Koh Tao for all passengers aged 12 and above, and this is not included in your ferry ticket price.
• The best time to make this crossing is between January and September, when seas are at their calmest and ferry schedules run at their most reliable.

Turquoise waters and sun-drenched beaches set the scene for one of Thailand’s most seamless island journeys. Separated by just 50 kilometres of the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao sit close enough that the crossing barely feels like travel at all.

Whether you have spent your time dancing at the Full Moon Party, exploring jungle waterfalls or unwinding on quieter northern shores, Koh Tao is the natural next step. There are no airports and no complicated transfers, just a single ferry from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao across one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful stretches of sea.

With crossings as short as one hour and two reputable operators to choose from, here is everything you need to know before you go.

Detail	Info
Distance	Approximately 50 km (31 miles)
Travel options	Ferry only
Fastest crossing	Approximately 1 hour (Lomprayah High Speed Catamaran)
Departure pier	Thong Sala Pier, Koh Phangan
Arrival pier	Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao
Ticket price range	450 THB to 600 THB per person
Operators	Lomprayah, Songserm
Pier arrival fee	20 THB per person (aged 12 and above)

What You Need to Know Before Travelling

Koh Tao has no airport, so the ferry is the only option for every traveller making this crossing. All departures from Koh Phangan leave from Thong Sala Pier, the island’s main port on the western coast. Even if you see two slightly different departure points listed during online booking, such as “Thong Sala” and “Lomprayah Office”, both refer to the same pier area. There is no need to worry about navigating multiple terminals.

Schedules do change seasonally, so always confirm timings closer to your travel date, particularly during the October to December monsoon period, when services can be reduced or altered at short notice.

Tip. If you are travelling just after a Full Moon Party, book your ferry ticket at least one to two weeks in advance. Boats sell out very quickly in the days following the event, and last-minute availability is rare during peak season.

Ferry Options from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao

Two operators run scheduled services between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao: Lomprayah and Songserm. Both are well established and reputable, and both arrive at Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao. The right choice for you will depend on your budget, your preferred departure time and how you tend to cope with choppy seas.

Lomprayah High Speed Catamaran

Lomprayah is the most popular choice for this route. It offers the fastest crossing and the highest number of daily departures, giving you genuine flexibility when planning your day. The vessels are modern, air-conditioned and equipped with onboard facilities, including bathrooms.

Departure time	Vessel type	Journey time	Price (adult)
08:30	High Speed Catamaran	Approximately 1 hour	600 THB
13:00	High Speed Catamaran	Approximately 1 hour	600 THB
15:00	Speedboat or Catamaran	Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes	600 THB
16:00	Ferry or Catamaran	Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes	450 THB

Note. Baggage allowance (Lomprayah): the standard allowance is 20 kg per passenger. Luggage above this limit incurs an additional charge of approximately 20 THB per kilogram, up to a maximum of 30 kg. Items weighing more than 30 kg may not be accepted on board.

Songserm High Speed Ferry

Songserm is Thailand’s oldest inter-island ferry operator and offers a solid, budget-friendly alternative for travellers who are not in a rush. With one daily departure, it suits those who prefer a mid-afternoon crossing or are particularly sensitive to rough seas. The higher sides help it stay more stable in rough water, making it a good choice during the wetter months.

Departure time	Vessel type	Journey time	Price (adult)
12:30	High Speed Ferry	Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes	500 THB

Lomprayah vs Songserm: Which Should You Choose?

Both operators are reliable, but they suit different types of travellers.

Use the comparison below to decide which is right for your trip:

Aspect	Lomprayah	Songserm
Speed	Approximately 1 hour (fastest)	Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes
Departures per day	Up to 4 to 5	1
Ticket price	450 to 600 THB	500 THB
Best for	Speed and flexibility	Budget and rough weather
Seasickness risk	Higher in rough seas	Lower
Air conditioning	Yes	Yes
Onboard bathrooms	Yes	Yes
Booking	Online or at the pier	Online or at the pier

Step by Step: Your Journey from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao

First-timers sometimes feel uncertain about what to expect on the day of travel.

Here is exactly what happens from the moment you leave your accommodation to the moment you step onto Koh Tao:

Step 1: Book your ticket in advance

Purchase online via the Lomprayah or Songserm websites, or through a trusted booking platform. Avoid buying from unlicensed touts at the pier, as prices are often inflated.

Step 2: Arrange transport to Thong Sala Pier

Take a private taxi for around 300 to 500 THB, depending on your location, or use a shared songthaew. Allow extra time during busy periods.

Step 3: Arrive at the pier at least 30 minutes early

Check-in queues can be slow during peak season. Arriving early ensures you have time to check in, tag your luggage and board without stress.

Step 4: Check in and drop your bags

Present your ticket (printed or digital). Large bags are stored in the hold. Keep valuables, medication and essentials in a day bag with you in the cabin.

Step 5: Board the ferry and find your seat

Choose an indoor air-conditioned seat if you are prone to seasickness. The middle of the vessel offers the most stable ride. Sit near the back on deck if you want fresh air and views.

Step 6: Enjoy the crossing

On a clear day, the Gulf of Thailand is extraordinarily beautiful. The crossing takes between 1 and 1.5 hours, depending on your operator and the conditions.

Step 7: Arrive at Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao

A pier entry fee of 20 THB per person is collected on arrival for passengers aged 12 and above. Have small change ready.

Step 8: Onward to your accommodation

Songthaews and motorbike taxis wait directly outside the pier exit. Most dive resorts and guesthouses offer a pickup service if arranged in advance.

Did you know? According to PADI’s Worldwide Corporate Statistics report, Thailand ranks second in the world for scuba diving certifications, and Koh Tao is at the heart of that reputation. It is no coincidence that so many travellers make this crossing with diving on their minds. View the PADI statistics report here.

Tips for a Smooth Journey

A little preparation makes all the difference on this crossing. Here is what to keep in mind before you head to the pier.

Dealing with Seasickness

The Gulf of Thailand can get surprisingly choppy, especially between October and December. If you know you are sensitive to motion sickness:

• Take seasickness tablets at least one hour before you board
• Sit in the lower cabin, towards the middle of the boat
• Avoid eating a heavy meal right before the crossing
• Keep a small bottle of water with you during the journey

Best and Worst Times to Travel

• January to September — the best time to travel. Seas are calm, skies are clear and ferries run on time.
• October to December — the monsoon season. Waves can be higher, and departure times may change at short notice.

If you are travelling between October and December, keep your plans flexible in case of last-minute schedule changes.

Protecting Your Luggage

Bags kept in the hold can sometimes get wet from sea spray, especially during rougher crossings. A few simple steps will keep your belongings safe:

• Use a dry bag or waterproof cover for your main luggage
• Always keep valuables, cash and your phone in your hand luggage with you in the cabin

Getting to the Pier

Koh Phangan does not have metered taxis, so here are your main options for getting to Thong Sala Pier:

• Shared songthaew — the green pickup trucks you will spot all over the island. Cheap and cheerful.
• Private taxi — arranged through your hotel or guesthouse. Costs between 300 and 600 THB, depending on where you are staying. Always agree on the price with your driver before you set off.

Local tip. Save the address of your Koh Tao accommodation and Mae Haad Pier on Google Maps before you board. Mobile signal can be patchy on arrival at the pier, and having an offline map makes the onward journey much smoother.

Arriving at Koh Tao: What Happens Next

Mae Haad is where every Koh Tao ferry docks, and the beating heart of the island’s arrivals. The town immediately surrounding the pier is full of guesthouses, dive shops, restaurants and convenience stores, making it an excellent first stop to get your bearings.

Sairee Beach, the island’s most popular stretch of sand and home to the majority of Koh Tao’s dive schools, is just 10 to 15 minutes on foot heading north along the main road.

Ready to dive? If you are heading to Koh Tao to learn scuba diving or explore the island’s famous dive sites, you’re in the right place. Check out our guide to the top dive sites in Koh Tao and start planning your underwater adventure.

Here are your transport options from the pier:

Transport option	Approximate cost	Best for
Songthaew	50 to 100 THB per person	Budget travellers heading to popular areas
Motorbike taxi	80 to 200 THB depending on distance	Solo travellers with light luggage
Pre-arranged hotel pickup	Varies, often free	First-time visitors and larger groups
Walking	Free	Sairee Beach or Mae Haad town

Quick reminder. Always book your ferry in advance around Full Moon Party dates, carry 20 THB in small change for the pier entry fee, and keep valuables in your hand luggage during the crossing.

Ready to Make the Crossing?

The journey from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao is simple, scenic and well served. Whether you choose Lomprayah or Songserm, world-class diving, snorkelling and sun-soaked beaches are just one hour away. Book in advance, arrive at Thong Sala with time to spare, and let Koh Tao take care of the rest.

Planning to dive while you are here? La Bombona Diving is based on Sairee Beach and offers courses and fun dives for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced divers ready to take on Sail Rock, Koh Tao’s finest and most celebrated dive site.

Frequently Asked Questions