What to expect when visiting Bangkok
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is one of the most visited cities in the world. There’s something about the constant buzz and energy floating through its streets at all hours of the day, giving it the name of the city that never sleeps!
Its main attractions include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. But ancient temples aren’t the only reason people flock to this vibrant city. From jam-packed shopping areas to mouthwatering street food and the wild nightlife of Khao San Road, there are so many things you can do in Bangkok.
4 ways to get from Koh Tao to Bangkok
There are four ways to travel the distance of 835 km (519 miles) from Koh Tao to Bangkok: by bus + ferry (11 hours), train via chumphon (13h45m-14h19m), flight + ferry (2h15m-5h15m) and train via surat thani (17h23m-18h47m). The journey takes between 2h15m - 18h47m and the quickest way is by flight + ferry. The lowest priced tickets start from 1,320 THB ($37.00) for the bus + ferry.Where to stay in Bangkok?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Bangkok at the bottom of this page.
Koh Tao to Bangkok by Bus + Ferry
If you choose to travel by bus, it’s best to book a combined bus and ferry ticket. This option will save you the hassle of arranging a second transfer.
Lompraya is the only company offering bus and ferry transfers from Koh Tao to Bangkok. It has a departure once a day at 10:15. Fare starts at 1,320 THB ($37.00) for the 11-hour journey.
Departure and arrival stations
The first part of the trip is boarding a ferry departing from Mae Haad pier in Koh Tao. The pier is just 3 km from the centre of Koh Tao or a 10-minute drive.
The ferry will dock at Thung Makham Noi in Chumphon, where a bus or a minivan will take you to Hua Hin.
From Hua Hin, you will head to Bangkok. The bus usually drops off passengers near Khao San Road. You can ask the driver to drop you off at another stop along the way, but note that not all drivers will oblige.
Bus Schedule from Koh Tao to Bangkok
Be aware that many ferries from Koh Tao head to Surat Thani. The ferry ticket that is included in this ticket brings you to Chumphon. Surat Thani is further south and not recommended if you want to continue the journey by bus.
Koh Tao to Bangkok by Train via Chumphon
When travelling by train from Koh Tao to Bangkok, you have two options: you can go via Chumphon or Surat Thani, which are about 180 km from each other.
Surat Thani is the more popular transport hub when visiting Thailand’s southern islands. But for this route, we recommend travelling via Chumphon for a faster and cheaper journey.
Step 1: Koh Tao to Chumphon Train Station by Ferry + Bus
KP Tripadvisor and Songserm used to offer combined ferry and bus rides from Koh Tao to Chumphon daily, but they haven’t resumed their operations since the pandemic.
The last time we checked (August 2022), Lomphrayah is the only company operating from Koh Tao to Chumphon Train Station. Fares start from 950 THB ($26.00), and you can expect to reach Chumphon in 2 hours 45 minutes.
Train via Chumphon options from Koh Tao to Bangkok
The ferry departs from Mae Haad in Koh Tao and docks at Thung Makham Noi Pier. From there, a bus or a minivan will directly transfer you to Chumphon Train Station.
Step 2: Chumphon to Bangkok by Train
We recommend that you take a night train from Chumphon to Bangkok. This way, you will be well-rested once you arrive in the capital city.
Considering the ferry and bus schedule, you will have a couple of hours to have dinner and enjoy a quiet evening near the railway station before continuing your journey to Bangkok.
Fares for a 2nd class sleeping berth start at 650 THB ($17.50) and travel time is 11-11.5 hours.
See below our recommended train schedules:
Train via Chumphon options from Koh Tao to Bangkok
Aside from the 2nd class berth (A/C) tickets, you can also choose the more comfortable first-class train tickets for 1,235 THB ($34.00).
Koh Tao to Bangkok by Train via Surat Thani
In case the schedules of ferries and buses bound for Chumphon do not match your itinerary, you can also take the train from Surat Thani. But this option takes longer and is more expensive than when you travel via Chumphon.
We give a step-by-step guide below.
Step 1: Koh Tao to Surat Thani Train Station by Ferry + Bus
However, the last time we checked (August 2022), only Lomprayah operates on this route. Fare starts at 1,075 THB ($29.50) and travel takes around 4.5 hours.
All ferries depart from Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao and complete their journey at Surat Thani Train Station.
Check out the schedules below:
Train via Surat Thani options from Koh Tao to Bangkok
Be sure to check the train schedule that aligns with your arrival time in Surat Thani.
Step 2: Surat Thani to Bangkok by Train
Upon arriving at Surat Thani Train Station, you will still have a few hours to grab dinner or explore the surrounding area before boarding a night train to Bangkok. The earliest train that departs from Surat Thani to Bangkok leaves at 10:25 and the latest is 23:14.
We recommend booking a ticket for a 2nd class A/C sleeper which starts at 730 THB ($20.00). Travel time is between 13 to 14.5 hours, depending on which train you pick.
The train’s last stop is at Hua Lamphong Railway Station, which is 15-30 minutes away from Bangkok city centre.
Train via Surat Thani options from Koh Tao to Bangkok
If you want maximum comfort, you can also upgrade to a more comfortable 1st class berth for 1,340 THB ($36.50).
For an overview of train options and more details, visit our page on Surat Thani to Bangkok.
Koh Tao to Bangkok by Flight + Ferry
Taking a flight from Koh Tao to Bangkok is the quickest option, but it’s also the most expensive. Koh Tao does not have an airport, so you’ll first need to head to Koh Samui.
To arrange your transport to Koh Samui Airport (USM), you need to book a ferry and van ticket. Flight tickets must be bought separately.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Koh Tao to Koh Samui by Ferry + Taxi
Seatran Discovery used to offer combined ferry and van trips daily to Koh Samui Airport (USM). However, since the pandemic, they have not yet updated their schedule.
The last time we checked (August 2022), Lomprayah offers trips that depart at 9:30 and 11:00. Fare starts at 560 THB ($15.00).
The first part of the journey is boarding a ferry that departs from Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao to take you to Nathon Pier in Koh Samui. The whole trip takes 1.5-2 hours.
Upon reaching Nathon Pier, you take a taxi or book a Grab taxi to Koh Samui Airport (USM). Fares start at 360 THB ($9.50), and it will take about 35 minutes to reach the airport.
Be sure to book your ferry accordingly and leave some extra time for check-in at the airport.
Step 2: Koh Samui to Bangkok by Flight
Bangkok Airways is the only carrier operating flights from Koh Samui to Bangkok, and you can choose from multiple flight options daily. One-way ticket prices start at 2,500 THB ($68.00) and the flight takes just over 1 hour.
The earliest flight departing from Koh Samui Airport (USM) to Bangkok leaves at 08:00 with the last flight at 19:40. All direct flights land at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) airport.
For the best flight deals, check out Skyscanner:
For more information, you can read our page on how to go from Koh Samui to Bangkok.
Our favourite places to stay in Bangkok
Bangkok is a big and bustling city with each neighbourhood offering something different to the next. Covering nearly 1600 km² and offering over a thousand accommodation options, it can be slightly daunting picking where to stay. Here is a quick rundown of our favourite areas to stay in Bangkok:
- Khao San Road — is one of the most famous areas in Bangkok, known for its party reputation. This area attracts a lot of backpackers that are looking for cheap accommodation and a place to party.
- Sukhumvit — has a more relaxed nightlife, centred around sophisticated restaurants and rooftop bars as opposed to travellers dancing on tables. It’s a great jumping-off point to explore the jam-packed city, thanks to the good connections via public transport.
- Riverside — along the Chao Phraya River, you’ll find an area rich in history and culture, hosting many of the popular sights of Bangkok, including the Royal Palace and Wat Pho – the Reclining Buddha.
Check out our favourite accommodations in Bangkok:
dusitD2 Samyan - Treating Yourself
dusitD2 Samyan is one of the most unique hotels in Bangkok with its tiered appearance overlooking the city. You can take a refreshing dip in their sky swimming pool and enjoy the panoramic views. Or head to the gym and take them in whilst working up a sweat.
The floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the hotel create a bright and modern feel. The rooms are stunning, and decorated to an extremely high standard. This is one of the best hotels in Bangkok.
- One of the coolest buildings in Bangkok
- Rooftop swimming pool
- Onsite gym
- Bright and modern rooms
King rooms start from $110 per night.
The One Smart Living - Treating Yourself
The One Smart Living offers incredible value for money. The rooms are beautiful and feel extremely luxurious. You won’t want to leave your room it’s so nice!
It’s a great choice if you want to be close to the airport, but not so close that you’re constantly hearing planes above your head. The staff are incredibly helpful and super friendly. It’s hard to fault this place.
- Great value for money
- Close to the airport
- Helpful staff
- Beautiful rooms
Double rooms start from $50 per night.
Naga Residence - Mid Range
Naga Residence feels less like a hotel and more like a home — just a very beautifully designed home that’s exceptionally clean. The rooms are very spacious and all of them have a private balcony overlooking the city.
There’s also an onsite gym, garden and terrace area for you to enjoy. And when you venture out of the hotel there are plenty of restaurants, shops and cafes nearby.
- Huge rooms
- Exceptionally clean
- Private balcony
- Onsite gym
Double rooms start from $37 per night.
Phranakorn-Nornlen - Mid Range
It will be hard to find another hotel in Bangkok like Phranakorn-Nornlen. This hotel is like a piece of art, with every room decorated differently and boasting a unique theme. Make sure to pick your room wisely.
The staff takes your stay here to another level. They are incredibly friendly and helpful. They’ll give you great recommendations for the local neighbourhood which is full of cosy cafes and local restaurants.
- Unique design and rooms
- Incredible staff
- Nice local neighbourhood
- Very clean
Double rooms start from $33 per night.
Greenery Hostel - Budget Friendly
As you’ve probably already guessed, Greenery Hostel has a green theme both inside and outside. It actually creates a really tranquil vibe inside a busy city.
The rooms are simple but great value for money. Plus there are nice chill-out spaces throughout the hostel with a swing, games and comfy chairs. It’s in a great location, close to lots of Bangkok’s attractions.
- Great value for money
- Relaxing chill-out areas
- Good location
- Free cancellation
Private rooms start from $21 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions about Koh Tao to Bangkok
What is the distance from Koh Tao to Bangkok?
The distance from Koh Tao to Bangkok is 835 km (519 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Koh Tao to Bangkok?
The fastest way to get from Koh Tao to Bangkok is by flight + ferry and takes 2h15m-5h15m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Koh Tao to Bangkok?
The cheapest way to get from Koh Tao to Bangkok is by bus + ferry with ticket costs starting from 1,320 THB ($37.00).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Koh Tao to Bangkok. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Bangkok Travel Guides
The Ultimate Bangkok Travel Guide
12 Best Things to Do in Bangkok
Routes from Bangkok
Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the City Centre
Most popular routes in Thailand
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
