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In this article, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about traveling from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao in 2025.
Koh Phangan and Koh Tao are both among our favorite islands in Thailand, so if you are planning this trip, you’re doing something right already. We have included loads of details to help you plan your trip.
The trip from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao is relatively straightforward and easy to plan once you know where to start. However, there are a few important things that you do need to know to save stress, money, and time. We really hope that this article helps you plan your trip so that you can enjoy Koh Phangan and Koh Tao as much as we do.
Koh Phangan to Koh Tao – In Brief
Koh Tao is located around 36 km northwest of Koh Phangan. There are no airports on either of these islands; therefore, the only way to travel from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao is by boat. There are TWO ferry companies that currently operate on this route: Lomprayah and Songserm, and the price is 500 baht – 600 baht (roughly £12 – £15 or $15 – $18).
Why Visit Koh Tao?
Don’t miss our full guide to the BEST things to do in Koh Tao
There are lots of great reasons to visit Koh Tao. We highly recommend that you take a trip to Koh Tao, even if you are only able to stay for a few days.
Firstly, Koh Tao is a beautiful small island. It has beautiful green jungle-covered hills with a couple of stunning viewpoints. It is also one of the cheapest places in the world to qualify as an Open Water scuba diver. There are plenty of diving schools on the island offering a range of different courses and experiences. You can also learn to free dive in Koh Tao. This beautiful island is surrounded by stunning clear waters, a tropical reef, and the biodiversity is genuinely very impressive. You can take a very affordable snorkeling day trip around the coastline of Koh Tao. This is also a great place to see blacktip reef sharks and turtles.
Koh Tao is also relatively affordable, and while the prices are a little higher than the mainland Thailand, you can still get a lot for your money on this island. There are some very beautiful resorts on Koh Tao. What’s more, there is a wide range of food available, including delicious local Thai food and Western food. There is also a great nightlife at the hotel, especially along Sairee Beach (the main beach). This is a beautiful place to see the sunset, and there are plenty of bars, cafes, and restaurants along the beach.
How Much Does It Cost to Travel from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao?
Ferry ticket prices range between 500 baht – 600 baht (around £12 – £15 or $15 – $18). This is a fixed price, so it is not possible to barter this price down. You can always try, but it is worth being aware that locals will probably dig their heels in and won’t shift on the price. There is no discount for your return ticket (but you can buy your return journey in advance when you buy your out bound tickets).
Also, with only two companies, it isn’t really possible to find any cheaper ways to travel from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao. Ferry tickets for children (2 – 11 years old) are half price, and children under 2 are FREE. Children 12 years and older pay full price.
Outbound Ferry Schedule: Koh Phangan to Koh Tao
Ferries from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao run throughout the year, every day, including weekends, public holidays, and even during periods of bad weather.
| Departure & Arrival times | Company / boat | Journey time | Price per person |
| 8.30am – 9.30am | Lomprayah (catamaran) | 1 hour | 600baht |
| 12.30pm – 2.15pm | Songserm (big ferry) | 1hour 45min | 500 baht |
| 1pm – 2pm | Lomprayah (catamaran) | 1 hour | 600 baht |
| 3pm – 3.50pm | Lomprayah (speed boat) | 50 minutes | 600 baht |
| 4pm – 5pm | Lomprayah (catamaran) | 1 hour | 600 baht |
NOTE: The budget slowboat (Raja Ferries) does not operate on this route.
Return Ferry Schedule (Koh Tao to Koh Phangan)
| Departure & Arrival times | Company / boat | Journey time | Price per person |
| 7am – 7.50am | Lomprayah (speed boat) | 50 minutes | 700baht |
| 9.30am – 10.30am | Lomprayah (catamaran) | 1hour | 600 baht |
| 9.30am – 11.15am | Songserm (big ferry) | 1hour 45min | 500 baht |
| 3pm – 4pm | Lomprayah (catamaran) | 1 hour | 600 baht |
TOP TIP: If you take the 9.30 am Lomprayah from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan, you will arrive in Koh Phangan in time to take the 11 am Raja ferry to Surat Thani. You can quickly change ferries in Koh Phangan (same dock). This is cheaper than taking Lomprayah all the way back.
What Things Can You Take on the Ferry with You?
It is not possible to take a car or motorbike on the ferry from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao. It is, however, possible to take sports equipment like bicycles and surfboards. If you’re planning to bring larger items like this, we recommend that you speak to your travel agent when you purchase your tickets. Prices for bringing things on Lomprayah:
- Large water sports equipment: 300 baht (around £6 or $8)
- Bicycles: 500 baht (around £12 or $15)
- Pets: 200 baht per animal (around £4 or $5)
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Travel from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao
1 Purchase Your Tickets
If you’re planning to travel from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao, we strongly recommend that you book your tickets at least two or three days in advance, especially if you’re planning to book around the full moon or half-moon party time during the high season and around the full moon party. It may even be worth booking as much as a whole week in advance. The cheapest way to book tickets is to book directly from an agent at the ticket office situated at the ferry terminal in Koh Phangan.
TOP TIP: You can reserve tickets by messaging Ann (Friendly Tour) on WhatsApp: +66 6510 64 609. They will let you reserve your tickets in advance and then pay on collection at their office in the corner of the Koh Phangan Ferry Port ticket hall (near the entrance of the port).
2 Arrive at the Ferry Terminal in Koh Phangan
We recommend arriving at the Thong Sala ferry port at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time. There are plenty of staff around who will check tickets and direct you where to wait. There is a car park located at the ferry terminal. Many taxis pick up and drop off in the area too. There is a Seven Eleven shop nearby, so you can stock up on snacks and drinks for the journey.
3 Board the Ferry & Find a Seat
The staff at the ferry port will tell you when to board the ferry. You need to take all of your bags onto the ferry with you. The ferries tend to have plenty of seats, including outdoor sections and air-conditioned sections. There is also a place to leave your larger bags on the ferry, normally toward the front of the air-conditioned section.
4 Disembark in Koh Tao
Once you arrive in Koh Tao, you can disembark from the ferry. This may take a little time while the ferry docks. The Ferry Terminal in Koh Tao is located in the main town area to the east of Sairee Beach (the main beach in Koh Tao).
5 Find a Taxi or Walk to Your Accommodation
When you first get off the ferry in Koh Tao, it can be a little intense. Locals will be very keen to get you to take their taxi. Prices are always the highest right by the ferry terminal, so we recommend walking a little before you talk to a driver to agree on a price. Taxi prices in Koh Tao generally range between 100 baht – 300 baht, depending on how far you want to go.
What Facilities and Amenities Can You Get on the Ferry to Koh Tao?
The ferry from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao has very good facilities and amenities. There are toilets on board the ferry, and they have both indoor and outdoor seating areas, including air conditioning. The Songserm is slightly larger and more comfortable than the Lomprayah Ferry. However, Songserm is also a slower ferry. Both ferries have small shops where you can buy simple snacks and drinks. If you are planning to take a ferry over a mealtime, we recommend that you buy some food in advance, or make sure you eat before you get on the ferry. There is not a wide range of choice, and the food is pretty simple on the ferry.
How Do You Get to Your Accommodation in Koh Tao?
Once you arrive in Koh Tao, there are several options to travel to your accommodation. The best option depends on exactly where you’re staying and also on your own personal needs and preferences.
1 Walk
If you have booked a place to stay on Sairee Beach, the best option may be to walk to your accommodation. There is a footpath that leads all the way along the beachfront. However, taxis and cars cannot use this route. If you have booked accommodation on a different part of the island, you will either need to use car rental, bike rental, or a taxi.
2 Take a taxi
It is not possible to use taxi apps on Koh Tao, so you will need to make a deal with a local driver. There are plenty of taxis waiting around the ferry port in Koh Tao. We recommend walking a little further away to get a better deal with a local driver. Taxi prices in Koh Tao generally range between 100 baht – 300 baht (roughly £2 – £6 or $2.50 – $8).
3 Rent a bike
When we arrived in Koh Tao, we chose to rent a bike straight away, which cost around 250 baht per day (roughly £5 or $6). This enabled us to get to our accommodation without needing to pay for a taxi. Renting a bike to get to your accommodation has advantages and disadvantages. The main disadvantage is that you will need to carry your own bags, and this could be quite challenging and potentially dangerous if your bags are large. The main advantage is that you can use your bike rental to return to the ferry terminal at the end of your time in Koh Tao. If you do plan to rent a bike, remember to wear a helmet and ride carefully. You should be able to negotiate a better deal if you are planning to stay for longer.
TOP TIPS for Traveling from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao
- Remember to arrive at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time. This will allow you sufficient time to find your ferry and follow boarding instructions.
- Make sure you purchase your tickets early. This is especially important around the full moon and half-moon party time. Try to get your ticket at least two or three days in advance.
- We recommend bringing some snacks and drinks on the ferry with you.
- If you’re prone to seasickness, we recommend taking some anti-nausea medication before you get on the boat. Although the journey is not normally very rough, there can be significant swell in the ocean, especially during periods of bad weather, and this can cause seasickness.
- When you arrive in Koh Tao, don’t be put off by the intensity of the locals. Just be confident and walk a little way from the ferry port to find a taxi.
- If you’re planning to spend some time on the deck, remember to wear sunscreen, as the natural breeze can make it feel cool, and you may be unaware of burning in the intense tropical sun.
Best Places to Stay in Koh Tao
If you have not yet found a great place to stay in Koh Tao, here are a few of our favorite hotels on the island:
- The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel – Clean, light, and well-kept. Excellent range of budget options. One of the best hotels in Koh Tao for a budget. Book a room on Agoda or on booking.com.
- The Ecotao Lodge – Budget nature bamboo huts with great views and natural vibes. One of the best eco-hotels in Koh Tao. Book a room on Agoda or on booking.com.
- Naroua Villas – Big range of villas with amazing views. Luxurious, clean new property. Book a room on Agoda or on booking.com.
- Overthemoon Luxury Pool Villas – Super stylish luxurious villas with private pools and an amazing view. Book a room on Agoda or on booking.com.
- Phandara Luxury Pool Villas – Large spacious rooms with beautiful views (as seen in the picture above). Book a room on Agoda or on booking.com.
How Is Koh Tao Different from Koh Phangan?
Koh Tao is smaller than Koh Phangan; however, it is still a very popular destination and very developed for its size. Koh Tao has a good range of amenities, including ATM machines, convenience stores, a small supermarket, and there is even a local hospital on the island.
There are cars and taxis on Koh Tao, and the roads are much quieter compared to Koh Phangan. The waters around Koh Tao are much better for snorkeling, swimming, and diving. If you want to dive in Koh Phangan, you need to take a trip to Sail Rock (most dive schools in Koh Phangan use this area for lessons and trips).
As a larger island, Koh Phangan does have a wider range of shops, cafes, restaurants, and resorts. This island is also famous for the full moon and half-moon parties. Koh Phangan also has a large community of full-time family travelers, hippies, digital nomads, and expats who love the island life.
