I wrote in a recent blog about all the different ways of getting to Koh Tao from Bangkok- bus then ferry, night train then ferry or flying to Koh Samui or Chumphon then ferry. But how do they compare in terms of service, comfort, cost, etc?
Getting to Koh Tao by bus from Bangkok is the cheapest option.
They call them VIP buses, but they’re just normal coaches that you’d get back home. Surprisingly they have decent legroom, a toilet, air-con, and tinted windows or a curtain to block out the sun. But the journey does take around 7-8 hours, and if they put on a Thai DVD you’ll be cursing yourself for forgetting your iPod headphones! They do stop halfway for you to get some food at motorway services and stretch your legs though. Good for those on a budget.
The night train is my favorite way to travel around Thailand.
If you choose 2nd class you’ll get a seat that they turn into a bed, which is surprisingly comfortable. If you choose air-con, have a jumper as it gets arctic cold! You can eat at your seat and order from a waiter, or you can go to the restaurant car and meet lots of random people over a beer or two. If you’re lucky the staff will wheel out the karaoke machine! Then it’s off to bed, and you’ll be woken up shortly before arriving at Chumphon at a ridiculous hour in the morning. Try and avoid third class unless you’re on a serious budget. You have been warned! The ticket you buy will include the ferry, so at the train station just ask where to go to get the bus transfer to the pier, then go to the ticket office to get your ferry ticket. You’ll need to book ahead though, the night train gets full, fast.
Flying is pretty quick but very expensive.
It’s around 5000Thb one-way and that won’t take you all the way to Koh Tao ether as you arrive in Koh Samui ( the coolest tropical airport in the world), and then you will still need to catch a boat to Koh Tao. I’ve only ever done it once and that was a while ago, but I remember it being pretty painless. Good for getting from Bangkok to Koh Tao on the same day. There are cheaper deals to be had if you fly into Chumphon, so shop around.
Ultimately you need to get on a ferry at some point!
Whichever way you have chosen to travel so far from Bangkok you will still have to get a ferry to get to Koh Tao and there are three options. The Lomprayah will be the busiest, but it’s also the fastest. There’s a VIP section that you can sit in air con for 200 baht, but the rest of the boat is fine if you can find a seat. It takes around 2 hours to get to Koh Tao from Koh Samui or Chumphon, so it’s probably a good idea to bring some snacks and drinks- prices on the ferry are expensive. The Seatran is similar to the Lomprayah, but it takes a little longer, and the Songserm is for those on a budget. It takes a lot longer and can be uncomfortable. Whichever way you choose, if it’s your first time in Thailand it’ll be a bit of an adventure!
