Heading to the tropical island of Koh Tao from Chumphon? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re arriving in Chumphon by train, bus, or flight, this guide will walk you through how to transfer from Chumphon to Koh Tao in 2025. It’s one of the most popular routes for travelers heading to Thailand’s Gulf islands, and luckily, it’s easy, scenic, and well-organized.
🛥️ Ferry Options from Chumphon to Koh Tao
1. Lomprayah High-Speed Catamaran (Most Popular)
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Departure Times: Usually 7:00 AM and 1:00 PM
- Pier: Lomprayah Pier (Thung Makham Noi Pier, about 20 km from Chumphon Town)
- Arrival Pier on Koh Tao: Mae Haad Pier
- Cost: 600–750 THB
- Booking: Online, at the pier, or through local agents
Why Choose Lomprayah?
✅ Fastest option
✅ Comfortable high-speed catamaran
✅ Seamless connections with train, bus, or minivan services
2. Songserm Ferry (Budget-Friendly Option)
- Duration: Around 3 hours
- Departure: Typically one morning service per day
- Cost: Around 500–600 THB
- Pier Location: Songserm Pier in Chumphon town
- Booking: Available online or through guesthouses
Good to Know: Songserm is slower but a good choice for travelers looking to save a bit.
🚆 Getting to Chumphon First
If you’re not already in Chumphon, here’s how most travelers get there:
By Train:
- Bangkok → Chumphon (8–10 hours by overnight sleeper train)
- Great option for combining comfort and saving a night’s accommodation
- Book with the State Railway of Thailand
By Bus:
- Buses leave daily from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal or Khao san Road
- Travel time: ~7–9 hours
- Many bus + ferry combo tickets available
By Flight:
- Nok Air and Thai AirAsia sometimes offer flights from Don Mueang Airport to Chumphon Airport
- Limited schedules, check ahead
- Includes a shuttle to the ferry pier if booked as a combo
By Night Boat
Night boats are also available, departing late evening and taking about 7 hours. This option is cheaper and popular with backpackers
🧳 Travel Tips
- Check the weather: During the monsoon season (Oct–Nov), ferries may be delayed or canceled.
- Book early during peak travel months (December–April and July–August).
- If you get seasick, pack motion sickness pills — the Gulf can be choppy!
- Bring a dry bag to protect your electronics during boarding.
📅 Best Time to Travel
The ideal time to travel from Chumphon to Koh Tao is during the dry season:
- High Season: January to May
- Diving Season: March to September (calm seas, clear visibility)
✅ Summary
| Transfer Type | Duration | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lomprayah Catamaran | 1.5–2 hrs | 600–750 THB | Fastest and most comfortable |
| Songserm Ferry | ~3 hrs | 500–600 THB | Budget-friendly option |
| Night Boat | 6.5–7 hrs | 600-700 THB | Mattresses on floor, basic |
🏝️ Final Thoughts
Getting from Chumphon to Koh Tao is one of the easiest and most scenic transfers in Southern Thailand. Whether you choose a speedy catamaran or a budget ferry, the journey offers stunning ocean views and leads you straight to one of the country’s top island destinations. Book in advance, stay flexible, and enjoy your adventure to Koh Tao!