Traveling from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao is easy by ferry or speedboat, making it a popular route for travelers exploring the Gulf of Thailand.
Boonsiri high speed catamaran
Boats usually depart from Thong Sala Pier on Koh Phangan and arrive at Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao. The journey typically takes around 1–2 hours, depending on the operator, boat type, and sea conditions. Ferries are a popular choice for their balance of comfort and price, while faster services may offer shorter travel times. Once you arrive on Koh Tao, you can take a taxi or local transfer to your accommodation or nearby beaches. Koh Tao is famous for its diving schools, snorkeling spots, and clear waters, making it a favorite destination for underwater activities. Ferry schedules may vary depending on the season and weather. Booking tickets in advance is recommended during busy travel periods, especially around the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan and public holidays.
The Koh Phangan to Koh Tao crossing is by high-speed catamaran from Thong Sala Pier on Koh Phangan to Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao. SmartEnPlus sells four daily departures: Boonsiri at 08:45, 13:15 and 15:25, and Lomprayah at 13:00. The crossing takes between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes.
All four are shared catamaran services at ฿600 per adult in standard class, so the choice is the departure time rather than the carrier. There is no hotel pickup on Koh Phangan — make your own way to Thong Sala Pier. On Koh Tao the boat arrives at Mae Haad Pier in Mae Haad village, where songthaews and taxis run out to the beaches and dive resorts; many dive resorts and bungalows collect passengers free of charge if given the arrival time.
The Koh Phangan to Koh Tao catamaran crossing costs ฿600 per adult in standard class, and that is the only adult fare on the route. It is the same for Boonsiri and Lomprayah and the same at every departure time, from the earliest 08:45 sailing to the last at 15:25.
Shopping elsewhere can be slightly cheaper: the same Lomprayah catamaran appears on third-party booking sites at about ฿522 with a promotional discount applied, roughly ฿80 less than the SmartEnPlus price.
Child and infant fares are not published for this route, so confirm the price for the whole party at the point of booking rather than assuming the adult rate covers children.
Every Koh Phangan to Koh Tao ferry on SmartEnPlus arrives at Mae Haad Pier on the west side of Koh Tao. The three Boonsiri departures and the Lomprayah catamaran all use the same pier, so the arrival point is the same whichever departure is chosen.
Mae Haad is the island's main port and arrival hub. The pier sits in Mae Haad village rather than at one of the beaches, so ground transport is still needed to reach an accommodation. Songthaews and taxis run from the pier to the beaches and dive resorts, and many dive resorts and bungalows offer a free pickup when given the arrival time in advance. Boonsiri's own ticket counter is on Mae Haad Beach, a short walk from the pier.
