Diving Koh Tao

[DevonDiver]

What's the 'best' way to get to Koh Tao from Bangkok if comfort is more important than either time or money?

I've looked at the various options here: WikiTravel Ko Tao

and elsewhere.

Three Options:

1) Flight to Samui, then ferry. The most expensive option, but quite painless. Fly from BKK to Samui, then jump on a ferry to Tao. Lomprayha catamaran is the nicest ferry option IMHO. Depending on your flight time, you may need to overnight in Samui.

2) O/N Train to Chumporn, then ferry. This was my favorite option. Good value + comfortable. You should arrive in Tao quite fresh. Get an overnight sleeper train from BKK to Chumporn Port, then ferry (recommend Lomprayha again) direct to Tao. The train is quite comfortable and safe. When the train arrives, early am, in Chumporn, you can get a free transfer to Farang Bar. Time to grab a drink/breakfast, then a coach arrives to take you to the Lomprayha pier. You can buy a 'Joint Ticket' for the train and ferry at most travel agencies (lots on Koh San Road) or direct from the train station.

3) O/N Bus to Chumporn, then ferry. The cheapest option, but not as comfortable as the train. Again, buy a 'Joint Ticket' from a tour operator kiosk/shop (many on Koh San Road). Arrive in Chumporn, pick-up other travellers at Farang Bar or Asia Divers, then on to the ferry pier. Again, I recommend the Lomprayha as your ferry choice.

 

[Buadhai]

Thanks DevonDiver. Exactly the sort of information I was seeking. I've done the overnight train a few times before (first was in 1977!) and have always enjoyed it.

 

[lord khram]

What's the 'best' way to get to Koh Tao from Bangkok if comfort is more important than either time or money?

Hire a chaufeur driven limousine along with a servant to take you directly to the ferry.Thailand Bangkok Limousines: Bangkok Limo & Car Hire Service
You may also wish to take an attractive young lady from one of your local beer bars to make the trip even more comfortable.

Alternatively you can join the Orient Express at Hua Lamphong in Bangkok, I am sure for the right fee they will schedule an additional stop at Chumpon to allow you to hop off.Eastern and Oriental Express - Luxury Train travel through South East Asia, Thailand and Singapore.

 

[ayeshacantrell]

If you check out :: Lomprayah High Speed Ferries :: º.àÃ×ÍàÃçÇÅÁ¾ÃÐÂÒ :: you will also find that they too offer a flight from BKK (old airport) leaving in the morning to connect with the afternoon ferry. This gets you here mid afternoon.

 

[Buadhai]

The connection from Don Muang looks good. I can get a bus direct from Korat. Price is not bad either. Thanks for that.

 

[ayeshacantrell]

No worries - its a reasonably new service so not widely known about yet !

Let me know if you have more questions !

 

[soupy]

watch out for the dodgy travel agents and the dodgy buses that you can get on Koh San Road.
Lomprayah have an office just near there, so it would be the best bet. Songserm also run their own buses, but the Lomprayah boat is faster and nicer.

I tried to get the train last year, but left it late, and ended up on the Songserm bus and boat, bit uncomfortable, but i survived.

 

[Buadhai]

I'd being going directly from Korat to Don Muang, with no stop anywhere near Khao San Road. It looks like you can get the air fare and ferry combined ticket online:

The Quick and comfortable way to travel
from bangkok to Chumporn, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan <- Scroll down.

 

[lord khram]

I'd being going directly from Korat to Don Muang, with no stop anywhere near Khao San Road. It looks like you can get the air fare and ferry combined ticket online:

The Quick and comfortable way to travel
from bangkok to Chumporn, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan <- Scroll down.

Good move, in my mind Khao sarn road is well avoided. Probably the worst place I have ever been in Thailand

 

[Buadhai]

Good move, in my mind Khao sarn road is well avoided. Probably the worst place I have ever been in Thailand

My wife and I made the mistake of walking through there once. We sat down for a cold drink and were shocked to be charged 70 baht for nam manao which, at the time, cost 5 baht here in Korat.

Ah, the dangers of the big city.