Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) Ferries

The port of Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) plays a key role in the ferry network of Thailand, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 6 ferry routes operated by 2 ferry companies, Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier), with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Phuket Town - Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier), Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal Pinklao - Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier), Bangkok Khao San - Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) connecting Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Songserm, Lomprayah High Speed Ferries run regular services from Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier), offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

The journey to Koh Tao is part of the adventure, with regular ferry services connecting the island to neighboring Koh Samui (approximately 2 hours), Koh Phangan (1 hour), and the mainland port of Chumphon (2-3 hours). Most travelers first arrive at Surat Thani or Chumphon by train or bus from Bangkok (8-10 hours), or fly into Koh Samui before taking a connecting ferry. The island's main gateway, Mae Haad Pier, welcomes visitors to the heart of the island's western shore, with songthaews (shared taxis) readily available for transport to accommodations around the island. If arriving by car, secure parking facilities are available at the mainland departure piers in Chumphon and Surat Thani.

Nestled in the sparkling Gulf of Thailand, Koh Tao combines pristine beaches with a laid-back island atmosphere that captivates visitors from the moment they step off the ferry. This small yet vibrant island has earned its reputation as one of the world's premier scuba diving destinations, with crystal-clear waters hosting an extraordinary underwater ecosystem. Beyond the diving, Koh Tao offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventurous activities, and relaxed Thai hospitality that makes it an essential stop on any Gulf of Thailand island journey.

Koh Tao enjoys tropical weather year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from 25-32°C (77-90°F). The ideal time to visit is between February and April when calm seas, excellent visibility for diving, and minimal rainfall create perfect conditions for exploring both land and sea. October through December brings occasional heavy rains and rougher seas, sometimes affecting ferry schedules. March hosts the island's famous Koh Tao Festival, celebrating local culture with music and food. The shoulder months of May and January offer a sweet spot of good weather with fewer visitors and more competitive accommodation rates, making them excellent choices for travelers seeking a more tranquil island experience.

Mae Haad Pier serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the stunning islands of the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Phangan, just an hour away by ferry, tempts visitors with its famous Full Moon Party and secluded northern beaches. Larger Koh Samui, a 2-hour ferry ride, offers a more developed tropical paradise with upscale resorts and a wider range of amenities. Adventure seekers can continue to the mainland at Chumphon, gateway to Thailand's less-visited southern provinces. The journey between these islands is particularly scenic, especially during sunrise or sunset departures, with the opportunity to spot dolphins playing in the ferry's wake during certain times of year.

Koh Tao's main draw is undoubtedly its world-class diving and snorkeling, with sites like Shark Bay and Chumphon Pinnacle offering encounters with reef sharks, rays, and vibrant coral gardens. For those preferring to stay dry, hiking to the John-Suwan Viewpoint rewards with panoramic vistas of the island's distinctive hourglass shape. Sairee Beach pulses with energy as the island's social hub, lined with beachfront restaurants serving fresh seafood and authentic Thai cuisine. The more secluded Tanote Bay on the east coast provides a peaceful retreat with excellent snorkeling right from the shore. After sunset, the island transforms with fire shows and relaxed beach bars where you can dig your toes into the sand while sipping a cold Chang beer.

Despite its small size (just 21 square kilometers), Koh Tao certifies more new scuba divers than anywhere else in the world, earning it the nickname 'Turtle Island' not just for its shape but for the sea turtles that nest on its shores. The island was once a political prison until 1947, sitting completely uninhabited until the first settlers arrived by boat from neighboring islands in the early 1950s. Local legend claims that hidden pirate treasure remains buried somewhere on the island, with some elderly residents still occasionally searching the hills after particularly revealing dreams. The island is also home to an unusual granite boulder formation called Nang Yuan, where three tiny islands are connected by a stunning sandbar that disappears at high tide.