What you need to know. travel, weather and more.
get information about the island of Koh Tao and how to get here
Travel – Bangkok To Koh Tao
Travel is one of the most important things that you need to be aware of nowadays and attention to planning can be quite important. Bus, boat and plane schedules can change at any time and we would advise you to visit Island Travel for the most up to date information regarding tickets. Their staff are very helpful and can answer travel queries or book tickets for you.
The information provided on this page is can be subject to change so please contact us if you have questions or queries regarding travelling.
BANGKOK TO KOH TAO
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The most popular way to get to Koh Tao is either bus or train from Bangkok to the port of Chumphon and then high-speed ferry over to the island.
The Lomprayah travel office has a joint bus + boat option, overnight from Bangkok to Chumphon by bus and then their own high-speed Catarmaran service to Koh Tao which takes just under 2 hours.
The fastest way to get here is to fly to our neighbour island of Koh Samui and then catch one of the boat services to Koh Tao.
BY PLANE
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The nearest airport to Koh Tao is on the neighbouring island of Koh Samui. Bangkok Airways have several daily direct flights from Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to Koh Samui.
Alternatively, Nok Air have daily flights from Bangkok Airport (Don Muang) to both Surat Thani and Chumphon which are far cheaper
*Please note that getting to Koh Tao from Surat Thani takes a lot longer than from Koh Samui.
BY BUS
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From Bangkok, the Lomprayah buses depart at 6.00am and 9.00pm daily. Both of these services arrive at Chumphon Pier in time for either the 7.30am or 1.00pm ferry service to Koh Tao. The ferry crossing from Chumphon to Koh Tao takes around 2 hours.
Contact & Booking: www.lomprayah.com.
BY TRAIN
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The more comfortable overnight sleeper trains depart from Bangkok at 5.35pm, 6.20pm and 7.30pm. All of these services will arrive at Chumphon in time to catch the morning Lomprayah ferry at 7.30am. There is a free shuttle transfer from Chumphon Station to the pier.
If you don’t overnight travel, the afternoon departures from Bangkok will get to Chumphon between 9.30 – 12.00pm which gives you the choice of staying one night in Chumphon before taking the boat to Koh Tao the following day. Tickets can be bought directly at the station or online, however it’s a good idea to arrive a couple of hours before departure.
KOH TAO WEATHER
January – February
The beginning of the year offers some of the best all round weather. The monsoon winds calm to reveal flat seas, beautiful sunshine & amazing sunsets. The sea is flat calm and within a few weeks of the monsoons end, the visibility is often as far as 30 metres.
March – April – May
This tends to be the best time of year for underwater visibility with flat mirror like surface conditions providing your best opportunity to see Whalesharks.
June – August
With a change in the wind direction, Koh Tao experiences a cooling wind coming across from the south west.
This causes some waves, as well as a few afternoon storms but the sun is still shining throughout this period.
This is the time of the year where we spend more time diving the east coast where the water is flat calm and clear.
September- October
Temperatures both above and below the water drop a little as we begin to enter the “winter” months, but luckily Koh Tao still experiences beautiful sunny days with calm seas and good diving leading all the way through until the monsoon starts.
November- December
The “monsoon” on Koh Tao consists of 3-4 weeks of sporadic rain, with an increase in wind.
The main part is usually throughout November but a late monsoon can creep into December.
ACCOMMODATION
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Crystal Dive is more than just a dive centre. We offer comfortable accommodation in our partner resort The Koh Tao Beach Club with A/C hotel rooms, available as Twins or Doubles. It comes complete with its own private beach, offering the full island experience!
Read more here.
POOLS & CLASSROOMS
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Classrooms: Our air-conditioned classrooms, equipped with big-screen TVs and whiteboards, offer a comfortable space to learn and absorb dive theory with your instructor.
Pools: With access to three pools, you’ll practice scuba skills safely in clear, current-free water—perfect for building confidence and enjoying your training before ocean dives.
CUSTOM DIVE BOATS
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We offer separate dive trips tailored to the experience and comfort of our divers, with two boats running daily—one morning trip and one in the afternoon.
Crystal 2: A versatile smaller boat ideal for regular courses and adventurous dive sites.
Crystal 3: A larger boat for specialized dives like Sail Rock trips, Instructor training, Divemaster courses, and environmental activities, also supporting busier schedules.
BEACH BAR
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Right on the beach, the Crystal Bar is the ideal spot to relax after diving. Enjoy a cold beer with stunning sunsets or watch highlights of your dives on our big screen TVs.
With regular BBQs, quiz nights, and karaoke, it’s the hub of a lively social scene. If you’re here for your Divemaster training or Marine Conservation Internship, it’s the perfect place to make friends and feel part of the community.
Celebrate your dives, connect with fellow adventurers, and enjoy the vibrant island vibe at the Crystal Bar!
FREE/DISCOUNTED Accommodation
For your course & diving days!
Check Dive courses for current deals
