Options compared
| Option | Total time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Private car + catamaran | 6–7 h | Door to the pier, from ฿3,000 per car; catamaran tickets bought separately |
| Joint bus + boat ticket | 7–9 h | Sold in Hua Hin; set departure times |
| Train to Chumphon + transfer + boat | 7–10 h | Day and night trains; transfer to the pier needed |
| Overnight slow boat from Chumphon | Overnight | Cheapest, basic; check whether it's running |
Boat operators such as Lomprayah set their own schedules and fares – check before you travel.
Piers and boats at Chumphon
Several piers around Chumphon serve Koh Tao. The best-known high-speed service is the Lomprayah catamaran, which also continues to Koh Phangan and Koh Samui; other companies run speedboats and slower ferries. Tell us which operator and departure you've booked and we'll drop you at the right pier with time to check in.
Timing your day
- Leave Hua Hin around 6–7 am for a late-morning or midday boat.
- The drive follows Highway 4 south past Pranburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Bang Saphan.
- The sea can be rough from October to December – sit near the back and lower down if you get seasick.
- Arriving late? Stay a night by the sea at Thung Wua Laen Beach near Chumphon and cross in the morning.
After Koh Tao
Koh Tao is famous for diving courses and snorkelling bays. From there, boats continue to Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, so it's a natural first stop on a Gulf island-hop – see Hua Hin to Koh Samui for the return route via Don Sak.
Questions
How long is Hua Hin to Koh Tao?+
About 6–7 hours: 4 hours to Chumphon plus a 1.5–2 hour catamaran, plus check-in time.
How much is a taxi from Hua Hin to Chumphon pier?+
From ฿3,000 per car, one way, tolls and fuel included.
Which company goes from Chumphon to Koh Tao?+
Lomprayah is the best-known catamaran; other operators run speedboats and ferries.
Can I go from Hua Hin to Koh Tao in one day?+
Yes, with an early start.
