Koh Tao To Khao Sok: A Complete Travel Guide
Travelling from Koh Tao to Khao Sok? This guide covers the fastest, cheapest, and most convenient ways to get there, so you can choose the best option for you. The travel routes we share are also applicable for how to get from Khao Sok to Koh Tao.
Koh Tao is a small island and popular travel destination amongst backpackers with a laid back vibe and incredible diving spots. Meanwhile, Khao Sok National Park is a must add to everyone's itinerary due to Cheow Lan Lake and the abundance of rare and wonderful wildlife.
The Khao Sok to Koh Tao distance is 181 km, and while the journey takes 7–10 hours, it’s a straightforward route. We recommend taking a shared van then ferry all booked in one transaction on 12Go. You can opt to travel in the day or overnight depending on your itinerary and we think it’s best to go with the flow and expect a few surprises. Our journey included an unexpected switch from a van to a bus and an unexpected wagon ride at Surat Thani ferry port - just part of the adventure!
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Where Is Koh Tao In Thailand
Koh Tao is a small paradise island popular with travellers over in the Chumphon Archipelago which is located in the Gulf of Thailand. Close to other popular destinations, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui it welcomes hoards of backpackers during high season who are looking to relax and enjoy the small islands hidden beaches and vibrant nightlife.
Where Is Khao Sok National Park In Thailand
Khao Sok National Park is in Southern Thailand between Phuket and Chumphon. It is home to an array of stunning wildlife and Cheow Lan Lake which is famous for its floating bungalows and dramatic limestone cliffs.
Koh Tao To Khao Sok Routes
Option 1: Ferry to Surat Thani, Shared Van Ride (Day or Overnight)
The first option to get from Koh Tao to Khao Sok National Park, and the one we choose to take, is a ferry from Mae Haad Koh Tao Pier to Surat Thani then a shared van or bus from the port to Khao Sok Van Station. It is important to note the van station isn’t actually in the town so from here you can hire a scooter at ‘Motorbike Rental Office’, get a taxi or walk. We chose to walk and it took a good 40 minutes!
The journey from Koh Tao to Khao Sok can be taken in the morning for a day trip or you can opt to complete it overnight on a sleeper ferry. Which is better depends entirely on your itinerary, if you’re short of time you might opt for the overnight ferry, however we’ve been told the sea can be rough so pack travel sickness tablets.
Arrive at Koh Tao Mae Haad Pier via taxi, trike or walking
Ferry to Surat Thani (Day or Overnight Options) (6 hours)
Taxi, Scooter or Walk to your accommodation
The journey can take between 7-11 hours depending on when you’re travelling and whether you opt for a taxi, van or walk. We recommend booking your journey as one route on 12Go for ease and at a reasonable price of round £24-£40 per person.
Option 2: Ferry from Koh Tao to Chumphon, Bus ride or Shared Van to Khao Sok (Day or Overnight)
An alternative option is to get the Ferry from Koh Tao to Chumphon which takes around 2 hours. From here you can get a shared Mini Van which takes around 7 hours.
This option will take around 9 - 11 hours but you will spend less time on a ferry, this could be a good option if you get seasick.
Get a shared Van to Koh Sok
Walk or Taxi to your Accommodation
How To Get From Khao Sok To Koh Tao
You’re heading in the opposite direction? We still have you covered, here’s how to get from Khao Sok National Park to Kao Tao.
The journey is basically the opposite to above; again we recommend booking with 12Go so your whole journey is booked as one trip allowing for ease of travel.
Walk or Taxi to Khao Sok Van Station
Or
Walk to Ever Green Bus Station (Near Entrance to National Park)
Ferry from Surat Thani to Koh Tao
The journey from Khao Sok to Koh Tao can take anywhere from 7 hours to 11 hours with overnight journeys taking longer. The price varies from £20-£40 depending on time of travel, day or overnight and whether you opt for a bus or shared van.
We choose to get a shared van to the port then the ferry over to the island. Our van stopped off in a nearby town and we transferred to a bus before the port. In Thailand you need to go with the flow when travelling and we didn’t mind this extra stop as we still caught our ferry in time.
Again the van leaves from Khao Sok Van Station which is a little out of town, the best option would be to get a shared van or taxi but as we were on a budget we walked the 40 minutes uphill in the heat with our 8kg bags!
At the ferry port, the van dropped us off in the car park, where we had to take a wagon to the terminal. We were told it would leave in 20 minutes, but to our surprise, it took off after just 5… while Mike was still in the toilet! Luckily, I managed to stop the wagon just in time for him to jump on.
The Route We Recommend For Koh Tao to Khao Sok National Park
Whether you’re travelling from Koh Tao to Khao Sok or from Khao Sok National Park to Koh Tao we think the best option is a shared van and ferry booked on 12Go meaning all your tickets are in one place. The ferry from Surat Thani takes around 6 hours and the van varies but roughly takes 3 hours.
We choose to travel during the day, the journey times are quicker and it meant we didn’t get a broken night's sleep, however if you’re short on time the overnight option might be better suited for you as you won’t waste a whole day travelling. When travelling in Thailand it may seem a bit hectic, for example changing to a bus from a van or not quite knowing what ferry you should get on, but it all seems to work out in the end!
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