Independent planning guide · Sources 2026-10-12
Chiang Mai to Koh Tao: fly south or connect through Bangkok
Compare flying to Samui with a journey through Bangkok, then plan the final ferry connection.
Flying via Koh Samui
Bangkok Airways lists Chiang Mai–Samui in its current route offers. Lomprayah lists Samui airport-transfer and pier departures to Koh Tao. Check flight availability and the onward sailing for your date rather than assuming the route operates at a convenient time every day.
Travelling through Bangkok
A second planning option is to reach Bangkok first, then use the Bangkok–Koh Tao coach-and-ferry route via Chumphon. This is an assembled itinerary, not evidence of one through-ticket from Chiang Mai. Check your Chiang Mai–Bangkok leg separately and allow time to reach the correct Bangkok departure point.
Decide using the whole journey
Compare total travel time, transfers, luggage, ticket conditions and any overnight stay. If considering another southern airport, verify that flight and its onward ferry transfer separately. Keep your arrival day flexible until every connection is confirmed.
Check tickets for your travel date
Check schedules & prices on 12Go →
This opens 12Go. Select your travel date, passenger count and exact departure and arrival points. Check which journey legs the ticket includes and the missed-connection terms. Separately purchased tickets do not establish a protected connection. Tao.tours does not display live fares, seat availability or confirmed service here.
Sources and further checks
Original Tao.tours writing. Source links support the destination or route context; the checklists are editorial planning advice. Photographs are dated and do not establish current conditions.