Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
To/From Surat Thani & the Andaman Coast
The easiest option is to stop over on either Ko Pha-Ngan or Ko Samui to shorten the trip
and lessen the number of connections. Otherwise, a combination bus-boat ticket from
travel agents around the island shouldn't cost more than going it alone. But if you don't
feel like being herded like a sheep onto a tourist bus, there are two routes you can take.
The first, and more common, approach is to board a Surat-bound boat (you may have to
transfer boats on Ko Pha-Ngan or Ko Samui), then transfer to a bus upon arrival.
The second option is to take a ferry to Chumphon on the mainland and then switch to a
bus or train bound for the provinces further south.
BUS
Bus-boat package tickets to/from Bangkok are available from travel agencies all over
Bangkok and the south; tickets cost about 1000B and the whole journey takes about 12
hours. Buses switch to boats in Chumphon and Bangkok-bound passengers can choose to
disembark in Hua Hin (for the same price as the Ko Tao-Bangkok ticket).
TRAIN
Travellers can plan their own journey by taking a boat to Chumphon, then making their
way to Chumphon's town centre to catch a train up to Bangkok (or any town along the up-
per southern gulf); likewise in the opposite direction. A 2nd-class ticket to Bangkok will
cost around 300B and the trip takes around 8½ hours.
From Ko Tao, the high-speed catamaran departs for Chumphon at 10.15am and 2.45pm
(600B, 1½ hours), and a Songserm express boat makes the same journey at 2.30pm
(500B, three hours). There may be fewer departures if the swells are high.
Getting Around
MOTORCYCLE
Renting a motorcycle is a dangerous endeavour if you're not sticking to the main, well-
paved roads. Daily rental rates begin at 150B for a scooter. Larger bikes start at 350B.
Discounts are available for weekly and monthly rentals. Try
Lederhosenbikes
( 08 1752 8994;
www.lederhosenbikes.com
;
Mae Hat; 8.30am-6pm Mon-Sat)
. Do not rent all-terrrain-vehicles
(ATVs) or jet skis - they are unsafe.
SŎRNG·TĂA·OU
In Mae Hat
sŏrng·tăa·ou,
pick-up trucks and motorbikes crowd around the pier as passen-
gers alight. If you're a solo traveller, you will pay 200B to get to Sairee Beach or Chalok
