Gulf islands ferries
In the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao form a chain of three islands linked by frequent catamarans and ferries. The mainland ports are Donsak near Surat Thani and Chumphon further north.
From Koh Phangan
From Koh Tao
From Koh Samui
From Surat Thani
From Donsak
From Chumphon
How ferries work on the Gulf islands
Three islands, one chain
Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao sit in a line from south to north. Catamarans and speedboats link them several times a day, and most boats between Samui and Tao stop at Koh Phangan. Koh Samui has the airport, so many trips start there.
From the mainland
Car ferries run by Raja and Seatran cross from Donsak, east of Surat Thani, to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan; combined bus and boat tickets connect them with Surat Thani airport and the railway station. Chumphon, further north, is the closest mainland port to Koh Tao. Slow overnight boats also leave Surat Thani town for Koh Tao and Koh Phangan.
Check the pier
Each island has more than one pier, and operators use different ones. On Samui, boats leave from Nathon, Maenam and Bangrak; on Phangan, nearly all arrive at Thong Sala; on Koh Tao, everything uses Mae Haad. Your ticket names the pier.