Teacherfish

How does one get from Chiang Mai to Koh Tao?
My rough itinerary for first two weeks in August is Bangkok (4 days) Chiang Mai (4 days) and Koh Tao- 4 to 5 days of diving. Does this make sense. Can I get from Chiang Mai to Koh Tao or do I have to go back to Bangkok?
Thanks

KimJapan

Bangkok Air flies non-stop from Chiang Mai CNX to Koh Samui USM. From there, you take a boat to Koh Tao. Other airlines you need to change in Bangkok. Only Bangkok Airways and Thai Air fly BKK - USM.

Or, fly to Surat Thani and take a boat from there.

MichaelBKK

I don't think Bangkok Air flies from CNX to USM directly in August. That's mainly a high season route.

The cheapest 'fast' option is probably to fly a budget carrier to Surat Thani, then take a bus/boat transfer through Chumpon to Koh Tao.

KimJapan

Before posting, I checked Bangkok Air's website and went through the booking process for August 4 and 8 as random dates. Schedule page also indicates it is a daily flight. It's high season for Samui in August so it makes sense that they would fly the route.

Teacherfish

Thank you all for your help.

Scotters

Kim is correct they fly that route but on tues/thur/sat only Cost is expensive at $198 net. Cheaprt to follow Michael's advive if connection are suitable.

JamesA

If budget is not an issue you can fly to Samui and take the boat, if you are on a budget take a budget flight to Bangkok and then twice daily Lomprayah express bus/jet-cat combo via Chumphon, one leaves Bangkok 6 am to arrive Koh Tao that afternoon, or, there is an overnight service, cost ranges THB 850-1,000 or something like that
www.lomprayah.com

Dr_Ralph

If U r going to Koh Tao, go a little further to Koh Nan Guyan. Spelling may be off, but diving is right there.