fiveQuestions & Answers
Q) How do we get to Koh Tao?
There are several ways to get to Koh Tao. The fastest and easiest way to Koh Tao is to fly directly to Koh Samui… There are hourly flights in and out of Samui daily. It is a good idea to arrive as early as possible at Koh Samui, to allow transport time to the ferry, and maybe have a bite to eat. From Koh Samui both the Lomprayah, and the SeaTran ferries are good options to get to Koh Tao, with each having three (sometimes more) departures each day, morning and early afternoon, and another departure in the later afternoon.
Lomprayah Ferry Co. service schedule:
https://www.lomprayah.com/timetable
SeaTran Ferry Co. service schedule:
https://www.seatrandiscovery.com/
The SeaTran is very conveniently located close to Koh Samui airport for the fastest transfer to and from the airport.
Two more ways to Koh Tao from Bangkok are the sleeper train to Chumphon, I recommend either the first class cabin, or the second class sleeper car (Lower berths are best!)… This is a fun and less expensive option but requires you to wake up at about 5:00 AM to depart the train once you reach Chumphon. This company may be able to help with getting your tickets in advance: https://www.thailandtrainticket.com/
Another option is daily joint bus/ferry boat tickets from Bangkok each day, also through the Lomprayah ferry Co…. They run pretty nice, comfortable coaches with only one stop for a meal along the way to Koh Tao. This is the least expensive option, and sometimes the most convenient.
There are also fast commuter flights to Chumphon, then the hour and a half Ferry boat ride to Koh Tao.
I often refer our guests to a local travel agent called Island Travel Koh Tao
(https://www.islandtravelkohtao.com). Established for over 10 years, Island Travel has grown into the number one Travel Agency on Koh Tao, serving the local community and international travelers alike. Highly recommended!
Fame Tour (https://www.chumphon-kohtao.com) can arrange all manner of transport and accommodation in Thailand and abroad.
I hope that helps… It is my pleasure to answer your questions, please let me know if I can help in any other way!
Q) How do we pay?
When you make your reservation through our official website, payment is made through PayPal. A 50% holding deposit is required to secure your reservation. If you would like to pay through bank transfer or a service like Transferwise, please let me know, and I will send wire information right away. Please let me know when and how you have transferred funds, and I will let you know when they have arrived, and that your reservation is secure. The remaining 50% is due in cash (as Thai Baht) at check-in. There are many banks, money exchange places, and ATMs on Koh Tao, so getting access to your money is normally not a problem.
Q) Is breakfast included with my stay?
Normally, breakfast is not included, however, there are excellent breakfasts available for delivery to your villa door. A full English set breakfast with eggs (any way you like them), Bacon or real sausages (not hot dogs), potatoes, tomatoes, beans, freshly baked bread, fresh (very good) coffee, and juice can be had for under 200. Thai Baht per person, including a tip to your deliverer. It is also our pleasure to take you out in the morning, or any other time, to great local eateries… recommendations on request 🙂
Q) Is your 24 hour car & diver service really free?
Yes! Our famous pick-up and drop-off service is a courtesy to our guests, and a pleasure for us to provide. Tips to your driver are never expected, but always appreciated.
Q) What is check-in & check-out time?
It is no problem for us to pick you up anytime. If your villa is not ready for you at that time, your driver can take your bags to a safe storage, and drop you off at a nice place for breakfast, a look around town, or a walk on the beach, then pick you up when your villa is ready.
We always try to accommodate all of our guests, and will try to get you in as early as we can, and checked-out as late as possible. Normally, check in is about 2:pm, but it depends on the check-out time of the previous guests. If they check-out earlier, it is often possible to check in by 11:am, or earlier… I hope that works for you. Please call our driver/manager (Mo) Thai mobile 0924231639 or your driver, Steve, on his Thai mobile 0806911613 when you have a pick-up request, and they will be there!
Q) What is your cancellation policy?
Because our little resort is very unique, and is typically booked many months in advance, I can only offer a full refund (excluding any transaction costs) if it is requested no less than 45 days before your scheduled arrival date. After 45 days prior to your arrival date, I can offer you a refund if your reserved dates are re-booked by someone else at the regular rates. I hope this makes sense.
Q) How close is the beach & town?
It is a five-minute walk down the hill to the sand of Sairee beach, the longest and most popular beach on Koh Tao, and another 10 minute walk to the center of town, with everything you need for shopping, a meal, or a great night out.
Most of our customers enjoy using our courtesy car and driver service to take advantage of the many different beaches, and attractions on Koh Tao, so you are not just tied to one beach or even one side of the island. If you choose to walk into town but prefer to be picked up for the trip back, just call your driver (a courtesy mobile phone with credit is provided when you check in!), and he will be there for you. We are very proud of our customer service. It is our goal to exceed your expectations!