Central Thailand and Gulf of Thailand in 9 Days – Day 7
There are plenty of ways to go back to Bangkok from Koh Tao. As Chumphon pier at the mainland is nearer than Surat Thani pier, it is better to reach Chumphon by ferry from Koh Tao and either fly or take a bus or train to Bangkok. We choose to do the train just for an additional adventure.
Highlights of the Day
- Brunch at Whitening, Koh Tao
- Lomprayah Ferry from Koh Tao to Chumphon
- Stroll by the Market at Chumphon
- Overnight Train from Chumphon
Whitening, Koh Tao
My day started with some nice warm water yoga at the hot tub spa we had next to our bungalow.
Finally the time when we have to bid bye to Gulf of Thailand. We packed our bags, checked out from The Beach Club with a wish to return soon, and were dropped by the hotel to the pier. We walked down the alley to the restaurant – Whitening – for brunch.
Lomprayah Ferry from Koh Tao to Chumphon
Lomprayah is an extremely trusted ferry company who operates on waters of Gulf of Thailand. It also has bus from Bangkok to Chumphon and also connects Gulf of Thailand to the islands of south Thailand by water and land.
The ticket from Koh Tao to Chumphon pier was previously booked online, so all we had to do is check in our luggage and wait for the ferry.
The ferry has all amenities like cafeteria, aircon, TVs, and washroom. It departed Koh Tao pier at around 2.45 PM and reached Chumphon pier at 4.15 PM.
After reaching the pier, we took a shared minivan by Lomprayah to the train station. It took only 30 min to reach.
Chumphon
Chumphon is a small city in Chumphon province, and honestly there was nothing much to do. So we just left our luggage in the station room, and strolled by the market, had some street food, and also enjoyed having Thai food for dinner at a restaurant near the station, which also had free Wi-Fi.
Overnight Train to Bangkok
Traveling by trains in Thailand is easy, cheap, comfortable, and of course environmentally-friendly. I know people complain about sleeplessness in moving trains, but I never have such problems; in fact, I enjoy traveling in trains if time allows, especially because of the views of the countryside.
The southern train lines are busier than others in Thailand, so it is advised to book the tickets at least a month prior to the travel date.
We had booked air-conditioned second class coach in train no. 84. It is an express train that is scheduled to depart Chumphon at 23.59 PM and reach Bangkok at 8.35 AM.
Bathrooms in the train were clean – both western and Thai-style, and also a washbasin area.
The train was on time and we entered, our beds – two at upper and two at lower – were already made nicely by the caretaker of that bogie. We happily slept off. I had to finish writing this blog before I sleep off though.
NET EXPENSE FOR 1 PERSON (IN THB)
Let us have a look at the expenses of Day 7 in Thailand –Â Koh Tao.
- Koh Tao to Chumphon: 1500
- Food:Â 450
- Miscellaneous: 150
Total expense (roughly):Â 2100 THB
For an overall idea of itinerary and expense of the trip, whether for solo or couple or group of any number of people, feel free to contact me on Contact Us page. You can also have a look at Central Thailand and Gulf of Thailand in 9 Days – Itinerary and Expenses.
If you are planning for a much-organized, tastefully-curated, stress-free yet exciting vacation, consider booking your holidays at Travel Love Repeat. It is going to be a treat for sure!
Thailand – always a place to visit. I remember that this was my first trip abroad when I was 22 and I never been removing it from my bucket list. I love their transportation esp the connecting trains – you can choose from luxurious to economic – but economic is not a regret-option – it is clean and the attendants are very friendly. Did you arrive on time in BKK?
The trains are clean, that’s right, and it makes travel really convenient when you have long distances to cover without paying soared up flight tickets.
Useful post. Have you encountered any problems with cockroaches on the train or anything like that?
No, not at all!
The brunch at Whitening looked really good. Was that shaved parmesan? I like the idea of no chairs instead of bags to sit on. We like traveling by train and really think it is a great idea to travel by night train to reach another area. We have done that several times before.
Yes, you are right about the food. And yes, train rides are so cool in Thailand.
Traveling on the train looks so adventurous. Weren’t you scared of sleeping at night?
Thailand is very safe. Absolutely nothing to worry about.
The train journey looks so cool. I m sure you had a lot of fun..I love train rides… something very romantic about them
Yes, I love train rides too, especially the ones in Thailand.
I love the setting at Whitening, with the bean bags and all, I can see why it must be a popular dining spot. Good that the ferry from Koh Tao to Chumphon was hardly 2 hours and sounds like it was a comfortable one, with all amenities. You also travelled in an overnight train in Thailand, that’s pretty cool. I love train journeys and really think it’s one of the best ways to truly immerse yourself in the local culture, perfect way to interact with the locals and get a flavour of their lifestyle!
Yes, Whitening is one of my favorite restaurants in Koh Tao, mostly because of the interior and the views it offers. And yes, local train journeys are a must.
Thailand is such a great place to visit and so cheap. Those train prices are amaxing
Oh yes, it is!
I love the idea of warm yoga and it looked very lovely. I also like how you highlight how nice train travel is not only to see the countryside but also as an environmentally conscious choice.
Glad you liked it.
I was in Thailand only 2 months ago. Unfortunately I didn’t go to Koh Tao but i was nearby in Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. I remember my epic 12 h trip from Koh Phangan to Pletchaburi too – a combo of ferry, 2 buses, and a train (definitely not the easiest day of my life…)
Where did you intend to go in Phetchaburi?
Thailand seems like a beautiful country. It’s been on my bucket list forever, and I hope to get there one day. Thanks for sharing the tips about the transit. It looks like it’s a reasonably priced place to visit.
Yes, it is.
I always flew from Bangkok to Hat Yai. Although that saves time, I missed a lot of the country that way. I’d love to take a train next time.
Yes, the train ride is interesting.
I loved riding the train in and around Thailand, though I did fly their bargain airlines a few times. But to go from Koh Tao to Chumphon by ferry sounds like a lot of fun. I really missed out on exploring the whole area around the Gulf of Thailand. I cant wait to go back for some of that amazing food.
You got to come back, Eric, just for the Gulf of Thailand.
I really like that you included the net expense for one person, that’s a really nice touch, and very much helps in the planning process!
I like to do that in every post.
There’s nothing like starting your day with a warm water yoga at the hot tub spa, is there? 😉 I actually haven’t heard of the city of Chumphon! But you’ve travelled Thailand so extensively Shreya, to places I’ve never been and some I don’t even know about. I would love to take an overnight train journey in Thailand, I usually like train journeys.
Yes, it’s really fun here.
I’ve not heard of Chumphon till reading your post. I like your honesty, some places are just like that – not much to do lol! The train looks basic, but as long as it gets you to your destination, that’s all that matters!
Yes Lisa, the train is not very fancy, but not uncomfortable.