Lomprayah Pier

If you’re heading for the islands, this is where the journey turns salty. Set on the Hat Sai Ri coast about 25 km from Chumphon town, Lomprayah’s pier is the launch point for high‑speed catamarans to Koh Tao with onward services to Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. Expect a straightforward setup: a ticket/check‑in counter, shaded seating, clean toilets, and a couple of kiosks for coffee and snacks. Sea breeze, gulls, and backpacks everywhere. Most travelers roll in on Lomprayah’s bus link from Bangkok’s Khao San area, arriving for the morning sailing, though taxis and songthaews from Chumphon town are easy to arrange. Check‑in is simple and well‑drilled: you’ll get a color tag for your island, staff tag the big bags, and boarding is quick once the catamaran noses the pier. If you’ve got a few minutes, wander the shoreline just beyond the pier to stretch your legs before the ride. Insider tips: book ahead in peak months (July–Aug, Dec–Feb), arrive 30–45 minutes early, and keep your luggage tag handy for pickup on the other side. Bring a bit of cash for snacks and a layer for the A/C on board. It’s a no‑frills pier that does exactly what you need—get you out to the islands fast and with minimal fuss.