Yo
Best answer
12
Surat vs Chumphon Tao gateway — Chumphon shorter catamaran 1.5hr Tao only if diving sole focus. Surat Lomprayah 2hr Tao plus connects Samui Phangan same Donsak trip multi-island. Bangkok train bus both reach. Surat more ferry options agencies. Pick Chumphon Tao only Surat Gulf triangle. Full moon Phangan Surat only practical.
4
Train Surat Tao next day — Chumphon would need separate ticket split.
3
Phangan main Tao side trip — Surat hub made sense one ticket.