Discover the many ways on how to get to the beautiful island that is Koh Phangan. Furthermore, I will go into plenty of detail about each way you can reach the island so that you can choose the route best suited to you!
Not to mention, I’ll give you an idea of pricing and how you can suit the travel routes best to your budget. Believe me when I say that there is a way for everyone to do some island hopping while on a backpacker’s budget!
So, let’s dive in and get you to Koh Phangan as soon as possible!
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How to Get to Koh Phangan
There are a handful of ways in which you can reach Koh Phangan. And, I’m going to go into a decent amount of detail so that you can pick the best route possible.
Not to mention, I’ve given information on how to reach the island from neighbours Koh Samui and Koh Tao and also if you were coming from Bangkok. Moreover, this gives the most popular routes and the typical ways in which people head to the island.
Tip: I recommend booking well in advance, especially before the Full Moon Party. This is when ferries may become more expensive as tens of thousands of people flock to the island for the monthly party.
Does Koh Phangan Have an Airport?
No, there is no airport for Koh Phangan, so there is no way that you can fly into the island. However, they are trying to develop an airport on the island and considering this is one of Thailand’s hottest tourist locations, I think it would be a worthwhile idea.
Unfortunately, the only way to actually reach Koh Phangan is by ferry or boat. Sorry for those of you that get seasick!
Nonetheless, if you hate long ferry rides, you could fly to Koh Samui’s airport and then take the ferry from there. But please take note that this is one of the most expensive but fastest ways to reach the island.
Bus and Train Rides
The most popular way to reach Koh Phangan is via bus and train rides. There are loads of train and bus routes running from all parts of Thailand so that visitors have a way to reach the island.
Additionally, there are a handful of companies that take travellers to the island. Moreover, some of these companies include Lomprayah, Montanatip and Kruangsim. These buses are large and comfortable and great for a 10hr journey.
Reaching Koh Phangan by Ferry
The only way to reach Koh Phangan is via ferry or boat. Besides, there are a number of options for routes and ways to get to the island which I discuss next in the section.
Upon arrival at Koh Phangan, you will land at Thongsala Pier. Moreover, this is when you will be bombarded with local taxi drivers offering to take you to where you need to go. If you are staying in a hostel, try and join up with a few others to reduce the price of the taxi.
Nonetheless, there are a few hostels within walking distance of the pier, so you may have gotten lucky and don’t need a taxi!
Ferry Routes
Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
Make your way to the Nathon Pier and board the ferry ready to make your way to Koh Phangan. Moreover, this is a direct ferry ride and is one of the closest destinations to reach the island.
You will be looking at a 1-hour journey on a typical ferry, or a 30-minute ride on one of the high-speed boats. Pricing is between 400 and 600 THB. Finally, be sure to book a seat well in advance.
Koh Tao to Koh Phangan
The ferry from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan runs regularly and is another great way to get to the island. Moreover, many people island-hop from Samui to Phangan and then over to Tao.
Nonetheless, this route is reasonably quick and you will be looking at around a 1-hour journey on one of the high-speed boats or ferries. And, you will need to spend around 520 THB on a ticket for a one-way journey.
Keep in mind, this is the only way you can reach Koh Phangan from Koh Tao. So, be sure to book in advance especially if it’s high season!
When I took this route, I got stuck on one of the slower ferries. Which in turn took around 3 hours to reach the island. It was a very slow process, but we got there safely nonetheless. Keep this in mind when booking tickets and go for the faster option if it’s available.
Bangkok to Koh Phangan
There are a couple of ways in which you can reach Koh Phangan from Bangkok. Firstly, the most expensive, but fastest option would be to fly to Koh Samui and then catch the ferry from Samui to Koh Phangan. You would be looking at about 5 hours of travel time.
Alternatively, you can catch a bus and ferry which is the cheaper option but takes much more time. A bus runs from Bangkok down to Surat Thani. And then, you will need to jump on the ferry to make it to Koh Phangan. This is roughly a 15-hour journey.
Travellers on a budget should definitely use the second option. Personally, I took the bus and found it to be a long and comfortable journey. We had one stop halfway through and got 30 minutes to eat some food, and drink and head to the bathroom before continuing our ride.
Where to Book Bus, Ferry and Train Tickets?
The main platform I recommend to book ferry, train and bus tickets is 12go Asia! Moreover, this website always has reliable options and there are loads of different routes and companies to choose from.
Furthermore, each option shows a breakdown of the pricing, your starting and finishing location and what the journey will involve. This is a great way to have an idea of what the journey will be like so that you can be ultimately prepared.
Things to Do in Koh Phangan
There are heaps of fun activities and things to do in Koh Phangan. It’s really that island that has some of the best activities and can attract visitors from all walks of life.
Some of the best things to do in Koh Phangan include:
- Explore the beaches
- Head to the Full Moon Party (Or Half Moon Party)
- Visit the beach bars
- Wander through Phantip Market
- Haad Khom Viewpoint
Read more: The 10 Best Beaches in Koh Phangan: Dreamy Thailand Beaches
Where to Stay in Koh Phangan
There are many fantastic places that you can stay in Koh Phangan, however, these are some of my recommendations.
- Arena Hostel $
Arena Hostel is a great option, especially if you are gearing up to go to the Full Moon Party. Keep in mind, this is a party hostel, so things get pretty wild.
There are loads of social activities, a pool, a dance floor and DJs and so much more happening. I think this is a great place to crash while getting ready for the Full Moon Party.
- B52 Resort $$
B52 is the ultimate relaxation location especially fantastic for couples. Moreover, it’s part of a resort, which is simply stunning!
Not to mention, there are fantastic facilities and the resort is beachfront. An awesome place to enjoy for a few days!
- Varivana Resort $$$
Enjoy ultimate luxury at the Varivana Resort. There is a stunning infinity pool and you can look out at breathtaking views over the greenery of palm trees.
The mountainous views are gorgeous and you can enjoy dinner with a sunset on the rooftop restaurant.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, there are a handful of ways how to get to Koh Phangan. And, I hope that you found this useful and that it fixed any confusion or worries that you may have had in reaching the island.
The main thing that I would recommend is booking your tickets early and being aware of when the Full Moon Party is on. Considering this, it will change the prices of ferries and accommodation drastically and prices will be hiked to the max.
Finally, be sure to take note of the information used and save this post for later reading if you plan to visit Koh Phangan at a later date.
Additionally, if you would like to learn more about Thailand, feel free to check out this section of my blog where I upload plenty of fresh content. Happy reading!
Read more:
Thailand Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know
The Best Food in Thailand: 15 Thai Dishes You Need to Try
