Koh Phangan Island doesn't have its own airport, so travelers need to make connections to reach the island. The quickest and most convenient way is to:
1. Fly to Koh Samui Airport.
2. Take a speedboat from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan, which takes approximately half an hour. However, please note that this option can be relatively expensive.
Where to Buy Tickets to Koh Phangan Island
To find affordable airfare to Koh Samui, you can book through the tripmydream service. Domestic flights within Thailand can be booked through 12go.co.
For bus, train, and ferry tickets to Koh Phangan Island from anywhere in Thailand, you can purchase them at:
- Local offices of tour operators.
- Ticket offices at departure points such as bus stations, piers, and railway stations.
- Online through 12 Go Asia.
You can also buy comprehensive tickets to Koh Phangan from high street travel agencies in Thailand. These tickets often include transfers to Surat Thani and further ferry crossings, providing you with a convenient travel option.
Traveling to Koh Phangan from Bangkok
If you're on a tight budget, one of the most convenient ways to get to Koh Phangan is via Surat Thani, a transportation interchange where most buses and trains pass through.
The journey from Surat Thani to Koh Phangan will take approximately 5 hours, including the ferry crossing. Please note that ferries from the mainland to Koh Phangan depart every 2 hours, while those from Samui depart every hour.
By Bus
Many tour agencies offer comprehensive tickets to Koh Phangan Island, which include bus transportation and the ferry or boat crossing. Here are some details:
- Price: Comprehensive tickets start from 650 THB.
- Schedule: Buses typically depart around 19:00 from Bangkok South Bus Station or Khao San Bus Station and arrive in Surat Thani around 06:00 to catch the first ferry departure.
Bangkok's South Bus Station also offers government tickets for 1000 THB, providing a non-stop and faster journey to Koh Phangan.
By Train
From Hua Lampong Central Railway Station in Bangkok, there's an early morning train to Surat Thani. Different classes are available:
- First Class: Includes a wide sofa, air conditioning, a washbasin, and a luggage compartment.
- Second Class: Provides a fan, a fold-out sofa, and a table.
In Surat Thani, you'll need to take a bus to reach the ferry crossing, which usually takes 50-60 minutes. If you haven't purchased your tickets to Koh Phangan in advance, you can buy them from one of the many travel agencies in Surat Thani. Here are some additional details:
- Where to Find: The train station in Surat Thani is located just outside of town, and getting to the center is most convenient by songthaew.
- Schedule:
Air Travel from Samui to Koh Phangan
The island of Samui is the closest airport to Koh Phangan. It receives flights from Bangkok and nearby resorts in Thailand, as well as from Singapore, Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur.
Here's what you need to know:
- From Ukraine and former CIS countries: You'll typically need to take a connecting flight via Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport.
- Last Ferry to Koh Phangan: The last ferry departs at 18:30 from Big Buddha Pier. Latecomers can take a motorcoach or spend the night on Samui.
- Full Moon Party Days: On Full Moon Party days, motorboats to Haad Rin Pier run even at night, and the cost starts from THB 300.
Flight via Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat
Air Asia and Nok Air operate flights to Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat airports from Don Muang Airport. This route is known for its lower cost, but there are some important considerations:
If you fly into Suvarnabhumi, you'll need to take a bus to Don Muang and then purchase bus and ferry boarding passes in Surat Thani.
- Travel Time: The journey from Surat Thani airport to Koh Phangan will take about 5 hours.
- Cost: Travel by bus and ferry will cost from 500 THB.
Complex Tickets to Koh Phangan
Low-cost carriers Air Asia and Nok Air offer all-inclusive ticketing services that include:
- Flight from Don Muang to Surat Thani.
- Transfer by bus to the pier.
- Transfer by speed catamaran to Haad Rin Pier on Koh Phangan.
The advantage of these tickets is that the timing is well-coordinated, reducing waiting times for boats or buses. However, please note that these flights typically depart before 11:00 am, and Suvarnabhumi passengers may have difficulty making it to Don Muang in time.
Ferry to Koh Phangan
The ferry ride to Koh Phangan is the final leg of your journey. Your choice of ferry company may depend on your point of departure and arrival.
Ferry from Surat Thani
When you arrive in Surat Thani, you can purchase bus and ferry tickets for various carriers. The choice of pier depends on the ferry company you select:
- Songserm Ferry: Departs from Thathong Pier, about half an hour from Surat Thani.
- Raja Ferry and Lomprayah Catamaran: Depart from Donsak Pier.
- Night Boat: Sails from Bandon Pier at 23:00 and arrives at Tong Sala Pier at 06:00 am.
Please note that schedules are subject to change, so check for the latest information when booking your tickets.
Ferry from Koh Samui
Traveling from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan is a quick ferry ride, offering beautiful scenery. Several carriers provide this service, and the journey usually takes less than an hour:
- Lomprayah Catamaran and Seatran Discovery: Depart from Bophut and Mae Nam beaches, arriving at Thong Sala pier in approximately half an hour.
- Haad Rin Queen: Ferries depart from Big Buddha Pier and arrive at Haad Rin Pier, taking about 50 minutes.
- Songserm Express: Departs from Nathon Pier and docks at Tong Sala Pier in about 45 minutes.
Koh Phangan is an unforgettable vacation destination, and getting to the island is accessible for travelers of all budgets.
