Overview Compare Ferry To Stay
How to get from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
When you’re finished exploring Koh Samui, head over to Koh Phangan for more stunning beaches and world famous parties. Koh Phangan is mainly known for the original Full Moon Party which occurs every full moon, but it’s also well known for the Half Moon Parties, Jungle, Lighthouse and Waterfall parties.
While this island has a reputation for being a bit wild, it also offers amazing beaches, stunning nature and excellent food, giving you the best of both worlds in one location. Especially the North of Koh Phangan offers very quiet and beautiful beaches and nature that most travellers don’t expect on a party Island like Koh Phangan.
Ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
For the journey from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan, the only mode of transport is the ferry. Koh Phangan is located only 15 km north of Koh Samui. The ferry ride takes 30-90 minutes, depending on the ferry port you depart from.
Rates from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan start from 180 THB ($5). However, for most travellers, it will be more convenient to take the ferry leaving from Bangrak Pier, which is closest to Chaweng Beach. The ferry departing from this pier costs 360 THB ($10.50).
To get to the ferry ports, you can also book an additional pick-up service with almost all the ferry companies operating between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. This service comes at an extra fee, which we included below all schedules.
You can also book a shuttle + ferry service if you’re coming from Koh Samui Airport. Fares for this option start from 550 THB ($16.50), and total travel time is around 2-3 hours.
Where to stay in Koh Phangan?
Still looking for accommodation? Don’t forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Koh Phangan at the bottom of this page.
Itinerary from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
Koh Samui to Koh Phangan by Ferry
Being the more popular and bigger island, Koh Samui houses many piers. When you travel from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan, you can board ferries from any of these piers.
The ferry trip to Koh Phangan takes between 30-90 minutes, depending on the ferry company. There is also an option to depart from Samui Airport, which will take around 3 hours to Koh Phangan.
TIP: Book your tickets at least several days in advance as tickets tend to sell out fast.
Departure and arrival station
We recommend first checking the location of your hotel so that you can choose the pier that is closest to your hotel. Even with hotel pick-up, it will save you some travel time.
All ferries going to Koh Phangan dock at the Thong Sala Pier in the southwest part of the island. The exception is the shuttle + ferry service provided by SmackOne.
SmackOne offers pick-up service from Koh Samui Airport, and the ferry drops off passengers at Haad Rin Beach – the beach that became famous for its full moon parties in the south of Koh Phangan.
From Koh Samui Airport to Koh Phangan
Coming from Koh Samui Airport and wanting to go straight to Koh Phangan? SmackOne and Seatran Discovery both offer shuttle + ferry services from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan.
If you’re planning to stay in the southern part of Koh Phangan (and can’t wait to hit the first bar), you can book with SmackOne, as the arrival port is Haad Rin Beach. Meanwhile, Seatran Discovery heads to Thong Sala Pier, along with all other ferries.
The combined shuttle and ferry ride takes 2-3 hours and costs 550 THB ($16.50).
From Bangrak Pier to Thong Sala Pier
Bangrak Pier on the north coast is the port nearest to Chaweng Beach, the most popular beach on the island. This is why tourists usually take ferries from this port when travelling to Koh Samui.
Lomprayah used to operate on this route, but the last time we checked (October 2022), only Seatran Discover departs from Bangrak Pier. They offer hotel pick-up service for an additional fee of 180 THB ($5) per person.
From Mae Nam Pier to Thong Sala Pier
Another port you can depart from is Mae Nam Pier on the north coast of the island. Located about 20 minutes from Bangrak Pier, this port is accessible to tourists staying at the beaches on the north and northeastern side of Koh Samui.
For 375 THB ($11), the Lomprayah ferry can take you from Mae Nam Pier to Thong Sala Pier in Koh Pangan in just 30 minutes.
From Na Thon Pier to Thong Sala Pier
Lomprayah also has a ferry departing from Na Thon Pier. This pier is on the western side of Koh Samui and is less convenient if you’re staying around Chaweng beach area.
If you’re staying on the west side of the island, leaving via Na Thon pier is a great option that gets you to Koh Phangan in just 30 minutes.
This ferry company also offers hotel pick-up service for an additional 440 THB ($13) per person.
From Lipa Noi Pier to Thong Sala Pier
Rajah Ferry is the cheapest option when travelling from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan. While it is the cheapest option at 180 THB ($5), this ferry has the longest travel time, around 1.5 hours compared to other ferries’ 30-minute travel time.
This ferry operates from Lipa Noi Pier, which is also on the west side of the island and a few km away from Na Thon Pier. If you’re staying at Chaweng beach, you have to take a 45-minute taxi ride to this port.
Rajah Ferry also offers hotel pick-up with a private van that fits up to 6 passengers for 800 THB ($24). This service is a great option if you’re travelling in a group. However, if you are only with 1 or 2 people, you might be better off with a taxi to Lipa Noi Pier.
Our favourite places to stay in Koh Phangan
See Sea Backpackers Hostel
Located in Baan Tai, just 70 meters from the beach, the hostel is set in an ideal location. There is a restaurant, bar, and shared lounge on-site for socializing, and a large terrace area for taking in all the views. Car and bike rentals are available at the property, as well as a tour desk to assist with all your excursions. You will be treated like family by the warm and welcoming staff.
- Excellent location
- 70 meters to the beach
- Onsite bar and restaurant
- Very friendly staff
Single bed in dorm room starts at $6 - Be aware that these prices may increase around the time of the Full Moon Party
BeauBo Beach
This beachfront accommodation offers stunning views, white sandy beaches and the sea at your fingertips. You’ll find a restaurant, bar, and garden on location for your enjoyment and convenience. The property also offers a terrace for relaxing and taking in the surrounding sights. Well known for hospitality, the staff here will great you with a warm welcoming smile.
- Beachfront location
- Onsite bar and restaurant
- Garden and terrace
- Stunning views
Private bungalows start at $21 per night
Lily: A beach hotel by Wild & Wandering
Located in Haad Rin, just a few steps to the beach and Full Moon Party, Lily: a beach hotel is a great place to stay for travelers of all types. You will find a shared lounge and bar onsite for your enjoyment as well as evening entertainment and a tour desk. With the beach just steps away, the staff welcoming you with a warm smile and offering a cold drink, there’s really no better place to stay when in Haad Rin!
- Great location for Full Moon Party
- Steps to the beach
- Bar and live entertainment on site
- Clean and comfortable rooms
Private rooms with sea view start at $31 per night
CheeVa Beach Resort
Set in Baan Tai, just 500m from the Baan Tai Beach, CheeVa Beach Resort offers stunning accommodations. An on-site restaurant, a beautiful outdoor swimming pool with sea views and a bar are just a few of the luxuries here. Each room comes with its own sun terrace, comfortable beds, and air conditioning. Highly recommended for the excellent hospitality.
- Beach resort
- Swimming pool
- Excellent staff
- Onsite bar
Private rooms start at $42 per night
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Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
