Koh Phangan beach drone view

Thailand Koh Phangan

How to get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan

In this in-depth route guide, you can compare the best ways to travel the 770 kilometres (478 miles) from Bangkok to Koh Phangan. Our team of indpendent travel experts researched each route — breaking down each option by travel time, price, and comfort. Plus, we’ll share the best booking options to help you get the best deal.

Written by Maarten - Trip Planning ExpertReviewed by Abegail - Travel WriterLast updated: November 30, 2024

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Why visit Koh Phangan?

Koh Phangan is an island known for its full moon parties. Every month during full moon, Haad Rin Beach hosts an all-night-long celebration. This alone attracts thousands of travellers to this side of southeast Thailand!

But Koh Phangan is more than just a party destination. Surrounded by crystal clear waters and a lush green landscape, there are plenty of things to do in Koh Phangan during the day. You can explore the island’s best beaches, discover its 7 waterfalls, or join a yoga and meditation course.

What are the 3 ways to travel from Bangkok to Koh Phangan?

There are 3 ways to travel the 770 kilometres (478 miles) from Bangkok to Koh Phangan. You can choose between the bus + ferry, train + ferry and flight + ferry. The journey takes 2 hours 5 minutes to 18 hours and the quickest way is by flight + ferry. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train + ferry with tickets starting at 739 THB ($23).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Train + Ferry

13h 30m - 18h

From 739 THB ($23)

Read More

Bus + Ferry

16h - 16h 30m

From 979 THB ($30)

Book Tickets

Flight + Ferry

2h 5m - 3h 35m

From 2,264 THB ($70)

Read More

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.

Bangkok to Koh Phangan by Train + Ferry

Duration: 13h 30m - 18h

Costs: 739 THB ($23)

Duration: 13h 30m - 18h

Costs: 739 THB ($23)

Travelling by train will be the most time-consuming option because you have to arrange 3 separate transfers. A train from Bangkok to Surat Thani or Chumphon, and a minivan and ferry transfer to Koh Phangan.

The earliest train leaving Bangkok to Surat Thani is 12:30 and the latest is 22:26 in the evening. We recommend booking a 2nd class sleeper train for the long journey of 18-19 hours which starts at 950 THB ($29.50).

Step 1: Bangkok to Surat Thani by Train

Duration: 9h 30m - 12h

Costs: 253 THB ($7.80)

Duration: 9h 30m - 12h

Costs: 253 THB ($7.80)

The first part of the journey is the train ride from Hua Lamphong Railway Station to Surat Thani Railway Station.

The earliest schedule is 10:25 and the last trip is at 23:14 in the evening. Just like with the bus, we recommend taking a night train so that you won’t lose a day travelling.

Be sure to check if the schedule you booked is aligned with the ferry and minivan schedule so that you won’t have to wait for too long. For more info, check out our page on Bangkok to Surat Thani.

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Third Class Seat Fan

Surat Thani Train Station

15:10

10h 1m

01:11

16:10

9h 39m

01:49

17:30

10h 36m

04:06

18:50

10h 8m

04:58

19:50

10h 33m

06:23

20:30

10h 46m

07:16

Thai Railway

From 253 THB ($7.80)

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Third Class Seat Fan

Phruphi

20:30

11h 43m

08:13

Thai Railway

259 THB ($8)

Get Your Tickets

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Third Class Seat Fan

Huai Prik

20:30

12h 4m

08:34

Thai Railway

263 THB ($8.10)

Get Your Tickets

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Seat Fan

Phruphi

20:30

11h 43m

08:13

Thai Railway

435 THB ($13.40)

Get Your Tickets

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Seat Fan

Huai Prik

20:30

12h 4m

08:34

Thai Railway

441 THB ($13.60)

Get Your Tickets

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

First Class Sleeper

Surat Thani Train Station

16:50

9h 30m

02:20

Thai Railways

1,832 THB ($57)

Get Your Tickets

Show 1 more operator(s)

Step 2: Surat Thani Train Station to Koh Phangan by Ferry + Minivan

Duration: 3h 50m - 6h

Costs: 486 THB ($15)

Duration: 3h 50m - 6h

Costs: 486 THB ($15)

You can book a combined ferry and minivan ticket for 465 THB ($14.30). From the Surat Thani Train Station, you will take a minivan to Surat Thani pier, then take a ferry to Thong Sala Pier in Koh Phangan.

The trip will take 3h 50m - 6h and the fare starts at 486 THB ($15).

Surat Thani Train Station

Standard

Phantip Travel Koh Phangan Branch Seatran Ferry

05:30

5h 30m

11:00

08:00

6h

14:00

12Go Transport

486 THB ($15)

Get Your Tickets

Surat Thani Train Station

Standard

Phantip Travel Koh Phangan Branch Raja Ferry

05:30

5h

10:30

08:00

5h 30m

13:30

12Go Transport

486 THB ($15)

Get Your Tickets

Surat Thani Train Station

Express

Thong Sala Koh Phangan

05:30

5h 30m

11:00

05:30

5h

10:30

08:00

6h

14:00

08:00

5h 30m

13:30

Phantip 1970

From 506 THB ($15.60)

Surat Thani Train Station

Standard

Thong Sala Koh Phangan

11:00

3h 50m

14:50

Lomprayah

1,005 THB ($31)

Get Your Tickets

Alternative: Travelling via Chumphon

You also have the option to ride a train to Chumphon from Bangkok and take a minivan and ferry transfer to Koh Phangan.

This route is faster by 3 hours compared to the Surat Thani route but more expensive. A 2nd class berth with an airconditioning unit starts at 650 THB ($20) and the combined minivan and ferry to Koh Phangan costs 1,200 THB ($37).

Bangkok to Koh Phangan by Bus + Ferry

Duration: 16h - 16h 30m

Costs: 979 THB ($30)

Duration: 16h - 16h 30m

Costs: 979 THB ($30)

We recommend that you book a combined bus and ferry ticket. Jarinthon Tour (2553), Paradive Travel and Khao San Nara Travel are the companies operating this route from Bangkok to Koh Phangan.

With your combined ticket, you will first travel from Bangkok to the pier in Surat Thani by bus. From there, you will hop on a ferry bound for Thong Sala Pier in Koh Phangan.

Departure and arrival station

Buses depart from either Southern Bus Terminal or Lomprayah Khaosan Road. The best option for you depends on your accommodation area. If you are just around the city centre, Khaosan Road is nearer and just a 5-minute drive.

Meanwhile, if you will come from the far west or south of Bangkok, the Southern Terminal is the nearer terminal. Sai Tai Mai is connected to Bangkok’s metro system and about 20-30 minutes away from Bangkok centre.

Travel time is about 16 hours to 16 hours 30 minutes and all journey completes at Thong Sala Pier in Koh Phangan. This pier is located on the west side of the island, next to Baan Tai. Ticket price starts at 979 THB ($30).

Bus schedules from Bangkok to Koh Phangan

Montanatip Tour and Travel (Khao San Road)

Standard

Thong Sala Pier (Raja, Lomprayah, Seatran)

19:00

16h 30m

11:30

Jarinthon Tour (2553)

979 THB ($30)

Get Your Tickets

Starbucks Baan Chart

Standard

Thong Sala Pier, Koh Phangan

19:00

16h 30m

11:30

Paradive Travel

1,174 THB ($36)

Get Your Tickets

Khaosan Nara Travel Office (2nd floor)

Express

Thong Sala Pier (Raja, Lomprayah, Seatran)

19:00

16h

11:00

Khao San Nara Travel

1,226 THB ($38)

Get Your Tickets

Montanatip Tour and Travel (Khao San Road)

VIP

Thong Sala Pier (Raja, Lomprayah, Seatran)

19:00

16h 30m

11:30

Jarinthon Tour (2553)

1,382 THB ($42.50)

Get Your Tickets

We recommend choosing a night bus so you can catch up on your rest and don’t lose all of your valuable daytime travelling.

Bangkok to Koh Phangan by Flight + Ferry

Duration: 2h 5m - 3h 35m

Costs: 2,264 THB ($70)

Duration: 2h 5m - 3h 35m

Costs: 2,264 THB ($70)

As Koh Phangan does not have its own airport, you will need to book a flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui. Koh Samui is a slightly larger island located south of Koh Phangan that is famed for its stunning viewpoints and beautiful beaches.

Upon arrival in Koh Samui, you will then take a ferry bound for Koh Phangan. Flights can be extremely expensive, particularly during peak season and surrounding the Full Moon parties so we suggest booking well in advance.

If you don’t have a lot of time and don’t mind spending some extra money, travelling by flight is the fastest option for this route.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

Step 1: Bangkok to Koh Samui by Flight

Duration: 1h 05m

Costs: 2,000 THB ($62)

Duration: 1h 05m

Costs: 2,000 THB ($62)

All flights for this route are operated by Bangkok Airways, with ticket prices starting at 2,000 THB ($62). There are multiple flights daily and the flight takes around 1h 05m.

Flights are available from these two airports in Bangkok: Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport.

For the best flight deals, we recommend checking the link below:

All flights land at Samui International Airport.

Other Flight Options

You also have the option to fly to Chumphon or Surat Thani and take a ferry from there to Koh Phangan. This is often cheaper than flying to Koh Samui but will require a longer ferry ride.

Check Flights on Skyscanner

Step 2: Koh Samui Airport to Koh Phangan by Minivan + Ferry

Duration: 1h - 2h 30m

Costs: 383 THB ($11.80)

Duration: 1h - 2h 30m

Costs: 383 THB ($11.80)

Currently, Smackone is the only company operating combined minivan and ferry trips from Samui airport to Koh Phangan.

The minivan will pick you up at Samui Airport and you will be dropped off by ferry at Haad Rin Pier on the south coast.

We have provided the schedule below:

Samui Airport (USM)

Standard

Haad Rin Pier

09:00

2h 15m

11:15

15:30

2h 15m

17:45

SmackOne

383 THB ($11.80)

Get Your Tickets

Samui Airport (USM)

Standard

Thong Sala Pier, Koh Phangan

09:00

1h

10:00

14:00

1h

15:00

Seatran Discovery

461 THB ($14.20)

Get Your Tickets

Samui Airport (USM)

Standard

Thong Sala Pier (Raja, Lomprayah, Seatran)

08:00

2h 15m

10:15

09:30

2h

11:30

10:30

2h

12:30

11:00

2h

13:00

13:00

2h 15m

15:15

13:00

2h

15:00

15:00

2h 30m

17:30

SmackOne

From 493 THB ($15.20)

Samui Airport (USM)

Standard

Koh Phangan - Any hotel in Baan Kai, Haad Baan Tai and Haad Rin

09:00

1h 30m

10:30

14:00

1h 30m

15:30

Seatran Discovery

639 THB ($19.70)

Get Your Tickets

Samui Airport (USM)

Standard

Haad Rin Pier (Haad Rin Queen Ferry)

13:30

2h

15:30

SmackOne

658 THB ($20.50)

Get Your Tickets

When booking this combined option, make sure to align your flight with the minivan schedules. For a more detailed route guide with all options check out this guide on how to travel from Bangkok to Koh Samui.

Best places to stay in Koh Phangan

Benjamin's Hut - Budget Friendly

Benjamin’s Huts are very far from huts. In fact, they’re not huts at all. They’re spacious and modern rooms that offer a very comfortable night’s sleep. If there’s a group of you, opt for the two-bedroom village with its own private pool!

Staying here you’re seconds from the sea and a 10-minute drive from Thong Sala Pier. This accommodation proves that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to have a paradise beachfront stay.

Modern and clean rooms
Option for private pool
On the beach
Great value for money

Private rooms start from $29 per person.

Check Available Rooms

Secret Garden - Budget Friendly

You don’t need to splash the cash to go for a splash in a pool on Koh Phangan. Secret Garden has a stunning swimming pool surrounded by greenery, sun loungers and beanbags.

The hotel is located in Thong Sala, putting you close to plenty of restaurants and cafes, but the onsite restaurant is the real hidden gem! Make sure to check it out.

Beautiful swimming pool
Comfortable chill spots
Great location
Delicious onsite restaurant

Private rooms start from $27 per night.

Check Available Rooms

CheeVa Beach Resort - Mid Range

Just 500m from Baan Tai Beach, CheeVa Beach Resort offers a stunning place to stay. There’s an onsite restaurant, a beautiful outdoor swimming pool with sea views and a fully-stocked bar. You’ll even find a pool table on the beach.

Each room comes with its own sun terrace, comfortable beds, and air conditioning. Need help with something? The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful.

Great location
Beautiful swimming pool
Tasty onsite restaurant
Sea views from private sun terrace

Private rooms start at $35 per night

Check Available Rooms

Baan Manali Resort - Mid Range

Baan Manali Resort is incredible value for money. You can get the beachfront bungalow experience for less than $50 per night. The bungalows are beautiful with a private balcony and hammock.

Enjoy a quiet location on the private Nai Wok Beach. Spend all day lounging on the white sand or swimming in the infinity pool overlooking the beach.

Beachfront bungalow
Private balcony and hammock
On Nai Wok Beach
Infinity pool

Private rooms start from $43 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Mangata Boutique Bungalows - Treating Yourself

With an almost perfect rating, Mangata Boutique Bungalows ticks all of the boxes. Want to open your curtains in the morning and be greeted by stunning sea views? You can do that here!

Or do you want to swim in an infinity pool overlooking the beach? You can do that too. The rooms are absolutely stunning boasting unique designs and a balcony. This place feels like your own private oasis.

Incredible accommodation
Right on the beach
Infinity pool
Beautiful rooms with balcony

Bungalows start from $140 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Frequently Asked Questions about Bangkok to Koh Phangan

What is the distance from Bangkok to Koh Phangan?

The distance from Bangkok to Koh Phangan is 770 kilometres (478 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan?

The fastest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan is by flight + ferry and takes 2 hours 5 minutes.

What is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan?

The cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan is by train + ferry with ticket costs starting from 739 THB ($23).

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.

PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!

About the author(s)

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.

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