What to expect when visiting 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.
3 ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan
There are three ways to travel the distance of 770 km (478 miles) from Bangkok to Koh Phangan: by bus + ferry (13h45m-17h30m), train + ferry (14-12 hours) and flight + ferry (2h55m). The journey takes between 2h55m - 17h30m and the quickest way is by flight + ferry. The lowest priced tickets start from 1,155 THB ($32.50) for the train + ferry.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
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 ($26.50).
Step 1: Bangkok to Surat Thani by Train
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.
There are several train options for this route and the price for a 2nd class sleeper berth starts at 730 THB ($20.00). For extra comfort, you can upgrade to a 1st class A/C sleeper for 1,340 THB ($36.50).
You can also book 3rd-class seats for 215 THB ($5.50) and 2nd-class seats for 360 THB ($9.50). However, we recommend that you book tickets with berths to have maximum comfort in the 11-14.5 hours journey.
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.
Step 2: Surat Thani Train Station to Koh Phangan by Ferry + Minivan
You can book a combined ferry and minivan ticket for 465 THB ($12.50). 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 3-7 hours and the fare starts at 425 THB ($11.50).
Train + Ferry options from Bangkok to Koh Phangan
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 ($17.50) and the combined minivan and ferry Koh Phangan costs 1,200 THB ($33.00).
Bangkok to Koh Phangan by Bus + Ferry
We recommend that you book a combined bus and ferry ticket. Montanatip, Krungsiam Tour, and Lomprayah 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 at least 14 hours 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 1,210 THB ($34.00).
Bus schedule from Bangkok to Koh Phangan
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
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
All flights for this route are operated by Bangkok Airways, with ticket prices starting at 2,000 THB ($55.00). There are multiple flights daily and the flight takes a little over an hour.
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.
Step 2: Koh Samui Airport to Koh Phangan by Minivan + Ferry
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:
Flight + Ferry options from Bangkok to Koh Phangan
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.
Our favourite 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 km (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 2h55m.
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 1,155 THB ($32.50).
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!
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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.
