Bangkok to Koh Phangan

How to Get From Bangkok to Koh Phangan

3Options
2h 5mFastest
$23From
MaartenAbegailWritten by Maarten · Reviewed by Abegail · Updated 1 week ago

Train + Ferry · Bus + Ferry · Flight + Ferry

Koh Phangan is the Gulf of Thailand island known for its Full Moon Party. The rest of the island is quieter than its reputation suggests, with jungle, waterfalls and empty north-coast bays. Flying is the quickest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan, taking 2h 5m - 3h 35m including the connection to the island. Overland, the train is the cheapest option at 758 THB ($23), though the trip runs to 13h 30m - 18h.

Below you'll find every option with timings, prices and booking details.

Reach out to our Community

No questions yet — be the first to ask about Bangkok to Koh Phangan.

COMPARE

3 ways to travel from Bangkok to Koh Phangan

There are three ways to travel the 449 kilometres (279 miles) distance from Bangkok to Koh Phangan. You can choose between the train, bus, and flight.

Distance from Bangkok to Koh Phangan

Bangkok and Koh Phangan are about 449 km (279 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 778 km by road. The quickest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan is by taking the flight + ferry, which takes around 2h 5m - 3h 35m.

~449 km
Distance
~778 km
Road distance
2h 5m
Fastest

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.

Already in Koh Phangan?

Onward from Koh Phangan

Once you're in Koh Phangan, here's where to next.

From

Bangkok to Koh Phangan by Train + Ferry

13h 30m - 18hFrom 758 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).

Step 1: Bangkok to Surat Thani by Train

9h 30m - 12h259 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.

Thai RailwayThird Class Seat Fan9h 39m
15:1016:1017:3018:5019:5020:30
From $7.80
259 THB
Thai RailwayThird Class Seat Fan11h 43m
20:30
Thai RailwayThird Class Seat Fan12h 4m
20:30
$8.10
269 THB
Thai RailwaySecond Class Seat Fan11h 43m
20:30
Thai RailwaySecond Class Seat Fan12h 4m
20:30

View train stations on map

Map of stations
Click to explore

Train tickets are available on Bookaway.

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

3h 50m - 6h499 THB ($15)

You can book a combined ferry and minivan ticket for 465 THB ($14). 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 499 THB ($15).

12Go TransportStandard5h
05:3008:00
12Go TransportStandard5h 30m
05:3008:00
Phantip 1970Express5h
05:3008:00
From $16
519 THB
LomprayahStandard3h 50m
11:00
$31
1,030 THB

View minivan stations on map

Map of stations
Click to explore

Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.

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 ($36).

Bangkok to Koh Phangan by Bus + Ferry

16h - 16h 30mFrom 1,004 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 16h - 16h 30m 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 1,004 THB ($30).

Bus + Ferry schedule from Bangkok to Koh Phangan

Jarinthon Tour (2553)Standard16h 30m
19:00
$30
1,004 THB
Paradive TravelStandard16h 30m
19:00
$36
1,203 THB

Bus + Ferry tickets are available on Bookaway.

View bus stations on map

Map of stations
Click to explore
From
To

Booking Tip

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

2h 5m - 3h 35mFrom 2,320 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

1h 05m2,000 THB ($60)

All flights for this route are operated by Bangkok Airways, with ticket prices starting at 2,000 THB ($60). 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.

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

1h - 2h 30m392 THB ($12)

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:

SmackOneStandard2h 15m
09:0015:30
Seatran DiscoveryStandard1h
09:0014:00
SmackOneStandard2h
08:0009:3010:3011:0013:0015:00
From $15
505 THB
Seatran DiscoveryStandard1h 30m
09:0014:00

View minivan stations on map

Map of stations
Click to explore

Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.

Booking Tip

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.

View flight stations on map

Map of stations
Click to explore
From
To
STAY

Our favourite places to stay in Koh Phangan

Here are our favourite places to stay in Koh Phangan for every budget.

Benjamin's Hut
Budget

Benjamin's Hut

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.

View on Booking.com
Secret Garden
Budget

Secret Garden

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. 

View on Booking.com
CheeVa Beach Resort
Mid-Range

CheeVa Beach Resort

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

View on Booking.com
Baan Manali Resort
Mid-Range

Baan Manali Resort

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. 

View on Booking.com
Mangata Boutique Bungalows
Treat Yourself

Mangata Boutique Bungalows

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.

View on Booking.com

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

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.

Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Bangkok to Koh Phangan, roughly 449 kilometres (279 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is 758 THB ($23). The quickest trip takes 2h 5m.

Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance from Bangkok to Koh Phangan?

The distance from Bangkok to Koh Phangan is 449 kilometres (279 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 and takes 2h 5m - 3h 35m.

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 with ticket costs starting from 758 THB.

About the Authors

Maarten
Maarten

Founder & Trip Planning Expert

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.

Abegail
AbegailReviewer

Travel Writer

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.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep Gecko Routes free and up to date.

Stay Connected

Join our Community

We're a small team of passionate travellers sharing what we've learned on the road. Get our best tips, route updates, and travel stories delivered to your inbox.

Unsubscribe anytime.