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Overview | Flight | Bus | Train | Secret Escapes
How to get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan?
When travelling the 770km distance from Bangkok to Koh Phangan, you have 3 options: you can fly for 2 hours (starting from $97), take the bus for about 14.5 hours ($30.50), or take the train for approximately 16.5 hours ($51).
Flight, Bus or Train?
| Transport mode | Duration | Costs | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | 2 hours | 2,930 THB ($97) | Check flights |
| Bus | 10-18 hours | 920 THB ($30.50) | Check bus tickets |
| Train | 16 hours | 1,550 THB ($51) | Check train tickets |
The flight is the best option if you have limited time and don’t mind spending more. The entire journey takes only 2 hours and costs about $97.
Bus is the cheapest option, with fares starting at $30.50. Travel time is between 10 to 18 hours, but you can take a night bus to save valuable daytime.
Trains are also an option to consider for night travel. However, travelling by train involves several transfers and the journey is at least 16.5 hours.
Koh Phangan boasts natural lush greenery combined with beautiful beaches, local markets, and authentic Thai food. The island is perfect for those wanting a relaxing atmosphere with a welcoming island vibe.
Koh Phangan is also well known for its party atmosphere. They host the original Full Moon parties, Jungle parties, Waterfall parties, and Half Moon Parties, as well as many others. You will not be bored on Koh Phangan, the island always has something to offer!
Note that Koh Phangan is located within close proximity of Koh Samui. If time allows, we recommend adding Koh Samui to your itinerary as well.
Itinerary from Bangkok to Koh Phangan
Bangkok to Koh Phangan by Flight
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: 2,930 THB ($97)
As Koh Phangan does not have its own airport, you will need to book a flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui.
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.
Step 1: Bangkok to Koh Samui by Flight
Duration: 1h 05min
Cost: 2,600 THB ($85)
All flights for this route are operated by Bangkok Airways, with ticket prices starting at 2,600 THB ($85). You can choose from several flights, the first one departs at 06:00 daily. For more information, you can read how to go from Bangkok to Koh Samui.
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 a cheaper alternative than flying to Koh Samui, but will require a longer ferry ride.
Step 2: Koh Samui to Koh Phangan by Van + Ferry
Duration: 50 min
Cost: 330 THB ($11)
There are two companies operating combined van and ferry trips from the airport to Koh Phangan. Seatran Discovery docks at Thong Sala Pier and Samui Accom at Haad Rin Pier. Both are good choices, so just pick which one docks closer to your destination on the island.
Make sure to align your flight with the van schedules if you wish to book this combined option. We have provided the schedules below:
| Operator | Schedule | Duration | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seatran Discovery | 08:00-08:30 13:00-13:30 16:30-17:00 | 30min | 450 THB ($15) |
| Samui Accom | 10:30-11:20 12:40-13:30 15:30-16:20 18:30-19:20 | 50min | 320 THB ($10.50) |
Check Combined Van and Ferry Tickets
Bangkok to Koh Phangan by Bus
Duration: 14.5 hours
Cost: 920 THB ($30.50)
We recommend that you book a combined bus and ferry ticket for a hassle-free transfer. Several companies operate on this route, from different departure points in Bangkok. Each pick-up location depends on the company operating the trip and you can choose which one’s most convenient for you.
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.
Most of the choices are night buses, so you can catch up on your rest and be ready to check out the sights of the island when you arrive.
Travel time is at least 14 hours for the night buses. Lomprayah offers the only daytime option, which takes a little over 10 hours.
We have provided all the options below:
Khao San
| Bus Operator | Schedule | Duration | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Songserm | 18:00-12:15 | 18h 15m | 850 THB ($28) |
| Raja Ferry | 17:30-10:30 | 17h | 920 THB ($30.50) |
| Lomprayah | 06:00-16:10 21:00-10:45 | 10h 10m 13h 45m | 1,300 THB ($43) |
Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai)
| Bus Operator | Schedule | Duration | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Krungsiam Tour | 19:00-10:30 19:30-10:30 20:00-10:30 | 15h 30m 15h 14h 30m | 1,000 THB ($33) 1,300 THB ($43) 1,100 THB ($36.50) |
Ratchadaphisek Road (Veronica Residence)
| Bus Operator | Schedule | Duration | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raja Ferry | 20:00-10:00 | 14h | 920 THB ($30.50) |
Hua Lamphong Railway Station
| Bus Operator | Schedule | Duration | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Songserm | 19:00-12:15 | 17h 15m | 850 THB ($28) |
| Paradive Travel | 19:00-11:30 | 16h 30m | 1,100 THB ($36) |
Check Combined Bus and Ferry Tickets
Bangkok to Koh Phangan by Train
Duration: 16.5 hours
Cost: 1,550 THB ($51)
Travelling by train will be the most time-consuming option. To save yourself the hassle of arranging 3 separate transfers, we highly recommend buying the combined train, bus and ferry package.
When you board the train at Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok, this train will take you all the way south to Surat Thani Railway Station.
From there, you will board a van or bus which will take you to the pier in Surat Thani, from where you will then board a ferry to the beautiful island of Koh Phangan.
When you buy a combined ticket online, you have the following schedules:
| Operator | Train No. | Schedule | Duration | 2nd Class A/C Sleeper |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thai Railways | #85 | 19:30-11:45 | 16h 15m | 1,550 THB ($51) |
| Thai Railways + Seatran Discovery | #85 | 19:30-13:30 | 18h | 1,550 THB ($51) |
| Thai Railways + Lomprayah | #85 | 19:30-11:45 | 16h 15m | 1,800 THB ($59) |
All prices are for 2nd class sleeper berths. For more comfort, you can also book 1st class sleepers starting at 2,100 THB ($69.50) for this comfort.
The total travel time is at least 16.5 hours and all ferries dock at Thong Sala Pier in Koh Phangan.
Check Combined Train, Bus and Ferry Tickets
My 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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