How to Get From Koh Phangan to Koh Samui
Ferry · Private Transport
%2Cpin-s-b%2B8B4513(100.00997647839151%2C9.554203068729048)%2F100.00813266957076%2C9.630276805843181%2C10%2F560x280%402x%3Faccess_token%3Dpk.eyJ1IjoiZ2Vja29yb3V0ZXMiLCJhIjoiY2plc2p0NmQ4MHh1cDJ4bXI3aWlraGh3YyJ9.ftb9bE1kUJiddMRbmZblQQ&w=3840&q=75)
In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 35 kilometre (22 miles) distance from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Koh Samui as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.
What are the 2 ways to travel from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui?
There are two ways to travel the 35 km distance from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui. You can choose between the ferry and private.
The journey takes between 1h–3h and the quickest way is by private (1h). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by ferry with tickets starting at 247 THB ($7.60).
20m - 3h
247 THB ($7.60)
1h - 1h 30m
4,817 THB ($150)
Where to stay in Koh Samui?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Koh Samui at the bottom of this page.
Already in Koh Samui?
Onward from Koh Samui
Once you're in Koh Samui, here's where to next — 4 researched onward routes to pick from.
Koh Phangan to Koh Samui by Ferry
There are several ferry companies that operate on this route from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui. The most popular companies are Lomprayah, Seatran Discovery, Songserm, Echo Travel, Raja Ferry* and Koh Tao Booking Center.
The ferry trip from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui takes just 30 minutes with the speedboat and about 1.5 hours with the ferry.
Departure and arrival stations
All ferries operating from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui depart from Thong Sala Pier. This pier is located in Ban Tai on the east side of Koh Phangan.
Before choosing your arrival port, we suggest first checking the location of your hotel in Koh Samui. Doing so will save you some travel time and avoid additional transfers.
There are 3 arrival stations where you can dock on Koh Samui:
Lipa Noi Pier is located in the western part of Koh Samui, while Bangrak Pier and Marine Passion Koh Samui Office are located in the northeast of the island.
Below you’ll find the ferry and fast boat schedules order per pier.
Option 1: Ferry schedules from Koh Phangan to Bangrak Pier
Lomprayah and Marine Passion operate ferries that dock at Bangrak Pier. This pier is located in the north of Koh Samui, just 10 km from Chaweng Beach. Chaweng Beach is a popular area to stay for many tourists visiting Koh Samui.
Lomprayah also offers a drop-off service in Koh Samui for an additional fee.
Ready to book your ferry?
Option 2: Ferry schedule from Koh Phangan to Lipa Noi Pier*
Raja Ferry takes 90 minutes to go from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui and is the cheapest option for this route. The company operates ferry trips going to the Lipa Noi Pier on the west side of Koh Samui Island.
This location is a bit further from popular areas like Chaweng Beach (30 km).
Raja Ferry also offers an additional drop-off service with a private van for an extra fee. This is a great option if you travel with companions. However, if you are solo or with another person, you might be better of with a taxi.
The last time we checked (October 2024), Raja Ferry was not available. Please click the link provided to see if anything has changed.
Ready to book your ferry?
Option 3: Other departure stations
Ready to book your ferry?
Koh Phangan to Koh Samui by Private Transport
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui.
Rates start from 4,817 THB ($150) for a 10-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s just about 482 THB ($15) per person. Travel time is around 1h - 1h 30m.
Private Transport options from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui
Our favourite places to stay in Koh Samui
Here are our favourite places to stay in Koh Samui for every budget.
BudgetPalm Coco Mantra
Located on a hill, Palm Coco Mantra offers amazing sea views from your private balcony and room. The spectacular views continue at the swimming pool which also overlooks the beach. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a drink from a poolside bar.
Definitely try the onsite restaurant serving delicious Western and Thai food. This hotel is the perfect getaway for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation, without having to break the bank!
- Swimming pool
- Stunning sea views
- On-site restaurant & bar
- Extremely clean and luxurious hotel
Private rooms start from $28 per night.
Mid-RangeThree Trees Samui Resort
Three Trees Samui Resort is located right on Lamai Beach. You can eat, drink and swim only metres from the beach and sparkling ocean. Or you can enjoy the view from your private balcony. The location is perfect!
One of the best things about the resort is that they offer free kayaks, paddle boards and snorkelling gear to explore the waters. The staff are incredible and make you feel right at home.
- Seconds from the beach
- Free watersports
- Amazing staff
- Private balcony
Private rooms start from $31 per night.
Mid-RangeBaan Boom Boxes
Baan Boom Boxes is an eco-friendly resort offering a unique stay in Koh Samui. If you want to experience a different side of the island, head to this jungle retreat. Every room has its own rooftop balcony offering spectacular views of the island's nature. Some of them even have a bathtub on the roof!
The family who own the resort are conscious of their impact on the environment so the resort uses solar panels and reused materials to create the rooms. It's truly a special place to visit.
- Eco-friendly
- Family run and amazing hospitality
- Surrounded by nature
- Bathtub on a private rooftop terrace
Private rooms start from $35 per night.
Treat YourselfViva Vacation Resort
Steps away from Lipa Beach, Viva Vacation Resort offers Thai-style villas set within tropical gardens. And the villas are HUGE! Everyone has its own living room, bedroom and some of the biggest bathrooms that have bathrooms which come with a view!
Outside of the luxurious villas, you'll find a gorgeous swimming pool, a fully-stocked bar and a section of the beach for the resort. This is the place to relax!
- Stunning and huge villages
- The best bathrooms on the island
- Beautiful swimming pool
- Steps from the beach
Villas start from $64 per night.
Treat YourselfCentara Reserve Samui
There are several luxury resorts to choose from on Koh Samui, but Centara Reserve Samui is up there with the best. This is the kind of place where you don't have to lift a finger -- some of the villas even come with your own host to help you with anything.
You'll find multiple dreamy beachfront pools, with some of the villas having private pools too. A stay here kind of feels like a dream, it's so beautiful and perfect!
- An incredible luxury resort
- Exceptional villas
- Beachfront pools
- Some rooms come with a personal host
Deluxe suites start from $230 per night.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui. 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!
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui is 35 km.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Koh Samui?
Koh Samui is a popular island in the Gulf of Thailand, east of the mainland. As the country's second-largest island, Koh Samui offers a beautiful mix of culture and nature. It's also more developed than its neighbours, but not less appealing.
From the beaches alone, there are over 40 in Koh Samui — all picturesque and white-sand shores. This makes the island a favourite for relaxing, snorkelling and soaking up the sun. Away from the shore, you can immerse yourself in history and culture with a temple visit or munch on fresh seafood at Fisherman's Village.
How We Research
Every route on Gecko Routes is independently researched and regularly verified.
500+
ROUTES RESEARCHED
Every route is personally travelled and documented by our team, covering Southeast Asia's most popular and off-the-beaten-path connections.
Monthly
UPDATES
Routes are reviewed on a regular cycle to catch schedule changes, new operators, and price updates. Every guide shows when it was last verified.
Verified
BY TRAVELLERS
Tips and corrections from our community of travellers help keep routes accurate between team visits. Your experience makes this guide better for everyone.
About the Authors
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.
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.
Ferry Schedule Notice
Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.
Reader Comments
No comments yet — be the first to share your experience!
Leave a Comment