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Koh Phangan and Koh Samui are neighbours in the Gulf of Thailand. Samui is the busier island, with an airport and big resorts along its east coast. The ferry is the cheapest way to get from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui at $7.60 (250 THB), and it takes 20m - 3h. A private transfer is also an option, and it costs a good deal more.
Distance from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui
Koh Phangan and Koh Samui are about 27 km (17 miles) apart, and the overland-and-sea journey covers around 35 km. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 20m and 3h.
2 ways to travel from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui
There are two ways to travel from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui. You can choose between the ferry and private transport. The journey takes 20m–1h and the quickest way is by ferry. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by ferry with tickets starting at $7.60 (250 THB).
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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 (930 THB) 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 (1,020 THB) 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 (1,160 THB) 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 (2,120 THB) 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 (7,600 THB) per night.
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.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui, roughly 27 kilometres (17 miles) apart. In all, there are 2 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $7.60 (250 THB). The quickest trip takes 20m.
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 Koh Phangan to Koh Samui?
The distance from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui is 27 kilometres (17 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui?
Journey times from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui overlap: ferry 20m - 3h, private transport 1h - 1h 30m. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui?
The cheapest way to get from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui is by ferry with ticket costs starting from 250 THB.
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.
