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 Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
There are 3 ways to travel the distance of 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan by minivan (1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours), private Transport (1 hour to 1 hour 45 minutes) and ferry (20 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 20 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by ferry. The lowest priced tickets start from 268 THB ($8) for the 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.
Koh Samui to Koh Phangan by Ferry
Being the more popular and bigger island, Koh Samui houses many piers. When you travel from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan, you can board ferries from any of these piers.
The ferry trip to Koh Phangan takes around 20 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on the ferry company. There is also an option to depart from Samui Airport, which will take around 3 hours to Koh Phangan.
TIP: Book your tickets at least several days in advance as tickets tend to sell out fast.
Departure and arrival station
We recommend first checking the location of your hotel so that you can choose the pier that is closest to your hotel. Even with hotel pick-up, it will save you some travel time.
All ferries going to Koh Phangan dock at the Thong Sala Pier in the southwest part of the island. The exception is the shuttle + ferry service provided by SmackOne.
SmackOne offers pick-up service from Koh Samui Airport, and the ferry drops off passengers at Haad Rin Beach – the beach that became famous for its full moon parties in the south of Koh Phangan.
Option 1: From Koh Samui Airport to Koh Phangan
Coming from Koh Samui Airport and wanting to go straight to Koh Phangan? SmackOne and Seatran Discovery both offer shuttle + ferry services from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan.
If you’re planning to stay in the southern part of Koh Phangan (and can’t wait to hit the first bar), you can book with SmackOne, as the arrival port is Haad Rin Beach. Meanwhile, Seatran Discovery heads to Thong Sala Pier, along with all other ferries.
The combined shuttle and ferry ride takes 1h - 2h 30m and costs 395 THB ($11.80).
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
Option 2: From Bangrak Pier to Thong Sala Pier
Bangrak Pier on the north coast is the port nearest to Chaweng Beach, the most popular beach on the island. This is why tourists usually take ferries from this port when travelling to Koh Samui.
Option 3: From Mae Nam Pier to Thong Sala Pier
Another port you can depart from is Mae Nam Pier on the north coast of the island. Located about 20 minutes from Bangrak Pier, this port is accessible to tourists staying at the beaches on the north and northeastern side of Koh Samui.
For 268 THB ($8), the Lomprayah ferry can take you from Mae Nam Pier to Thong Sala Pier in Koh Pangan in just 30m.
Option 4: From Na Thon Pier to Thong Sala Pier
Lomprayah also has a ferry departing from Na Thon Pier. This pier is on the western side of Koh Samui and is less convenient if you’re staying around Chaweng beach area.
If you’re staying on the west side of the island, leaving via Na Thon pier is a great option that gets you to Koh Phangan in just 30m - 1h.
This ferry company also offers hotel pick-up service for an additional 440 THB ($13.10) per person.
Option 5: From Lipa Noi Pier to Thong Sala Pier*
Rajah Ferry is the most affordable option when travelling from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan. While it is the cheapest option at 180 THB ($5.40), this ferry has the longest travel time, around 1h 30m compared to other ferries’ 30-minute travel time.
This ferry operates from Lipa Noi Pier, which is also on the west side of the island and a few km away from Na Thon Pier. If you’re staying at Chaweng beach, you have to take a 45-minute taxi ride to this port.
Rajah Ferry also offers hotel pick-up with a private van that fits up to 6 passengers for 800 THB ($24). This service is a great option if you’re travelling in a group. However, if you are only with 1 or 2 people, you might be better off with a taxi to Lipa Noi Pier.
Other arrival stations
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
Koh Samui to Koh Phangan by Minivan
A minivan ride from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan costs around 663 THB ($19.80). The minivan journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
Seatran Discovery operates on this route.
Minivan options from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
Koh Samui to Koh Phangan by Private Transport
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan.
Rates start from 680 THB ($20) for a 10-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s just about 596 THB ($17.80) per person. Travel time is around 1 hour to 1 hour 45 minutes.
Private Transport options from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
Best 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 Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
What is the distance from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan?
The distance from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan is 15 kilometers (9 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan?
The fastest way to get from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan is by ferry and takes 20 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan?
The cheapest way to get from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan is by ferry with ticket costs starting from 268 THB ($8).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Koh Samui 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!
Koh Phangan Travel Guides
The Ultimate Koh Phangan Travel Guide
11 Best Things to Do in Koh Phangan
Routes from Koh Phangan
Most popular routes in Thailand
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.
