Overview Compare Ferry To Stay
How to get from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
When you’re finished exploring Koh Samui, head over to Koh Phangan for more stunning beaches and world famous parties. Koh Phangan is mainly known for the original Full Moon Party which occurs every full moon, but it’s also well known for the Half Moon Parties, Jungle, Lighthouse and Waterfall parties.
While this island has a reputation for being a bit wild, it also offers amazing beaches, stunning nature and excellent food, giving you the best of both worlds in one location. Especially the North of Koh Phangan offers very quiet and beautiful beaches and nature that most travellers don’t expect on a party Island like Koh Phangan.
Ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
For the journey from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan, the only mode of transport is the ferry. Koh Phangan is located only 15 km north of Koh Samui. The ferry ride takes 30-90 minutes, depending on the ferry port you depart from.
Rates from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan start from 180 THB ($5.00). However, for most travellers, it will be more convenient to take the ferry leaving from Bangrak Pier, which is closest to Chaweng Beach. The ferry departing from this pier costs 360 THB ($10.00).
To get to the ferry ports, you can also book an additional pick-up service with almost all the ferry companies operating between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. This service comes at an extra fee, which we included below all schedules.
You can also book a shuttle + ferry service if you’re coming from Koh Samui Airport. Fares for this option start from 550 THB ($15.50), and total travel time is around 2-3 hours.
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 between 30-90 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 2-3 hours and costs 550 THB ($15.50).
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.
Lomprayah used to operate on this route, but the last time we checked (October 2022), only Seatran Discover departs from Bangrak Pier. They offer hotel pick-up service for an additional fee of 180 THB ($5.00) per person.
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 375 THB ($10.50), the Lomprayah ferry can take you from Mae Nam Pier to Thong Sala Pier in Koh Pangan in just 30 minutes.
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 30 minutes.
This ferry company also offers hotel pick-up service for an additional 440 THB ($12.00) per person.
Option 5: From Lipa Noi Pier to Thong Sala Pier
Rajah Ferry is the cheapest option when travelling from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan. While it is the cheapest option at 180 THB ($5.00), this ferry has the longest travel time, around 1.5 hours 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 ($22.50). 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.
Our favourite 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.
Koh Phangan Travel Guides
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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.
