How to get from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan

Why visit 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.

There are 3 ways to travel the 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan. You can choose between the minivan, private transport and ferry. The journey takes 20 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by ferry. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by ferry with tickets starting at 271 THB ($8).

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.

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 400 THB ($11.80).

Samui Airport (USM)

Standard

Thong Sala Pier (Raja, Lomprayah, Seatran)

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2h 15m

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11:30

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15:15

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2h 30m

17:30

SmackOne

From 515 THB ($15.20)

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• 24/7 customer support

515 THB ($15.20)

08:00

2h 15m

10:15

13:00

2h 15m

15:15

Check on BookAway

• 24/7 customer support

573 THB ($16.90)

10:30

2h

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15:00

Check on BookAway

• 24/7 customer support

580 THB ($17.10)

09:30

2h

11:30

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2h

13:00

13:00

2h

15:00

15:00

2h 30m

17:30

Check on BookAway

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.

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 271 THB ($8), the Lomprayah ferry can take you from Mae Nam Pier to Thong Sala Pier in Koh Pangan in just 30m.

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) per person.

Rajah Ferry is the most affordable option when travelling from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan. While it is the cheapest option at 180 THB ($5.30), 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.

Petcherat Marina Bangrak

Speedboat

Baan Tai Pier

09:00

0h 20m

09:20

12:00

0h 20m

12:20

16:00

0h 20m

16:20

18:30

0h 20m

18:50

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0h 20m

20:50

Echo Travel

From 482 THB ($14.20)

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• 24/7 customer support

482 THB ($14.20)

09:00

0h 20m

09:20

12:00

0h 20m

12:20

16:00

0h 20m

16:20

Check on BookAway

• 24/7 customer support

604 THB ($17.80)

18:30

0h 20m

18:50

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• 24/7 customer support

966 THB ($29)

20:30

0h 20m

20:50

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A minivan ride from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan costs around 671 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

A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan.

Rates start from 688 THB ($20) for a 10-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s just about 604 THB ($17.80) per person. Travel time is around 1 hour to 1 hour 45 minutes.