Thailand Koh Phangan

How to get from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan

In this in-depth route guide, you’ll find the best ways to travel the 60 kilometres (37 miles) distance from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Koh Phangan 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.

Written by Maarten - Trip Planning ExpertReviewed by Abegail - Travel Writer

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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.

What are the 2 ways to travel from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan?

There are 2 ways to travel the 60 kilometres (37 miles) from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan. You can choose between the ferry + van and ferry. The journey takes 50 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes and the quickest way is by ferry. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by ferry with tickets starting at 370 THB ($11.30).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Ferry

50m - 2h

From 370 THB ($11.30)

Book Tickets

Ferry + Van

2h 15m - 2h 45m

From 670 THB ($20.50)

Book Tickets

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 Tao to Koh Phangan by Ferry

Duration: 50m - 2h

Costs: 370 THB ($11.30)

Duration: 50m - 2h

Costs: 370 THB ($11.30)

The only way to go to Koh Phangan from Koh Tao is via ferry. There are two ferry companies operating from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan: Lomprayah and Songserm. The companies offer rides on a speedboat or catamaran that can take you to Koh Phangan in just 50 minutes - 2 hours.

Departure and arrival ports

All ferries in Koh Tao depart from Mae Haad Pier on the east side of Koh Tao.

The ferries arrive at Thong Sala Pier on Koh Phangan. This pier is located in Ban Tai, on the east side of Koh Phangan.

Ferry schedules from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan

Mae Haad Koh Tao

Laemsor

Thong Sala Koh Phangan

17:00

1h 40m

18:40

Lomprayah

370 THB ($11.30)

Get Your Tickets

Mae Haad Pier (Lomprayah Ticket office)

Standard

Lomprayah Ticket Office, Thong Sala pier

17:00

1h 30m

18:30

Lomprayah

412 THB ($12.60)

Get Your Tickets

Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier)

High Speed

Thong Sala Pier (Songserm)

09:30

11:30

Songserm

445 THB ($13.60)

Get Your Tickets

Koh Tao Songserm

High Speed

Thong Sala Koh Phangan

09:30

1h 45m

11:15

Songserm

507 THB ($15.50)

Get Your Tickets

Mae Haad Koh Tao

Catamaran

Thong Sala Koh Phangan

09:30

10:30

15:30

1h 15m

16:45

Lomprayah

520 THB ($15.90)

Get Your Tickets

Mae Haad Koh Tao

Speedboat

Thong Sala Koh Phangan

07:00

0h 50m

07:50

Lomprayah

618 THB ($18.90)

Get Your Tickets

Show 1 more operator(s)

There are only a couple of trips per day so it’s best to book early.

You may require transfers to get to and from the piers mentioned. Check with your hotels if they offer transportation.

Koh Tao to Koh Phangan by Ferry + Van

Duration: 2h 15m - 2h 45m

Costs: 670 THB ($20.50)

Duration: 2h 15m - 2h 45m

Costs: 670 THB ($20.50)

If you want to be dropped off at your hotel in Koh Phangan, you can book a combined ferry and minivan ride with Songserm.

Total journey takes about 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes, and combined fares start at 670 THB ($20.50).

Koh Tao to Koh Phangan by Ferry + Minivan

Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier)

High Speed

Koh Phangan - Any hotel

09:30

2h 45m

12:15

Songserm

670 THB ($20.50)

Get Your Tickets

Koh Tao Songserm

Express

Koh Phangan hotel transfer

09:30

2h 15m

11:45

Songserm

762 THB ($23.50)

Get Your Tickets

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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

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

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Koh Tao 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!

Frequently Asked Questions about Koh Tao to Koh Phangan

What is the distance from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan?

The distance from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan is 60 kilometres (37 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan?

The fastest way to get from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan is by ferry and takes 50 minutes.

What is the cheapest way to get from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan?

The cheapest way to get from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan is by ferry with ticket costs starting from 370 THB ($11.30).

About the author(s)

Maarten

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.

Abegail

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.