| Distance | 20 km (12.5 miles) |
| Price range | $8-$387 |
| Ride Duration Range | 20m-3h |
| Earliest Departure | 01:00 |
| Latest Departure | 23:00 |
| Most Popular Operator | Seatran Discovery |
A ferry boat is the ideal way to travel from Koi Phangan to Ko Samui. A regular ferry takes just 30 minutes and is extremely affordable. However, be wary that there are only 21 transports per week. For the best weather experience in Ko Samui, book a trip between December and March. You can take advantage of the many water activities on Ko Samui, including snorkeling, jet skiing, and kayaking. They also provide private boat tours enabling you to take pictures of the incredible scenery around the island
Fastest ferry: 20m
Cheapest ferry: $8
The fastest: 20m
The cheapest: $8
Pros
Inexpensive
Luggage allowance
Free cancellations
Return journeys available
Departure times throughout the day
Cons
Possible inclement weather cancellations
Fee for Koh Samui shuttle drop off
Possible delays
Valid ID required to show
POSSIBLE AMENITIES:
A/C
WC
TV
Food
English Speaking Staff
The available amenities for this trip are currently unavailable. For specific questions, please contact our customer service, available 24/7.
The fastest: 1h 45m
The cheapest: $14
Pros
Luggage allowance
Refund provided (if cancellation due to inclement weather)
Bathroom on board ferry
Food and drinks for purchase
Inexpensive
Cons
Possible inclement weather cancellations
Possible motion + sea sickness
Early arrival to departure pier - necessary
Limited credit card companies accepted on board
POSSIBLE AMENITIES:
A/C
WC
The fastest: 1h
The cheapest: $11
POSSIBLE AMENITIES:
A/C
WC
TV
The available amenities for this trip are currently unavailable. For specific questions, please contact our customer service, available 24/7.
Returning to reality seems impossible once you’ve experienced island life on Koh Phangan.
So, don’t!
After traversing this iconic Thai island, zip to Koh Samui, another island paradise filled with towering palm trees, powder-fine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant party scene.
Koh Samui is the place to be in the Gulf of Thailand. Located south of Koh Phangan, this island is slightly larger and home to tropical views, a lively nightlife scene, luxury hotels, and great snorkeling spots. If you’re not ready to return to the mainland, this should be your next stop.
The distance between Koh Phangan and Koh Samui is only 14 km/8.8 miles, and rides take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on your transport. So, no matter your choice, you’ll be there in no time.
Most routes depart Koh Phangan from Thong Sala Pier or Haad Rin Pier and arrive in Koh Samui via Maenam Pier, Nathon Pier, Bengrak Pier, or Samui Haad Rin Queen Pier. Don’t worry about getting lost. Since these islands are pretty small, you’re never too far from your destination.
Prepare for the island experience of a lifetime. Scroll down to get the lowdown on traveling from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui.
Getting ready to touchdown in Koh Samui? Don’t miss out on these must-see attractions.
Beach hopping — Koh Samui is a beach bum’s paradise. From Chaweng Beach to Maenam Beach, this island is jam-packed with sandy havens where you can sunbathe, practice yoga, or paddle on top of azure waves.
Samui Big Buddha — This 12-meter (39-feet) golden Buddha temple sits majestically on a small rocky island on the northeastern corner of Koh Samui. There’s no entrance fee.
Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks — Calling all geographers. The Hin Ta and Hin Yai are two, erm, unique rock formations on Lamai Beach. We won’t spoil the secret, but they make for a great photo spot, so don’t forget your selfie stick.
Bohput/Fisherman’s Village — One of the main areas on the island, Bohput is a great place to spend a chilled afternoon. This rustic village has lots of small cafes, bars, and even a Friday Night Market.
Secret Buddha Garden — This calm oasis, also known as the Magic Garden, is surrounded by waterfalls, valleys, and coconut plantations. Within the garden, you can admire delicate statues and native flora and fauna while enjoying a quiet moment.
You have three options to get from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui: ferry, bus+ferry, or van+ferry. Here’s how each differs…
The fastest and cheapest way to travel from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui is by ferry. So, unsurprisingly, this is the most popular option. Ferry rides start as low as $6, perfect for those looking for a bargain.
The only drawback for ferry-only trips is that you get dropped at the pier — not your hotel or the airport. Something to consider if you have somewhere you need to be in a hurry.
The four types of ferry to Koh Samui include:
High-Speed Ferry — Includes onboard A/C, W/Cs, and 20 kg bag and 7 kg hand luggage allowances. But don’t be fooled by the name; it’s not always the fastest ferry. Be sure to check the times.
Speedboat Ferry — The fastest ferry option, but it doesn’t include W/C or AC due to the small boat size.
Standard Ferry — The boat has onboard A/C, WC, English-speaking staff, and food and drink options. All passengers are allowed a 20 kg bag and 7 kg hand luggage, and children aged 0 to 1 travel for free.
Catamaran Ferry — A catamaran is a watercraft with two parallel hulls for extra stability. This ship has a WC, and children ages 0 to 1 can travel for free.
Pro tip: Severe weather conditions can affect ferry journeys. In the case of bad weather, your trip might be refunded or postponed until the next day. This is more common in the wet season.
Alongside ferry-only journeys, you can opt for a standard bus and ferry route. This runs twice a day and takes you from Thong Sala Pier, Koh Phangan, to a hotel drop-off point of your choosing. Ideal if you want to arrive at your accommodation without working out Koh Samui public transport on the spot.
Amenities on this route include A/C, WC, a 20 kg bag and 7 kg hand luggage, and ferry life jackets.
Another option is a standard van and ferry. These rides include AC, W/Cs, a 20 kg bag and hand luggage space, and life jackets on the boat.
Some standard van and ferry rides take you to Samui Airport (USM), and some arrive at Sub Somwang Plai Laem Pier. Also, some offer hotel pickups and private transfer options. Check the details of your preferred tour operator to be sure.
If you are traveling in a small group of up to seven people, you could hire a private van to make your journey even easier.
The ride from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui takes you south through the Gulf of Thailand. If you enjoy scenic journeys, this one is a must. The ferries travel through glistening waters, giving you undisturbed views of smaller islands and a distant glimpse of the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park (to the west of the islands).
This is a popular and safe route for all — including solo and female travelers.
Most ferries are well-stocked with amenities. For extra comfort, look for A/C, as it can get hot on this route.
It’s also a brief journey; you only cover 14 km (8.8 miles). So, sit back and enjoy the sights as you glide towards Koh Samui.
The best time to travel from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui is from January to April. The temperatures are warm and dry during this period, and the sea is perfect for swimming. Expect average temperatures of 28°C to 31°C (82.4°F to 87.8°F) and little rain.
From May to November, the weather remains warm, but there’s a higher chance of rain and humidity. This can make exploring unpleasant, and more ferries will likely be canceled due to weather.
The peak of the rain falls from September to December.
Not ready to leave island life?
We get it.
The best place to visit after Koh Samui is Koh Tao. Located further north, this island is packed with nightspots, restaurants, and beaches. It’s also home to some incredible coral reefs, and common snorkeling sights include rays and whale sharks. You can get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao in 1.5 hours via a ferry.
Thong Sala Pier (Songserm)
Koh Phangan - Any hotel in Baan Kai, Haad Baan Tai and Haad Rin
Koh Phangan hotel transfer
Thong Sala Koh Phangan
Thong Sala Koh Phangan
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