About the ride from Koh Phangan to Surat Thani
After relaxing on some of Koh Phangan’s scintillating beaches, prepare for an adventure in Surat Thani.
To get from Koh Phangan to Surat Thani, you’ll need to hop on one of the daily ferries that will transport you over to the mainland.
All ferries are affordable and very relaxing and provide excellent images of the Thailand coast.
If you want to relax and go overnight, there are sleeping ferries to save you on a night of accommodation. If you’re interested in getting there quickly, look into the speedboat option.
Incredible things to do in Surat Thani
If you’re looking for some things to put on the top of your bucket list, start with these activities:
Visit the National Parks.
On the Surat Thani coast is Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park. Get in the water and learn more about Thailand’s abundant marine life.
Located on the eastern side of the province, Khao Sok National Park is a must-visit no matter where in Surat Thani you’re staying. Bring your camera because this park has stunning limestone formations, rare flora and fauna, and lots of activities, like walking trails, rainforest hiking, elephant spotting, kayaking, water tubing, and canoeing.
Taste all the food at the markets. Surat Thani is known for its food markets. Check out the Sanjao Night Market and Pra Cha Rat Floating Market. Spend some time with the locals and try the most delicious items in town.
Go sightseeing at the temples and shrines. Surat Thani has some amazing landmarks to see. Stop by the Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine and the Wat Bang Bai Mai Temple while walking through Old Town.
How to get from Koh Phangan to Surat Thani
There are five primary ways to get from Koh Phangan to Surat Thani: bus, bus + ferry, ferry, minivan, and minivan + ferry.
Separated by 125 km (78 mi), it can take anywhere from two to ten hours to make the connection, depending on which mode of transportation you take.
Take a bus
Taking a bus from Koh Phangan to Surat Thani can take anywhere from 4.5 to 5.5 hours. Prices start at $16 and include a trip on the ferry. There are several pick-up locations, all depending on the provider, but they all drop off passengers at Surat Thani Airport.
There are several departures per day. Some amenities you can include A/C and W/C. Luggage allowances vary by provider.
Take a bus + ferry
Taking a bus + ferry is an affordable way to travel from Koh Phangan to Surat Thani. With a combo ticket, you’ll start by taking a ferry to the mainland, and then the bus will transfer you to your final destination.
Prices start at $12. The total travel time can take 3.5 to 6 hours, depending on your chosen provider and drop-off location.
There are several pick-up and drop-off locations, so read the fine print before booking your trip. There are multiple departures per day.
If you decide to go by high-speed ferry, you can bring two luggage items and a backpack. These ferries are a little more expensive, starting at $14, but include free cancellation within 48 hours of departure. All ferries include A/C and a W/C.
Take a ferry
Not all ferries are equal, and sometimes their names can be misleading. Just because it’s called a high-speed ferry doesn’t mean it’s the fastest. Pay attention to the details before you confirm the ticket.
Some only take two hours, while others take eight and travel overnight.
At two hours, speedboat ferries are the fastest way to travel, and prices start at $24. These ferries depart from Koh Phangan Lomprayah Office and arrive at Tapee Pier Lomprayah. One 20 kg (44 lbs) luggage per passenger is allowed.
High-speed and sleeping ferries include A/C and W/C. It takes about eight hours to get from Thong Sala Koh Phangan to Surat Thani Night Boat Pier. Prices start at $16. These ferries depart at night and allow you to take one 15 kg luggage.
Take a minivan
Minivans take anywhere between four to six hours to connect from Koh Phangan to Surat Thani. With prices starting at $18, it’s an affordable way to get from the island to the Surat Thani Airport if you’re on your way out.
There are multiple departures daily.
Take a minivan + ferry
Prices for minivan + ferry start at $13 and can take anywhere from 2.5 to 10 hours to connect, depending on which type of ferry you take. With this combo ticket, you’ll hop on a ferry and take a minivan to your final destination, which varies by provider.
The minivan + speedboat ferry is the fastest option, with prices starting at $29. You will depart from Koh Phangan Lomprayah Office and arrive at Surat Thani Train Station in about three hours.
What to expect on the journey from Koh Phangan to Surat Thani
Any time you go by ferry, it can be a relaxing experience, and the voyage from Koh Phangan to Surat Thani is no different. Get your camera ready to capture images of the clear blue sea and the scenic Thailand coastline as you approach the mainland.
Depending on when you leave and arrive, you may see a beautiful sunrise or sunset over the sea. Keep that in mind if you’re searching for a good time to depart. Nothing beats a good sunrise over the water.
If you choose a bus or minivan + ferry ticket, once you’ve reached port, a bus or minivan will take you through the winding roads and bustling city life. It’s a significant contrast from what you had just experienced on the postcard-worthy island of Koh Phangan.
When is the best time to visit Surat Thani?
If you’re visiting Surat Thani, you can leave your sweaters and long pants at home. The weather is warm year-round. The average monthly temperatures stay over 90°F (32°C) during the days, with nights near 72°F (22°C).
There are two seasons: wet and dry. The rainy season lasts from May to December, so if you want to dodge the raindrops, avoid this time of year. January to April is dry and slightly cooler, making this a good time of year to visit if you want the most pleasant conditions.
Because the winter has the most pleasant temperatures, it’s also more crowded. Visit at the end of winter and early spring for fewer crowds and good weather.
Where to after Surat Thani?
After vacationing in Koh Phangan and Surat Thani, you have a few different options as to where to go next.
If you haven’t visited Khao Sok National Park, now is the time to stop. There are so many activities, and there are incredible views all around. If you love animals, you’ll fall in love with the wildlife here — rare creatures like elephants, tigers, bears, and gibbons can be seen here.