A beautiful view from within central Koh Phangan-mobile

How to get from
Koh Samui to Koh Phangan

Koh Samui to Koh Phangan Trip Overview

Distance14 km (8.8 miles)
Price range$5-$394
Ride Duration Range20m-2h 30m
Earliest Departure02:30
Latest Departure23:00

You can take a regular or car ferry to get from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan. Both are very affordable and take about 30 minutes. A speedboat is another option, but a little more expensive. There are limited ferries and speedboats throughout the day so plan accordingly. Koh Phangan has built a reputation as being one of the most relaxing tourist islands in Thailand. Bring your bathing suit and take part in many of the water activities the island offers. Its most dry and pleasant between December and March.

Travel Schedule Options from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan



























































































Taking a ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan

Fastest ferry: 20m

Cheapest ferry: $5

The fastest: 20m

The cheapest: $5

Pros

Inexpensive

Luggage allowance

Free cancellations

Return journeys available

Many departure times throughout the day

Cons

Passengers only (no cars)

Limited to good weather

Possible delays

Possible inclement weather cancellations

Valid ID required to show

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

WC

Food

English Speaking Staff

TV

The fastest: 2h 15m

The cheapest: $14

Pros

Inexpensive

Luggage allowance

Refund provided (if cancellation due to inclement weather)

Bathroom on board ferry

Cons

Possible motion + sea sickness

Possible inclement weather cancellations

Early arrival to departure pier - necessary

Limited credit card companies accepted on board

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

WC

The fastest: 1h

The cheapest: $12

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

WC

The available amenities for this trip are currently unavailable. For specific questions, please contact our customer service, available 24/7.

A beautiful view from within central Koh Phangan

About the ride from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan

While Koh Samui might be the ultimate island for many travelers, Koh Phangan, on the other hand, is a piece of Thai puzzle you shouldn’t miss out on. The island is well known for its legendary Full Moon Parties that take place in Haad Rin on Sunrise Beach. However, many other places such as bars, hostels, and restaurants also organize pre-parties in the days leading to the party, where you can slowly get into your party mode.

When traveling the 20 kilometer (12.4 mile) distance between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, you have one option - a ferry ride. However, many ferry operators offer additional services that will make your life easier. Some of them offer hotel and airport drop off and pick up for an additional fee, and some organize Full Moon Party tours. 

Both islands have multiple ports on different sides of the island. Depending on which operator you choose, your journey will last between 30 and 90 minutes, and you’ll arrive at different spots on the Koh Phangan island.

Depending on where you booked your accommodation, and which ferry you choose, you might be within walking distance from your hotel. However, if your accommodation is a bit further away, the easiest way to get to the other parts of the island is via an additional transfer that ferry operators provide.

 

What to see when traveling from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan

Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are very close to each other, and your ferry ride will be short. However, that doesn’t mean that you won’t have a chance to enjoy some beautiful views across the Thai seas. If you get a chance to grab an outdoor spot, prepare your camera to get a few awesome snaps for your Instagram feed.

Koh Phangan is known for its Full Moon Parties, but that’s not all there is to this beautiful island. The island is often described as the “backpacker’s dream”, where you can go diving, snorkeling, beach-hopping during the day, and explore the night markets and try delicious food in the evening.

The beaches on Koh Phangan island are simply amazing, and some of the most popular ones are Chaloklum Beach, Mae Haad Beach, Haad Khuat, Haad Salad, and many more pieces of paradise you’re free to choose from! Next to relaxing, swimming, and sunbathing, you can also try out kayaking or diving.

If there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss out during your stay on the island, besides the Full Moon Party, it’s the Thong Sala Night Market. If you’re a foodie, this will be heaven for you. On the market, you’ll find almost everything you can think of, from Thai street food to grilled fish, noodles, pizza, sushi, falafel, and much more.

 

How to get from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan

Taking a ferry

The ferry ride between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan might be very short, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have great amenities. All ferries are well equipped with air-conditioned cabins and toilets on board. All operators offer indoor seating, while some of them offer outdoor seating as well. Depending on the ferry operator you choose, the ride will last between 30 and 90 minutes.

Taking a bus + ferry

When traveling between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, you’ll also have an option to book a bus + ferry ride. For travelers coming from the airport, or going to a Full Moon Party, this is a very convenient option. When traveling from Samui Airport, the operator will pick you up there, take you to the pier, and transfer you via ferry ride to Koh Phangan island. 

If you’re going to a Full Moon Party, the operator will pick you up in any hotel, excluding hotels located in Hua Thanon, Tasing Ngam, Na Muang, Panhka, and Lipa Noi. Once you arrive at the island, you’ll be dropped off at the Haad Rin Pier. You’ll be traveling with a speedboat that doesn’t have a bar and toilets, but your journey won’t last more than 30 minutes.

Companies Operating from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan

Average time

30m - 50m

Average price

$9

(87)

Average time

2h - 2h 15m

Average price

$12 - $17

(25)

Average time

45m - 2h 30m

Average price

$9

(2544)

Average time

20m - 30m

Average price

$5

(3216)

Average time

20m - 1h 45m

Average price

$7 - $9

(258)

Popular stations and stops in Koh Samui and Koh Phangan

Departure stations in Koh Samui

Maenam Pier Koh Samui (Pralan Pier)

Bangrak Pier

Nathon Pier Koh Samui

Samui Airport (USM)

Koh Samui - Any hotel

View more

Arrival stations in Koh Phangan

Lomprayah Ticket Office, Thong Sala pier

Thong Sala Pier, Koh Phangan

Thong Sala Pier (Songserm)

Haad Rin Pier

Thong Sala Pier (Raja, Lomprayah, Seatran)

View more

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