Koh Tao to Koh Phangan tickets

About the ride from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan

Just because you’ve been hanging out on the floating paradise of Koh Tao doesn’t mean you should skip its sister island, Koh Phangan.  

Suppose you’re craving bigger crowds, crazier parties, and a mix of adventure and relaxation. In that case, Koh Phangan is the place for you. But it’s more than just parties. There are also quiet, untouched beaches, steamy jungle hikes, and breathtaking waterfalls to explore. 

Since the islands are so close, getting between them is super easy. In one to two hours, depending on your transportation of choice, you’ll be sipping cocktails with your toes in Koh Phangan’s sand. 

You’ll need a ferry to get from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan, but whether you add a minivan to get from the pier to your hotel is up to you.

Read all the details below. 

But first… 

Five incredible activities in Koh Phangan

After the Full Moon parties, when the throngs of tourists leave, Koh Phangan is all about that laid-back, go-with-the-flow vibe, but if you’re short on time, here are the must-dos to make the most of your trip:

1. Hit the beaches. This island is packed with epic beaches, so you really can’t go wrong. Haad Rin is where the party’s at, Chaloklum is all about chill vibes, and Koh Ma is the go-to for snorkeling and watersports.
   
   

2. Dive in. Thinking about getting your PADI certification? Koh Phangan has tons of diving schools to make it happen. Not ready to commit? A snorkeling trip will give you a taste of the underwater magic while sticking to the surface.
   
   

3. Hike to Khao Ra. Up for a challenge? Trek to the highest point on the island for insane jungle views over the Gulf of Thailand. Bring water — this climb is no joke, especially in the heat!
   
   

4. Chase all the waterfalls. Koh Phangan has plenty, but Paradise Waterfall is a standout. Take a dip and cool off in the jungle.
   
   

5. Explore Than Sadet National Park. This secret oasis on the northeast side of the island is pure natural bliss. Fewer crowds and more adventure — what’s not to love?

How to get from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan

You’ve got two options to get between these two island paradises.

1. A ferry

2. A minivan + ferry combo ticket.

If you’re prone to seasickness, take your medication before the trip. Don’t wait until you get on the ferry because by then, it could be too late. And there is nothing worse than chumming the waters when all you want to do is watch the magnificent scenery float by. 

By ferry

Duration: One to two hours

Starting price: $12 

There are a few different companies that run this route. Some ferries are speedboats with open-air seating. Other boats have indoor seats, air conditioning, and TVs, but those are larger and usually take a bit longer.

Boats depart from Mae Haad Pier or Songserm Pier in Koh Tao and arrive at Thong Sala Pier on Koh Phangan. 

The ferry you choose depends on your budget and how antsy you are to get from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan. But the difference is only a few dollars, and the ride is pretty breathtaking, so a slower ferry isn’t a bad choice at all, far from it. Plus, you’ll meet loads of travelers on the ship.  

On the larger ships, you’ll get at least 44 lbs (20 kg) of luggage.

By minivan + ferry

Duration: Two to three hours

Starting price: $22 

This option gets you on the slow two-hour ferry from Mae Haad Pier. But once you arrive in Koh Phangan, you’ll get picked up in a minivan and driven to your hotel, which adds about an hour to the trip. The more people in the minivan, the more places they stop. If you’re lucky, you’ll be the first drop-off, but you can’t count on that.

It’s undoubtedly convenient not to worry about dragging your stuff around to find a ride to your hotel. If you’ve got the budget and want the simplicity, it’s worth spending a little more on this combo ticket. 

The best thing about the journey from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan

Whenever you’re on a ferry in Thailand, the scenery is almost certain to leave you speechless. The stunning shades of blue in the ocean, jungle-covered islands, and the wind rustling through your hair make it feel like you’re living in a postcard. 

When is the best time to visit Koh Phangan?

Travel to Koh Phangan during the dry season, from December through April, when temperatures average 86°F (30°C). 

From February to May, you’ll have a chance to swim with the whale sharks, an epic seasonal activity. The water temp is about as warm as the air, so no wetsuit is needed. However, with the hot air and water, you might need an ice bath to cool off. 

Don’t forget that the island bloats with party people during each full moon. So keep that in mind if you want a little island peace. 

How many days do you need in Koh Phangan?

If you’re all about the party, go for the full moon, party your pants off, recover, and head elsewhere. But you’ll miss out on the island-life appeal of Koh Phangan. Plus, there is a lot of nature and wildlife you’ll be missing out on.  

Spend a week there, and you might have to pry yourself out. 

Where should you go after Koh Phangan?

The next logical step after Koh Phangan is Koh Samui. It is literally next door, so the ferry ride is a meager 20 minutes. 

If you’re after some big-city vibes, Bangkok is calling your name. 

Want more nature? Go to Khao Sok National Park and trek through the jungles, looking for wild elephants and monkeys. It’ll take about seven hours to get there, but to be immersed in such mesmerizing natural beauty is so worth it.