A beautiful view from within central Koh Phangan

How to get from

Nakhon Si Thammarat to Koh Phangan

  • Book online with local operators
  • We're here for you 24/7
  • Stories by travelers, for travelers

1 way to get from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Koh Phangan

Taking a Bus+Ferry from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Koh Phangan
Know before you go

All you need to avoid stress when travelling from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Koh Phangan is a bus-ferry combo.This is a very flexible option with multiple departure times throughout the day. The buses (sometimes vans) and ferries are both equipped with air conditioning, and since the trip is long enough, there are toilets on board the ferries.

  • Pros
    • Free cancellations
    • Luggage allowance
    • Multiple departure times per day
    • Affordable option
    • Transfer schedules of bus and ferry are aligned
  • Cons
    • Possible cancellations, changes due to inclement weather
    • High demand: quick to overbook
    • Possibly cramped cabin
    • Life jackets difficult to find (ferries are safe, don't worry :)
    • Airport pick up only
Most popular rides

About the ride from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Koh Phangan 

 

If variety is the spice of life, Thailand has it in bucket loads. From ancient temples and exciting cities to party islands and beautiful beach resorts, this is where you head when you’re looking for an adventure. So grab your backpack, and let’s go!

Two locations that show Thailand in all its varied glory are the ancient city of Nakhon Si Thammarat and the hedonistic full-moon party island of Koh Phangan. If you’re looking for contrasts, then head to both during the same vacation.

If you’re wondering, how do I get from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Koh Phangan asap? Keep reading. 

Getting to the island first requires a bus or taxi ride, followed by a two-hour ferry trip. The distance from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Koh Phangan is roughly 173 kilometers (107 miles). And the whole journey takes from 4-5 hours.  

Buses depart Nakhon Si Thammarat airport throughout the day and drop passengers directly at the Don Sak ferry terminal on the mainland. Then you wait for the ferry to take you over to Thong Sala Pier on Koh Phangan.

Purchasing a bus/ferry combination ticket is the best way to travel from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Koh Phangan. It takes the hassle out of getting two tickets and allows you to travel safely with fellow travelers and holidaymakers. 

There are three companies selling combination tickets: Seatran Discovery, Lomprayah and Raja Ferry. They’re well-known local companies and have good records for safety and customer satisfaction. 

The quickest way to travel is to take the transport from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Koh Phangan offered by Lomprayah. However, the most affordable option is to go with Raja Ferry. Their combination bus/ferry tickets start from as little as US$17.

All modes of transport are well-maintained and have regular safety checks. Buses are air-conditioned and have comfortable seats. However, there won’t be a bathroom, and rest stops aren’t usually taken on this leg of the journey.

Ferries have air-conditioned seating areas as well as outdoor seating areas and bathrooms. Some boats also have a small kiosk to purchase soda, bottled water and snacks.

The luggage allowance is around 20kg plus 7kg for hand luggage. This is the same for both the bus trip and the ferry. So basically, it’s just a guideline. You’ll be fine as long as you don’t take anything too outrageously large—like an elephant.

There may be a wait before the boat leaves but make sure you don’t wander off anywhere because you might miss the sailing. It’s happened before and, no doubt, it will happen again. Just don’t let it be you! 

 

What to see when traveling from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Koh Phangan 

An excellent reason to get from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Koh Phangan—apart from the need to party—is that you’ll see lots of different scenery along the way. 

Look out from your bus window as you pass by roadside markets, shrines and small seaside towns and villages. You’ll also have the chance to chat with a few of your fellow passengers. So don’t be shy, you never know who you might meet!

Once the ferry has finally decided to depart, you’ll spend a couple of hours crossing the Gulf of Thailand. Get up on the top deck and watch the waves from above. Koh Samui and Ang Thong are always worth keeping an eye out for.

One of the most entertaining parts of the journey is watching the industrious workers on the piers. It’s good fun to see how the luggage is handled, especially if it’s not yours! Make sure to wrap any delicate souvenirs very carefully.

 

How to get from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Koh Phangan 

Taking a bus/ferry from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Koh Phangan  

The best way to get from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Koh Phangan is to buy a combined bus and ferry ticket. It will cost you between US$17-31, so the price is right. The service that most travelers choose to use is the one provided by Seatran Discovery.

Hotel and hostel pick ups aren’t usually available in Nakhon Si Thammarat. If you’re staying in the city, you’ll need to take a cab to the airport where most buses tend to depart. 

This is handy, however, if you’re flying in from Bangkok or Chaing Mai, as you can head straight from the airport to the ferry to take you to Koh Phangan. It's a popular route for partygoers, particularly around the time of the full moon. 

The best advice is to book transport from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Koh Phangan well in advance. Since there’s no airport on the island, buses and boats can get booked up quickly. 

 

Taking a taxi/ferry from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Koh Phangan 

This is the quickest way to travel and won’t cost the earth. Taxis from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Don Sak Pier usually cost around US$27. The ferry costs around US$17. The whole journey can be completed in approximately four hours.

It’s also a more convenient way to travel as you can get picked up right outside your hotel and get dropped off right at the pier in time to catch the ferry. Just aim to book ferry tickets in advance to avoid a long wait if the ferry’s full.

Let Nakhon Si Thammarat and Koh Phangan inspire you

How to fly more sustainably

Air travel remains the most polluting form of transport, but we know that it can`t always be avoided. Learn what to consider when it`s your only option.

Read more

How to meet awesome people when traveling solo

Although you may be starting your holiday on your own, you`ll likely end up spending your entire holiday with others.

Read more

10 best travel books to inspire your wanderlust

Here are some of the best travel books to help spark your wanderlust just by turning the page (or tapping the screen) of a stand-out novel.

Read more

Reviews of the ride from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Koh Phangan

4.5

Based on 2 review from Bookaway users who traveled from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Koh Phangan

  • A
    A
    Excelent experience. Landed, got luggage, went to raja ferry kiosk and my info was there. Proceeded to van/shuttle (2 hrs early from time I booked), 1:20 minutes to Don Sak pier. Barely made it to ferry only because it left 20 minutes late (2 hours before time I booked). Arrived to Ko Phangan 3 hours later. Grabbed a shared ride to North part of island for 300 bat p/p. Arrived at Dreamland resort at 7:30, 2 hours before my eta :)
  • S
    S
    Need to provide life jacket??? That should have been a must . Should provide life boats ????? Prevention is better than after effects
Show more

Your questions, our answers

Bookaway's customers prefer High Speed bus-ferry by Raja Ferry

High Speed bus-ferry by Raja Ferry starting at US$16

23 Km (Air)

BUS-FERRYSeatran Discovery | Lomprayah | Raja Ferry | Phantip Travel