Nakhon Si Thammarat to Koh Phangan

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.