About the ride from Phuket to Koh Phangan
Phuket dazzles with its sparkling blue waters, idyllic beaches, and electrifying nightlife. But if you think Phuket is only about the sun and the sand, think again. Museums filled with cultural treasures, temples and mansions with Sino Portuguese architecture present a different side of the country's largest island. Of course, no trip to Phuket is complete without discovering the region's underwater wonders at some of the country's best diving and snorkeling sites.
Koh Phangan's main claim to fame is its famous Full Moon parties, which are said to be among the best in Thailand. To recover from the late-night dancing and celebration, Koh Phangan presents travelers with the most idyllic beaches and pristine strips of sand. Adventure lovers can try their hand at sea kayaking, jet-skiing, and more at Haad Rin or sign up for a diving or snorkeling session at Sail Rock. And once you are done discovering the island's beaches and underwater wonders, you can trek your way to some of the island's hidden falls. Evenings call for culinary discoveries at the Thong Sala Night Market - a street food haven.
Koh Phangan is located at a distance of 170 miles (approximately 275 km) from Phuket, and it takes eight to nine hours to get there. Travelers can take a bus and ferry combination to get to this popular island destination - the bus ride takes them from Phuket to the Don Sak Pier, and then passengers hop on a ferry to get to the island. All the buses have morning departures and reach Koh Phangan by evening.
How to get from Phuket to Koh Pha Ngan
Taking the bus and ferry
Taking a bus from Phuket and then transferring to a ferry is the most popular way to get to Koh Pha Ngan. The bus ride from Phuket to Don Sak Pier for Surat Thani takes around 4 hours, including stops for food and restroom breaks. Some of the operators offer hotel pick up for an additional fee. Once at the pier, passengers get onto the ferry and head for the Thong Sala Pier in Koh Pha-Ngan. Since the tickets are combined bus and ferry tickets, you need to disembark from the bus and head towards your ferry operator. The boat trip takes around 3 hours.
What to see when traveling from Phuket to Koh Phangan?
The journey from Phuket to Koh Phangan takes you through villages and small towns - the perfect way to get a glimpse into Thailand outside its busy tourist spots and night-long parties. Friendly children waving out to passersby and locals going about their daily lives are just some of the scenes you will get to witness as your vehicle makes its way from Phuket to the pier.
Once you hop onto the ferry, you can relax to views of the clear blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Step on to the outer deck to feel the fresh sea breeze - a wonderful invitation and introduction to your stay on beautiful Koh Phangan.