Keep updated with phanganist.com by following our Facebook page.
Most of the tourists who arrive to Koh Phangan come from Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand.
You can either arrange a transfer straight to the island of Koh Phangan or maybe spend a few days in the city to recharge after a long flight or discover the crazy yet cultural city of BKK.
There are few ways to travel between Bangkok and Koh Phangan.
Let’s start with the quickest yet most expensive way; to fly.
There are two destinations you can reach by air from Bangkok to get to Koh Phangan, closest is Koh Samui, the island next door. Otherwise it is Surat Thani, the closest point on the mainland.
From Koh Samui Airport you can arrange a taxi to then get a ferry to Phangan which takes roughly 30 minutes.
At Surat Thani Airport you can do the same but the ferry takes 2.5 hours.
Flying to Koh Samui is the more expensive option as there is only one airline, Bangkok Airways, that operates to and from the airport.
For either destinations you can book a ticket all at once so choose your final destination as Koh Samui or Surat Thani and you will only have to change flights in Bangkok (if you don’t want to spend time there).
Flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui range from 2000 - 6000 Baht one way
Flights from Bangkok to Surat Thani range from 700 - 3500 Baht one way
The earlier you book the cheaper it will be and as stated before you can add this final destination to your long-haul flight if coming outside of Asia.
Minibus/taxi and ferry ticket from Koh Samui Airport to Koh Phangan should be no more than 1000 Baht and the same from Surat Thani. Both can be easily booked from the information and travel desks when you reach the airport or you can book online.
The closest ferry company pier from Koh Samui airport is Seatran, this ferry brings you to the main port of Koh Phangan, Thong Sala. All other ferry companies also bring you into Thong Sala apart from the Haad Rin Queen boat which takes you to Haad Rin. All locations on the island are easily accessible from Thong Sala and for Haad Rin just 15 minutes more.
Travelling by train is more comfortable than by bus but not as quick as flying. The train leaves from the train station in Bangkok and arrives to Surat Thani Train station.
You can get a connection either bus or ETS from Bangkok Airport to the main bus station in the city.
The journey takes roughly 9 hours but you should allow for common delays. Night trains are available with sleeper cabins but are worth booking before.
The nice thing about travelling by train is you get to see some authentic Thailand countryside whilst traveling to your destination.
From Surat Thani train station you will need to get to Donsak pier to get the Raja Ferry or Lomprayah or Seatran Ferry to Koh Phangan. If you book your ticket in Bangkok all the way to Phangan then there will be a transfer ready to take you to the pier, otherwise you can buy a ticket from the office at the station.
Lomprayah ferry is the fastest and the most expensive one. With Lomprayah it takes one hour and a half to get to Koh Phangan. Seatran and Raja are slower and the journey with them takes about 2.5 - 3 hours.
Travelling down to Koh Phangan by bus is the cheapest option and still very popular among travellers. A lot of backpackers will buy their ticket from tourist offices on Khao San Road in Bangkok where there are competitive prices if you have a look round. You can also book tickets online.
Buses depart from Khao San Road or Southern Bus Station and if requested, tickets will include the ferry transfer over to Koh Phangan island.
The trip to Koh Phangan by bus will cost from 500 - 2000 Baht
Most buses now have air-conditioning and are modern or also offer a VIP service. They will stop a few times on the journey for food etc.
Whichever way you chose to travel to Koh Phangan you will love ending up on this paradise island!
Keep updated with phanganist.com by following our Facebook page.
