How to Get to Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is well-known for its stunning beaches. But mostly it is famous for full-moon parties. Apart from lovely beaches, Koh Phangan is blessed with tropical jungles and hilly terrains. If you are planning to visit this glorious island, you first have to know how to get there. The island is about 70 km away from the mainland, around 12 km away from Koh Samui. Unfortunately, there is no airport. So, travellers have to rely on ferries from the mainland as well as Samui. Let us take a look at how best you can get yourself to the full moon party.

Image via Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas

How to get to Koh Phangan by air

We've already established that there is no airport in Koh Phangan. So, if you are flying, you have to get to the nearest Koh Samui airport. From there you can catch a ferry. The last ferry leaves for Koh Phangan around 630 pm. So, schedule your flight accordingly. But check with your beach resort Koh Phangan too. Resorts such as Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas offer speedboat services from Koh Samui airport. Bangkok Airways flies direct flights to Koh Samui. You can fly there from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong. If you are flying from the USA, UK or Canada, you can get a direct flight to Samui with a brief stopover at the Bangkok Airport.

How to get to Koh Phangan by bus

Taking a bus to Koh Phangan will be inexpensive but the commute is rather long. But you can use the overnight bus so as not to lose a day, just bussing it. You can board a bus from Bangkok in the evening and it will take up to 10 to 12 hours to get to Surat Thani. From there, you have to catch a ferry. But this will not be a problem. Most transport companies sell the bus ticket and ferry ride all in one package.

How to take the train to Koh Phangan

Your train ride to Koh Phangan is going to be pretty long, 16 hours to be more or less specific. You will have to take the overnight train from Bangkok, then a bus and ferry too. The train leaves from the Hua Lamphong train station in Bangkok. Once you get off the train, you have to take a bus to get to the Thong Sala pier in Koh Phangan. The bus ride is mercifully short. Then you have to take the ferry to the island. Taking the train to the island is going to be a tad gruelling. But it is more comfortable than an overnight bus ride.

How to get around in Koh Phangan

Catch a songthaew

Songthaew loosely translates as 'two benches.' These are pickup trucks with roofs and benches on either side for passengers. Songthaew rides are generally priced by location. But the rates can be different based on the time of the day or the season. A songthaew ride usually costs around 100 to 500 Thai Baht.

Rent a scooter

Scooters are popular, but you have to be careful. You should only venture on motorbikes or scooters if you are an experienced rider. Before you use a rented scooter, take photos of it and keep. You can show these to the shop owner if they ask you to pay for damage that you did not cause. Always, put your valuables in the seat. Never put your bags in the basket. Don't ride when it rains, and try to go slow. Don't forget to wear a helmet.

Long-tail boat

This may not be the fastest way to see the island. But it is arguably a picturesque way to do so. There are even some beaches that actually require a boat ride to reach.