
Are you dreaming of a tropical vacation in the little island paradise of Koh Phangan? In recent years, Koh Phangan became increasingly popular, as travelers can find everything here, from natural beauty, health and wellness treatments, yoga, adventure to laid-back island life. There is a lot to do in Koh Phangan and the infrastructure is improving continuously, making travelling more convenient. Especially in the last years, since the pandemic, the influx of visitors and people who want to stay long-term has brought economic prosperity to the region.
Traveling in Thailand generally is rather easy because a well organized transportation system connects the different tourist destinations. Thailand's efficient network of buses, minivans, trains, flights, and ferries ensures convenient travel between locations. So it does not matter if you are traveling from abroad, from Northern Thailand, or from another Thai island in Krabi or Phuket to Koh Phangan. Thailand's interconnected transport options make it easy to navigate the diverse regions.
As the plans to build an airport were stopped in 2015, Koh Phangan can still only be reached by boat. Depending on your available time, you might be interested in the fastest, most efficient or cost-effective ways to reach Koh Phangan. Therefore we will introduce in the travel guide the various routes, transportation options, and essential tips to help you to get to Koh Phangan by plane, train, bus and ferry.Â
Many visitors start their Thailand journey in the busy, fascinating capital Bangkok. The main Airport Suvarnabhumi is a major international hub for travelers from around the globe. Once you have reached Bangkok and want to start your journey to Koh Phangan, there are two primary routes available:
Table of Content:
How to get to Koh Phangan by plane from Bangkok
Flight to Koh Samui followed by ferry to Koh Phangan:

The route directly from Bangkok to Koh Samui by airplane followed by the ferry to Koh Phangan is the fastest connection to the island. This option is pricier, but preferred by families and vacationers who have limited time. Remember to check the flight schedules, book tickets in advance, and prepare for a smooth transition from the airplane to the ferry.
Flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Koh Samui (USM):
Airlines:Â
Bangkok Airways is the only airline that operates direct flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui.
Estimated Travel Time:Â
The flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui takes about 1.5 hours.
Estimated Cost:Â
The cost of a one-way flight ticket depends on the airline, time of booking, and season. Budget around 80-180 Euro for a one-way ticket.

How to get from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan​
Ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan:
Upon arrival at Koh Samui Airport, you can take a ferry to Koh Phangan. Private taxis or shared minivans are available to transport you to one of the three ferry ports that connect Koh Samui and Koh Phangan: Bangrak Pier, Nathon Pier, and Maenam Pier. Ferry companies are Seatran, Songserm and Lomprayah.
Tip: If you are arriving late, the Echo Travel speedboat will take you from Samui Petcherat pier to Koh Phangan Baan Tai Pier past 6 p.m.

Estimated Travel Time:Â
The ferry journey from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan typically takes about 30-45 minutes.
Cost:Â
The cost of the ferry ticket is usually around 10 Euro for a one-way trip.
Total Estimated Travel Time:
Travel Time:Â
2-2.5 hours (including flight and ferry time).
Total Cost:Â
Budget around 90-190 Euro for the combined flight and ferry ticket from Bangkok to Koh Phangan.
2. How to get to Koh Phangan by plane, train or bus from Bangkok via Surat Thani
Flight, overnight train, or bus to Surat Thani, then ferry to Koh Phangan:
Traveling from Bangkok to Koh Phangan via Surat Thani is a more budget-friendly and adventurous alternative. Especially popular with backpackers or long-term travelers who have more time at their hands, as the journey can take up to 20 hours. On this journey you have several transportation options available.
A) Flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang Airport (DMK)Â to Surat Thani (URT):Â
You can fly from Bangkok to Surat Thani Airport on the mainland. Several airlines like Viet Jet, Air Asia or Nok Air operate this route. The flight takes approximately 1h 15 min.
B) Overnight Train from Bangkok to Surat Thani:Â
Another option is to take an overnight train from Bangkok to Surat Thani Railway Station. This allows you to sleep through the journey and continue your trip in the morning. Depending on the company, the train journey to Surat Thani will take between 8 to 12 hours and tickets cost 20-30 Euro.

C) Bus from Bangkok to Surat Thani:Â
If you prefer an even more budget-friendly option, you can take a bus from Bangkok to Surat Thani for about 14-28 Euro. Covering a distance of 651 km, the bus journey typically takes approximately 10 hours.
Upon reaching Surat Thani by either flight, train or bus, every traveler needs to transfer to one of the ferries that connect the mainland to Koh Phangan. The drive with a taxi or minivan takes 1.5 - 2 hours to Donsak or Lomprayah pier.
Ferry from Surat Thani to Koh Phangan:
The Lomprayah High Speed Ferry, Raja Ferry, and Seatran Ferry are popular ferry services operating on this route. Most ferries take 2-3 hours to reach Koh Phangan.

Cost:Â
Prices for the entire journey from Bangkok to Koh Phangan via Surat Thani typically range from 50-150 Euro, depending on factors such as the mode of transportation, class of service, and ferry operator selected. Prices may vary based on the season and availability.
Tips for Travelers for traveling to Koh Phangan:
Booking in Advance:Â
Especially during peak season it is recommended to buy your tickets online in advance. However, for those who prefer to be more spontaneous, it is still possible to travel without extensive pre-planning.
Local Transportation on Koh Phangan:
On Koh Phangan, local transportation options include motorbike rentals, taxi services, and songthaews (shared pickup trucks). Motorbikes are a popular choice for exploring the island independently, while taxis are convenient for shorter trips or when traveling with luggage. It's advisable to negotiate prices beforehand.
* Please note that the prices and travel details mentioned in this guide are subject to change and should be verified with the respective service providers before making any bookings. We recommend checking for the most current information regarding transportation options, schedules, and costs to ensure an accurate and seamless travel experience.