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Koh Phangan is the island next door to Koh Samui, famous for its Full Moon Party. Away from Haad Rin beach, the north of the island stays quiet. The ferry is the cheapest way to get from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan at $8 (266 THB). A private transfer is also an option, and the minivan sits in between the two on price.
Distance from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are about 27 km (17 miles) apart. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 20m and 2h 30m.
3 ways to travel from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
There are three ways to travel from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan. You can choose between the ferry, minivan, and private transport. The journey takes 20m–1h 30m and the quickest way is by ferry. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by ferry with tickets starting at $8 (266 THB).
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Koh Samui to Koh Phangan by Ferry
Being the more popular and bigger island, Koh Samui houses many piers. When you travel from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan, you can board ferries from any of these piers.
The ferry trip to Koh Phangan takes around 20m - 2h 30m, depending on the ferry company. There is also an option to depart from Samui Airport, which will take around 3 hours to Koh Phangan.
TIP: Book your tickets at least several days in advance as tickets tend to sell out fast.
Departure and arrival station
We recommend first checking the location of your hotel so that you can choose the pier that is closest to your hotel. Even with hotel pick-up, it will save you some travel time.
All ferries going to Koh Phangan dock at the Thong Sala Pier in the southwest part of the island. The exception is the shuttle + ferry service provided by SmackOne.
SmackOne offers pick-up service from Koh Samui Airport, and the ferry drops off passengers at Haad Rin Beach – the beach that became famous for its full moon parties in the south of Koh Phangan.
Option 1: From Koh Samui Airport to Koh Phangan
Coming from Koh Samui Airport and wanting to go straight to Koh Phangan? SmackOne and Seatran Discovery both offer shuttle + ferry services from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan.
If you’re planning to stay in the southern part of Koh Phangan (and can’t wait to hit the first bar), you can book with SmackOne, as the arrival port is Haad Rin Beach. Meanwhile, Seatran Discovery heads to Thong Sala Pier, along with all other ferries.
The combined shuttle and ferry ride takes 1h - 2h 30m and costs $12 (392 THB).
Ferry tickets are available on Bookaway.
Option 2: From Bangrak Pier to Thong Sala Pier
Ferry tickets are available on Bookaway.
Option 3: From Mae Nam Pier to Thong Sala Pier
Another port you can depart from is Mae Nam Pier on the north coast of the island. Located about 20 minutes from Bangrak Pier, this port is accessible to tourists staying at the beaches on the north and northeastern side of Koh Samui.
For $8 (266 THB), the Lomprayah ferry can take you from Mae Nam Pier to Thong Sala Pier in Koh Pangan in just 30m.
Ferry tickets are available on Bookaway.
Option 4: From Na Thon Pier to Thong Sala Pier
Lomprayah also has a ferry departing from Na Thon Pier. This pier is on the western side of Koh Samui and is less convenient if you’re staying around Chaweng beach area.
If you’re staying on the west side of the island, leaving via Na Thon pier is a great option that gets you to Koh Phangan in just 30m - 1h.
This ferry company also offers hotel pick-up service for an additional $13 (440 THB) per person.
Ferry tickets are available on Bookaway.
Option 5: From Lipa Noi Pier to Thong Sala Pier*
Rajah Ferry is the most affordable option when travelling from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan. While it is the cheapest option at $5.40 (180 THB), this ferry has the longest travel time, around 1h 30m compared to other ferries’ 30-minute travel time.
This ferry operates from Lipa Noi Pier, which is also on the west side of the island and a few km away from Na Thon Pier. If you’re staying at Chaweng beach, you have to take a 45-minute taxi ride to this port.
Rajah Ferry also offers hotel pick-up with a private van that fits up to 6 passengers for $24 (800 THB). This service is a great option if you’re travelling in a group. However, if you are only with 1 or 2 people, you might be better off with a taxi to Lipa Noi Pier.
The last time we checked (October 2024), Rajah Ferry was not available. Please click the link provided to see if anything has changed.
Ferry tickets are available on Bookaway.
Other arrival stations
Ferry tickets are available on Bookaway.
Koh Samui to Koh Phangan by Minivan
A minivan ride from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan costs around $20 (658 THB). The minivan journey takes about 1h 30m - 2h, depending on traffic.
Seatran Discovery operates on this route.
Minivan schedule from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Koh Samui to Koh Phangan by Private Transport
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan.
Rates start from $21 (675 THB) for a 10-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s just about $2 (67 THB) per person. Travel time is around 1h - 1h 45m.
Private Transport options from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
Private Transport tickets are available on Bookaway.
Our favourite places to stay in Koh Phangan
Here are our favourite places to stay in Koh Phangan for every budget.
BudgetBenjamin's Hut
Benjamin's Huts are very far from huts. In fact, they're not huts at all. They're spacious and modern rooms that offer a very comfortable night's sleep. If there's a group of you, opt for the two-bedroom village with its own private pool!
Staying here you're seconds from the sea and a 10-minute drive from Thong Sala Pier. This accommodation proves that you don't need to spend a lot of money to have a paradise beachfront stay.
- Modern and clean rooms
- Option for private pool
- On the beach
- Great value for money
Private rooms start from $29 per person.
BudgetSecret Garden
You don't need to splash the cash to go for a splash in a pool on Koh Phangan. Secret Garden has a stunning swimming pool surrounded by greenery, sun loungers and beanbags.
The hotel is located in Thong Sala, putting you close to plenty of restaurants and cafes, but the onsite restaurant is the real hidden gem! Make sure to check it out.
- Beautiful swimming pool
- Comfortable chill spots
- Great location
- Delicious onsite restaurant
Private rooms start from $27 per night.
Mid-RangeCheeVa Beach Resort
Just 500m from Baan Tai Beach, CheeVa Beach Resort offers a stunning place to stay. There's an onsite restaurant, a beautiful outdoor swimming pool with sea views and a fully-stocked bar. You'll even find a pool table on the beach.
Each room comes with its own sun terrace, comfortable beds, and air conditioning. Need help with something? The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful.
- Great location
- Beautiful swimming pool
- Tasty onsite restaurant
- Sea views from private sun terrace
Private rooms start at $35 per night
Mid-RangeBaan Manali Resort
Baan Manali Resort is incredible value for money. You can get the beachfront bungalow experience for less than $50 per night. The bungalows are beautiful with a private balcony and hammock.
Enjoy a quiet location on the private Nai Wok Beach. Spend all day lounging on the white sand or swimming in the infinity pool overlooking the beach.
- Beachfront bungalow
- Private balcony and hammock
- On Nai Wok Beach
- Infinity pool
Private rooms start from $43 per night.
Treat YourselfMangata Boutique Bungalows
With an almost perfect rating, Mangata Boutique Bungalows ticks all of the boxes. Want to open your curtains in the morning and be greeted by stunning sea views? You can do that here!
Or do you want to swim in an infinity pool overlooking the beach? You can do that too. The rooms are absolutely stunning boasting unique designs and a balcony. This place feels like your own private oasis.
- Incredible accommodation
- Right on the beach
- Infinity pool
- Beautiful rooms with balcony
Bungalows start from $140 per night.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Koh Phangan?
Koh Phangan is an island known for its full moon parties. Every month during full moon, Haad Rin Beach hosts an all-night-long celebration. This alone attracts thousands of travellers to this side of southeast Thailand!
But Koh Phangan is more than just a party destination. Surrounded by crystal clear waters and a lush green landscape, there are plenty of things to do in Koh Phangan during the day. You can explore the island's best beaches, discover its 7 waterfalls, or join a yoga and meditation course.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan, roughly 27 kilometres (17 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $8 (266 THB). The quickest trip takes 20m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan?
The distance from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan is 27 kilometres (17 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan?
Journey times from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan overlap: ferry 20m - 2h 30m, minivan 1h 30m - 2h, private transport 1h - 1h 45m. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan?
The cheapest way to get from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan is by ferry with ticket costs starting from 266 THB.
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Travel Writer
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She's loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand's beaches also have a special place in her heart.
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Ferry Schedule Notice
Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.
