How to Get to Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, popular with tourists and backpackers. Being an island, the only way to actually reach it is by boat; but there a number of different alternatives before you get on the ferry.
Arriving by air
The quickest and most convenient way to arrive is to fly into Koh Samui and catch the ferry from there. Bangkok Airways owns Samui Airport and is the sole carrier offering direct flights on a daily basis from a number of domestic and international destinations. These include Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai as well as Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
The journey across to Koh Phangan from Samui is a short one, at just 30 minutes from Big Buddha Pier. There are hourly connections available all day, every day. These boats arrive at Haad Rin, the main beach on the island although it is also possible to take a slower ferry from Na Thon which arrives at Tong Sala. If you are staying on Koh Tao, there are six ferries every day to and from Koh Phangan. These take slightly longer than the boats from Samui at 90 minutes. Click here for a image gallery of the ferry transfer to Phangan.
Getting to Koh Phangan overland
Flying is however limited to those with higher budgets and therefore not available to all. Koh Phangan is on the backpacker trail and because of this; there are a number of bus and train services from all across the country.
Buses
Tourist buses arrive at Surat Thani on the mainland where it is possible to get a ferry to Koh Phangan. These buses travel from provinces all over Thailand, although journeys can often be long and arduous. There are VIP buses to Phangan available at very good prices which are much more comfortable than local buses and come complete with air con, movies and free refreshments. Buses leave at numerous times throughout the day from Bangkok and there are even overnight services available.
Trains
Taking a train to Phangan is also an option for many and there are daily services from a number of domestic destinations, although most services change at Bangkok. First and second-class sleepers are very comfortable as beds are provided and there is a buffet cart on board catering to all. A second-class sleeper ticket is exceptionally good value and you will arrive in Surat Thani in time to catch one of the first ferries of the day.
It is possible to buy train and boat combination tickets which also include the bus ride from Surat Thani train station to the ferry port. These tickets can be bought in advance from a travel agent in Bangkok.
Catrina Lynch
We got a highspeed boat from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan yesterday and found another little cabin on the beach to stay in - we are even closer to beach than before and the beach here is bigger and sandier.
We're a very short walk from pubs/restaurants/shops but far enough away that the music isn't pumping as we try to sleep. Going to go for a swim now in a few minutes.
We missed the famous Full Moon Party but should still be here for the Half Moon Party which is just another excuse for everyone to go a bit mad on the beach... more hotel reviews... |
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