title: "Getting to Koh Phangan, Thailand" description: "How to get to Koh Phangan, Thailand by road, rail, sea and air. Compare the best routes for different budgets" slug: "getting_there" content_type: html show_affiliate_disclaimer: true authors: [{"image": "/static/images/authors/Graham Smith.jpg", "name": "Graham Smith"}, {"image": "/static/images/authors/Hannah McKinsey.jpg", "name": "Hannah McKinsey"}, {"image": "/static/images/authors/Lorraine Aust.jpg", "name": "Lorraine Aust"}, {"image": "/static/images/authors/Somchai Boonmee.jpg", "name": "Somchai Boonmee"}] parts: ["south-east-asia", "thailand", "southern-thailand---gulf-coast", "koh-phangan"] publication_date: "2025-08-13T13:57:04.921676" og_image: "https://images.tfaworldguide.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1024,format=auto,height=1024,fit=cover,gravity=auto/image_library/pexels/koh_phangan/koh_phangan_13771968.jpeg"
Getting There and Away
<p>Koh Phangan does not have an airport; therefore, travelers rely on ferry services from nearby mainland hubs like Surat Thani and Chumphon, or from the neighboring island of Koh Samui. The main entry port on Koh Phangan is Thong Sala Pier. </p>
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<h3>From Bangkok by Flight + Ferry (Quickest):</h3>
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Fly to Koh Samui (USM) with Bangkok Airways (approximately 1 hour 10 minutes).
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From Koh Samui, take a taxi for 10-15 minutes to a pier (e.g., Big Buddha Pier, Maenam Pier, Bangrak Pier) and then a ferry to Koh Phangan (20-50 minutes).
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<strong>Total cost:</strong> Approximately $108-$325 USD. Total duration: 4.5-6 hours.
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<h3>From Bangkok by Flight + Bus/Ferry Combo (Cheaper Flight Option):</h3>
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Fly to Surat Thani Airport (URT) with budget airlines like AirAsia, Nok Air, or Thai Lion Air (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes).
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From Surat Thani Airport, take a bus to Donsak Pier (1.5-2 hours) and then a ferry to Koh Phangan (2.5-3.5 hours).
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<strong>Total cost:</strong> Approximately $43-$108 USD. Total duration: 6-8 hours.
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<h3>From Bangkok by Train + Bus + Ferry (Scenic & Budget-Friendly):</h3>
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Take an overnight sleeper train from Bangkok (Hua Lamphong or Krung Thep Aphiwat Station) to Surat Thani or Chumphon (11-14 hours).
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From Surat Thani train station, a shuttle bus will take you to Donsak Pier. From Chumphon, a bus connects to Tung Makham Noi Ferry Pier.
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Board a ferry to Koh Phangan (2.5-3.5 hours from Donsak Pier, or 3 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes from Chumphon).
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Combo tickets (train + bus + ferry) are available.
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<strong>Total cost:</strong> Approximately $43-$86 USD for the full journey. Total duration: 12-18 hours.
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<h3>From Bangkok by Bus + Ferry Combo (Cheapest Overall):</h3>
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Take an overnight bus from Bangkok (Sai Tai Mai bus station or Khao San Road area) to Donsak Pier in Surat Thani (12-14 hours).
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Then, board a standard ferry to Koh Phangan (approximately 3 hours).
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Combo tickets typically cost around 700-1,000 THB (approximately $20-$28 USD).
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<h3>From Koh Samui by Ferry:</h3>
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Ferries depart frequently from various piers in Koh Samui (e.g., Bangrak Pier, Nathon Pier, Maenam Pier, Lipa Noi) to Thong Sala Pier on Koh Phangan.
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<strong>Travel time:</strong> 20-50 minutes, depending on the ferry type and departure pier.
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<strong>Cost:</strong> Approximately $7-$25 USD.
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<h3>From Krabi by Bus/Ferry Combo:</h3>
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Services typically include a pickup from Krabi Town or Ao Nang and transfer to Donsak Pier, followed by a ferry to Koh Phangan.
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<strong>Cost:</strong> Approximately 600-900 THB (around $18-$27 USD).
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<h3>From Phuket by Bus/Ferry Combo:</h3>
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The journey typically involves a bus ride to Donsak Pier, followed by a ferry to Koh Phangan.
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<strong>Total cost:</strong> Approximately 900-1,200 THB (around $27-$36 USD). Total duration: 8-10 hours.
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