Researching how to get to Koh Phangan can save you time and money because there are many ways to reach this beautiful island.
The easiest and most convenient way is to fly via the Koh Samui Airport. However, flying from Surat Thani, a regional transport hub is slightly cheaper.
How To Get To Koh Phangan From Bangkok, Koh Samui & Surat Thani
From the Koh Samui Airport, you can take a fast boat that will take you to your destination in around just half an hour. Depending on the airline you choose, as well as how far in advance you book, will affect the rate of your plane fare. There are over 40 flights flying from Bangkok directly to Koh Samui from various cities in Thailand as well as some cities in Asia.
The last boat leaves the Big Buddha pier at around 6:30 PM, so if you have a flight arriving in Koh Samui past 5pm, you may have to stay a night or hire a private boat if it’s available.
Travel agencies can arrange a convenient bus and ferry combination package that takes you from Bangkok to Koh Phangan for around 600 baht. This option is cheap, although it requires overnight travel. The buses usually depart Bangkok around 7pm, and you will arrive in Surat Thani in the morning – just in time to board the first ferry travelling to the islands. There are several bus routes that connect Surat Thani with other major Thai destinations as well.
Sleeper trains are another inexpensive option. The train journey starts in Bangkok, and it takes around 10 hours or so. While morning train schedules are available, the most comfortable way is to leave at night so that you can sleep on the train and wake up in time for taking a ferry over to Koh Phangan. First Class tickets entitle you to a bunk bed with a private room, at really low prices. All the trains stop in Surat Thani, and from here you can take a taxi and then a ferry to the islands.
If you are on a budget and looking at how to get to Koh Phangan for cheap, you should consider the bus and train. Otherwise, flights are the most convenient way to go.
Michael created and runs the Koh Samui Travel Hub website, as well as the Holiday Point travel brand that incorporates a network of 16 location based travel information and attraction websites around Australia, Asia, and around the world.
With 25+ years of online experience and a passion for travel (having visited Koh Samui many times), Michael not only researches and writes content for the website, he also tinkers behind the scenes with the website functionality & design.
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