Distance 252 km (157.5 miles) | |
Price range US$31-US$37 | |
Ride Duration Range 7h 45m-18h | |
Earliest Departure 00:00 | |
Latest Departure 04:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Switch one island paradise for another by traversing Thailand's mainland to discover the epic destination of Koh Phangan.
You'll start by getting picked up at your hotel in Koh Lanta before taking a short ferry ride across the Andaman Sea to reach the mainland.
From there, you'll drive across beautiful countryside covered with luscious green jungle before completing your trip with a ferry ride across the Gulf of Thailand to reach Koh Phangan.
It's a long journey, around nine hours, but it's so worth it to reach this spectacular natural gem famous for its equal opportunities to party and to connect with your spiritual self.
Koh Phangan is one of Thailand's top destinations for a reason. It's a magnificent place with surreal views, delicious food, and unforgettable parties.
As you dock at the pier, the island will greet you with sweeping views of golden sand beaches and sapphire-blue water as far as the eye can see.
Beyond the natural beauty, the island has dozens of delicious eateries with views of the jungle, lake, or beach, depending on your preferences.
If you've come to party, Koh Phangan is the place to be. Dance the night away at the Full Moon Party or pick from one of the island's many bars, clubs, or jungle parties.
Then, you can recover with a relaxing morning of yoga before discovering the vibrant world under the waves with a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion.
When visiting Koh Phangan, an array of activities will greet you, ready to make your trip unforgettable.
Here are some top activities to get you started:
Relax on the beach. Numerous stunning beaches encircle Koh Phangan. For partying, head to the southern tip of the island and explore Haad Rin's numerous bars. For a peaceful day spent paddling and sunbathing, check out Chuloklhum and visit Koh Ma to try paddleboarding or snorkeling.
Take a trip to Ang Thong Marine Park. Just an hour offshore, this spectacular marine park is made up of a chain of islands that will leave you in awe of the world's natural beauty. Book a full day's excursion to go snorkeling, climb to the best viewpoints, and finish the day relaxing on a remote beach.
Learn to scuba dive or take a snorkeling trip. Koh Phangan is an amazing place to get your PADI certification or, if you're already certified, to discover Thailand's underwater worlds. Alternatively, you can go on a snorkeling day trip to all the best spots to see the island's teeming sea life.
Hike to the highest point. Koh Phangan has numerous incredible hikes to pass the time, but the best one is absolutely the Khao Ra viewpoint. Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated, and always stick to the trail — it's easy to get lost in the jungle.
Swim in the waterfalls. You can't come to Thailand without visiting at least a few waterfalls. Koh Phangan is blessed with a few, including the stunning Paradise Waterfall. You can hike up the stones into the jungle, too.
Visit Namtok Than Sadet National Park. Koh Phangan also has several nature reserves that adventurous tourists can discover. Namtok is one of the most untouched thanks to its location on the lesser-explored eastern side of the island.
To reach the glorious Koh Phangan, you'll take a van and ferry combination.
You'll get picked up at your hotel and taken to the Saladan Pier in Koh Lanta. Next, you will take a short ferry to the mainland, followed by a minivan ride across the land section of your journey to Donsak Pier in Surat Thani on the opposite coast.
Lastly, you'll take a ferry from Donsak Pier over the water to Thong Sala Pier on Koh Phangan.
Depending on how your ferry times line up, the total journey time ranges from about eight to nine-ish hours.
Ticket prices start at $31 per passenger, and you can expect air conditioning in the minivan.
Passengers can take one large bag and one piece of hand luggage on the journey.
This journey is a long one, so make sure to bring plenty of stuff to entertain you on the boring stretches, which will mostly be the van drive across the mainland.
The two ferry journeys are the best part of this trek.
In the first leg, you'll dash across a small stretch of the Andaman Sea, taking in beautiful views of the surrounding islands.
After a long drive through the main roads and greenery between the ports, you'll take another ferry ride past numerous islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Grab a spot on deck to take in the sights, snapping photos of some of the smaller islands and rock formations that make up Thailand's unique landscape.
The best time to visit Koh Phangan is during the dry season, which starts in December and ends in April.
The island will reach its peak tourist numbers around the full moon as numerous partygoers flock to the home of the iconic Full Moon Party.
In the dry season, temperatures average 86°F (30°C), and in the wet season you can expect temperatures to sit around 93°F (34°C).
If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in May or November, at the beginning or end of the wet season. Sure, you'll deal with more rain, but there will be fewer tourists crowding the beaches on sunny days. It typically rains 14 days out of the month between May and November.
If you're looking for a quick party holiday, two to three days is enough time to experience Koh Phangan's thriving scene.
However, to experience the island's other treasures, set aside at least a week to see everything this paradisiacal gem offers.
Slow travelers should also consider staying for longer; there are plenty of accommodations available for month-long stretches.
Take a quick ferry to nearby Koh Tao or Koh Samui to continue your island adventures.
Alternatively, head north to discover the vibrant capital city of Bangkok before discovering the treasures of northern Thailand.
Or, if you're ready to leave the country, check out Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.
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