Distance 454 km (283.8 miles) | |
Price range US$31-US$49 | |
Ride Duration Range 10h 45m-16h 30m | |
Earliest Departure 11:45 | |
Latest Departure 23:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
To get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan, you have several options, all of which involve a short ferry ride. There are affordable flights that will take you to Koh Samui where you can jump on a boat to Koh Phangan. You can also save some money and go by bus or train followed by a ferry, but the trip can use up the whole day. Once in Koh Phangan, relax on the beaches and take advantage of the many island activities, such as kayaking and snorkeling. The weather stays warm all year with the driest months during the winter.
Leaving Bangkok feels like leaving a piece of your heart behind because it's so easy to fall in love with this incredible, chaotic city. But never fear; visiting Koh Phangan is the perfect cure for this heartache.
Koh Phangan is a picturesque destination with a global reputation for being one of the best party hotspots ever created.
Thanks to its world-famous Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan is guaranteed to be teeming with party-loving travelers at least once a month, but there is so much more to this idyllic island than dancing the night away on the beach.
With a perfect blend of healing experiences, tantric sex courses, yoga training, beaches, snorkeling, and scuba diving, you'll struggle to find a reason to leave its mesmerizingly beautiful shores.
However, getting there from Bangkok is a trek. Be prepared, and remember that it'll all be worth it when you're sunbathing on the beach in perfect harmony.
There is a reason people visiting this island often stay for months, years, or even a lifetime.
Most people become intoxicated by its welcoming atmosphere, vibrant culture, and surreal views within moments of arriving.
If you want to book a fly-by trip just to experience the Full Moon Party, it's perfect.
You'll have a fantastic time if you want to spend a few days or a month here taking your PADI certification or qualifying as a yoga instructor.
Or, if you're a digital nomad seeking an international community, you could stay for months and still not be ready to leave.
Half the fun of visiting Koh Phangan is leaning into the relaxed, unplanned culture, but if you're short on time, keep these top things in mind when planning your trip:
Relax on the beach. Koh Phangan is an island encircled by stunning beaches. You could pick any one of them and be happy, but Haad Rin is best for partying, Chuloklhum is ideal for peace, and Koh Ma is perfect for watersports and swimming.
Learn to scuba dive or take a snorkeling trip. There are plenty of diving schools on the island, so if you want to get your PADI certification, this is the place! If you're not ready for that, book a snorkeling excursion to see what the island offers beneath the serene waves lapping at its shores.
Book a trip to Ang Thong Marine Park. Too many people skip over this day trip in favor of one more night partying, but you'll regret not experiencing this untouched natural beauty. Spread out over a series of islands, the protected area is an unforgettable experience with epic viewpoints, incredible snorkeling opportunities, and tranquil beaches.
Hike to the highest point. There are a few hikes dotted around the island; however, the best option is to hike up to the Khao Ra viewpoint. This spot overlooks the whole island through the jungle and over the Gulf of Thailand. Bring lots of water, as it's an arduous climb in tropical heat!
Take a yoga class at sunrise or sunset. Try out a yoga class while you're here. Pick a sunrise or sunset class to take this serene experience to the next level.
Dance the day or night away at ecstatic dance. Ecstatic dance has taken over traveler communities all over Southeast Asia. Koh Phangan is home to some epic sober dance parties, too.
Swim in waterfalls. There are a dozen to choose from. Paradise Waterfall is particularly beautiful, but you can't go wrong visiting any of them.
Explore nature in Namtok Than Sadet National Park. The island has several protected nature reserves, but this one is especially spectacular. Plus, it's on the island's northeast side, which other tourists often skip.
The bus + ferry combo ticket is the most seamless way to travel between Bangkok and Koh Phangan. It's one ticket, even though you must transfer vehicles a few times.
You'll catch the bus from a specified place in Bangkok (each operator has its own place) and drive for around 10-11 hours to reach your next transfer point close to the pier. Most buses stop at the operator's offices. From here, you'll ride in a minivan for 30 minutes to reach Donsak Pier.
The ferry will then transport you from Donsak Pier to Thong Sala Pier in about two hours.
This journey takes between 10 and 15 hours, depending on traffic and how well your arrival times match the ferry departure.
All buses have AC and stop for bathroom and snack breaks along the journey.
While the bus trip is exhausting, you won't regret it. On overnight transport, you'll wake up to epic views of the sun rising through the thick jungle.
The ferry ride is stunning. You'll sail over azure blue waters and past dozens of smaller jungle-topped islands. Look for the archipelago that makes up Ang Thong Marine Park and several other smaller islands.
In Thailand, the dry season starts in December and ends in April, so more tourists compete for the best beach spots. However, the summer holidays between June and August also entice many tourists to Thailand.
The quietest time in Koh Phangan is during the wet season between May and November.
Visit in the in-between seasons to enjoy great weather with fewer crowds.
Although you could easily do a flying visit of two to three days to party and recover, it's best to spend at least a week exploring the island and everything it offers.
Koh Phangan is also ideal for long-term stays, and there is plenty of accommodation for one to four months.
Hop onto a quick ferry to nearby Koh Tao or Koh Samui to continue your island adventure.
Based on 1417 reviews from Bookaway users who traveled from Bangkok to Koh Phangan
Dennis R.
Mikita S.
Manuel M.
This huge, all-night beach party takes place on the Thai island of Koh Phangan and attracts thousands of revelers every month on the night of the full moon.
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