About the ride from Khao Sok to Koh Phangan
After trekking through Khao Sok National Park, how about experiencing an epic party in Koh Phangan?
This island in the Gulf of Thailand, nestled between Koh Samui and Koh Tao, is home to the famous Full Moon Party.
Once a month, around 30,000 tourists come to party under the full moon. Get ready for some alcohol, neon glow-sticks, loud music and outrageous fun. Check an online calendar to see if a Full Moon event corresponds with your trip, and be sure to reserve your accommodations early.
The trip from Khao Sok to Koh Phangan is 157 miles (252 km) and involves traveling by land and sea. The first is the overland portion across the peninsula in a minivan or bus. The second is a ferry ride to complete the journey to the island.
Be ready to be flexible on your travel day between Khao Sok and Koh Phangan, as the shared vans and buses make multiple stops along the way.
Five fascinating things to do in Koh Phangan
While experiencing the Full Moon Party is a given, there are a few other amazing things to check out in Koh Phangan:
Spend the day beach bumming. Koh Phangan has some incredible beaches. On the north side of the island, you can walk across a sand bar at low tide and investigate Koh Ma, a separate island.
Another highly recommended beach is Bottle Beach. To reach it, you have to take a one-hour hike through the jungle. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and cover up with bug spray! When you reach your destination, the white sand and stunning scenery will make you glad you did.
Chill at a rooftop bar. After a full day of sand and surf, consider chilling and watching the sunset from one of Koh Phangan’s many rooftop bars. The panoramic views will not disappoint!
Get some retail therapy. Koh Phangan has some great shopping. The Phantip Night Market is open every evening and has wickedly yummy street food. Check out the Thong Sala Night Market on Saturday nights for souvenirs, clothing, jewelry and other handicrafts.
Be one with nature. There is more natural beauty to be found in Koh Phangan than at the seashore. Try the 2057 feet (627 m) climb up Khoa Ra Mountain. It takes two to three hours round trip. The views are amazing, but it will require comfortable hiking gear.
It is best to go in the early morning or the late afternoon when it is not too hot.
Koh Phangan has stunning waterfalls perfect for picnics, swimming, and photography, including Than Sadet Waterfall, Paradise Waterfall, and Phaeng Waterfall.
Check out a movie. Koh Phangan has a cool outdoor theater called the Moonlight Cinema. Near the night market, this open-air theater plays a wide variety of flicks. Comfy pillows make this outdoor experience enjoyable and unique. Grab some snacks and enjoy a show!
How to get from Khao Sok to Koh Phangan
There are two options for travel from Khao Sok to Koh Phangan: van + ferry and bus + ferry.
Van + Ferry
To get from Khao Sok to Koh Phangan, consider booking a van + ferry fare. Tickets start at $19 a person and take around seven to eight hours.
Vans leave from various stations in Khao Sok, depending on the operator. You’ll head east across the mainland until you get to the coast, where you’ll hop on a ferry to complete the ride to Koh Phangan.
There are several departure times throughout the morning, so if you plan properly, you’ll be there by sunset.
Bus + Ferry
Like the van + ferry, the bus + ferry costs around $19 and takes around seven to eight hours. However, some buses have a bathroom, which could be a benefit or a curse, depending on how you look at it.
The departure locations vary. Depending on the provider, some leave from the Khao Sok bus terminal, and others from the entrance to the Khao Sok National Park. However, they all arrive on the island in Thong Sala.
There are a few different departure times, mostly in the mornings and early afternoon.
When is the best time to visit Koh Phangan?
It is always warm in Koh Phangan. The “cooler” months are only cooler by a few degrees. Typically, temperatures are always around 75-95℉ (25-35℃).
The variable factor is rainfall. Koh Phangan is the rainiest between September to mid-December.
The best months to visit are between mid-December and the end of March. Although it is a busy season, the weather will be fabulous. Sea temperatures are comfortable, and the water is calm.
How many days should you spend in Koh Phangan?
You could easily spend a week in Koh Phangan — it’s a great place to chill and relax. At a minimum, you should plan to stay three to five days. This will give you time to see and experience all that Koh Phangan has to offer.
Where to visit after Koh Phangan
After enjoying all that Koh Phangan has to offer, consider visiting the nearby island of Koh Samui.
Koh Samui is just 28 miles (44 km) from Koh Phangan. Experience the nightlife, explore the exotic temples, and visit with majestic elephants.
