About the ride from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
While Koh Samui might be the ultimate island for many travelers, Koh Phangan, on the other hand, is a piece of Thai puzzle you shouldn’t miss out on. The island is well known for its legendary Full Moon Parties that take place in Haad Rin on Sunrise Beach. However, many other places such as bars, hostels, and restaurants also organize pre-parties in the days leading to the party, where you can slowly get into your party mode.
When traveling the 20 kilometer (12.4 mile) distance between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, you have one option - a ferry ride. However, many ferry operators offer additional services that will make your life easier. Some of them offer hotel and airport drop off and pick up for an additional fee, and some organize Full Moon Party tours.
Both islands have multiple ports on different sides of the island. Depending on which operator you choose, your journey will last between 30 and 90 minutes, and you’ll arrive at different spots on the Koh Phangan island.
Depending on where you booked your accommodation, and which ferry you choose, you might be within walking distance from your hotel. However, if your accommodation is a bit further away, the easiest way to get to the other parts of the island is via an additional transfer that ferry operators provide.
What to see when traveling from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are very close to each other, and your ferry ride will be short. However, that doesn’t mean that you won’t have a chance to enjoy some beautiful views across the Thai seas. If you get a chance to grab an outdoor spot, prepare your camera to get a few awesome snaps for your Instagram feed.
Koh Phangan is known for its Full Moon Parties, but that’s not all there is to this beautiful island. The island is often described as the “backpacker’s dream”, where you can go diving, snorkeling, beach-hopping during the day, and explore the night markets and try delicious food in the evening.
The beaches on Koh Phangan island are simply amazing, and some of the most popular ones are Chaloklum Beach, Mae Haad Beach, Haad Khuat, Haad Salad, and many more pieces of paradise you’re free to choose from! Next to relaxing, swimming, and sunbathing, you can also try out kayaking or diving.
If there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss out during your stay on the island, besides the Full Moon Party, it’s the Thong Sala Night Market. If you’re a foodie, this will be heaven for you. On the market, you’ll find almost everything you can think of, from Thai street food to grilled fish, noodles, pizza, sushi, falafel, and much more.
How to get from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
Taking a ferry
The ferry ride between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan might be very short, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have great amenities. All ferries are well equipped with air-conditioned cabins and toilets on board. All operators offer indoor seating, while some of them offer outdoor seating as well. Depending on the ferry operator you choose, the ride will last between 30 and 90 minutes.
Taking a bus + ferry
When traveling between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, you’ll also have an option to book a bus + ferry ride. For travelers coming from the airport, or going to a Full Moon Party, this is a very convenient option. When traveling from Samui Airport, the operator will pick you up there, take you to the pier, and transfer you via ferry ride to Koh Phangan island.
If you’re going to a Full Moon Party, the operator will pick you up in any hotel, excluding hotels located in Hua Thanon, Tasing Ngam, Na Muang, Panhka, and Lipa Noi. Once you arrive at the island, you’ll be dropped off at the Haad Rin Pier. You’ll be traveling with a speedboat that doesn’t have a bar and toilets, but your journey won’t last more than 30 minutes.
