How to get from Suratthani to Koh Phangan
There are two options to get from Suratthani, also known as Surat Thani, to Koh Phangan (106 kms/67 miles), and both involve taking a ferry ride over the pristine sea!
There is the bus and ferry option (4.5 hours), where you can get the coach from a variety of locations in and around Suratthani, and will arrive at Thong Sala Pier in Koh Phangan. The coach journey lasts for about an hour and half, and is comfortable and air conditioned, taking you to the port, where you’ll get the ferry from.
You can also opt to only book the ferry, and get to Lomprayah Tapee Pier in Suratthani by yourself (by taxi for example). It’s a 3 hour ferry ride, and will also take you to Thong Sala Pier.
The ferry is comfortable, has air conditioning, and features a variety of cabin classes for you to choose from. Plus it’s beautiful! You can go on the deck and enjoy sailing across the ocean, and embrace the island vibes before you arrive!
Koh Phangan is a must-visit if you’re traveling Thailand! It’s a lush, tropical island, with a jungle-like interior, some of the most beautiful beaches you’ve ever seen, and has something for everyone, you can go and party the night away and check out the Full Moon parties, or go for a more yogic trip and check one of the many yoga studios and holistic centers, or get activity and explore the ocean and try out scuba diving! There really is something for everyone, and every budget - with accommodation ranging from budget hostels to luxury villas - on this beautiful island.
Suratthani is a province which encompasses Koh Phangan and the popular island of Koh Samui. The town itself is often a pitstop for travelers going to the popular islands, but if you have time there’s a lot to enjoy on the mainland of Suratthani. You can check out one of the numerous national parks, check out the night market, and visit local temples.
What to see when traveling from Suratthani to Koh Phangan
On the journey from Suratthani to Koh Phangan, the most obvious thing to see is the sea! The ferry is a beautiful way to travel. If you get seasick easily you might prefer to stay inside the ferry, but if you don’t, make sure to spend some time on the deck, and take in the beautiful views. Think beautiful sea, and a clear blue sky for as far as the eye can see.
If you get the coach, you’ll be treated to rolling green fields, palm trees, and slices of daily life - speedy scooters and roadside stalls - as you go from the town to the port.
Whichever option you choose it’s a beautiful journey, which you’re sure to enjoy!
What is the best time of year to visit Suratthani?
Whilst many travelers normally pass through Suratthani on their way to the nearby islands, if you have some time and are interested in exploring Suratthani has a lot to offer, and is a great way to explore Thailand off-the-beaten track. Whilst many people do travel from Suratthani to Koh Phangan, there’s plenty to see and do in Suratthani town.
The weather in Suratthani, like Koh Phangang, is best from December to April, where the temperature is a beautiful 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit). Perfect for exploring this mid-sized city and the surrounding villages.
April and June get pretty hot, in the region of 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), so expect to be busier in the morning and evening, and find some shade during the mid-day sun.
From June to September the weather gets cooler, with some rain, generally in the afternoon or early evening, so if you don’t mind some rain this can be a good time to visit.
From the end of September until November it’s the rainy season. Whilst it’s still warm, it’s very rainy. As Suratthani isn’t specifically a tourist town, it will still be fully open as the locals go about their lives, but you will be limited when it comes to sight seeing, and exploring.
What is the best time of year to visit Koh Phangan?
As Koh Phangan is in the province of Suratthani, the weather is very similar.
Koh Phangan has good weather for most of the year, so the best time to visit depends on you, your budget, and what you want to do. The high-season is the most expensive, but offers the most in terms of activities, and the best weather, while the low-season is either very hot or a bit rainy, and quieter, but you’ll find cheaper accommodation, and might even prefer visiting the island when it’s quieter (and having the beach to yourself!).
You’ll find the best weather in Koh Phangan from December to April, with average temperatures of 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit), perfect for hitting one of the many beaches, exploring the island by bike (if you can drive one and have an international driver’s license that is!), and taking yoga classes. There is so much to do, from scuba diving, to bike tours, plus well-known yoga studios, and some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see. This is also the busiest time on the island.
From April to June it starts to get hot, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), which may or may not be exactly what you’re looking for! You can cool off in the sea, and the peak season has passed meaning prices on the island are lower.
July, August, and September are cooler and breezier, with some rain showers as we start to enter into the wet season. It generally rains in the afternoon or early evening, giving you time to enjoy the sunshine in the morning before it rains. If you don’t mind some rain, this is a cheaper time to visit Koh Phangan than during the high-season.
From September until November it’s very wet, as the rainy season is in full flow. It’s still warm however, so if you don’t mind getting wet, and enjoy a rainy, tropical vibe you can get some great deals during this time, although the island as a whole will quieter with less activities going on.
