Koh Samui to Koh Phangan - How to get there?
You want to visit Koh Phangan but just don’t know how to get there? Koh Samui to Koh Phangan – The Ultimate Guide on how to get there!
If you’re reading this then you must be interested in visiting Koh Phangan.
This is a great choice, after living on the island for several months we can tell you that it is THE BEST island in Thailand.
So how do you get there?
Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
We assume that you have either been staying in Koh Samui already and are now moving on to Koh Phangan.
Or alternatively you are using Koh Samui as a steppingstone, stop off from the mainland. We would highly recommend stopping in Koh Samui for at least 2 nights if you haven’t already and experience the best of the island.
Read our full Koh Samui guide here for all our best recommendations, hidden spots, and everything in between to get the most out of your time there.
Koh Phangan, as we have already said is our favourite island in Thailand. Living here for several months we really feel like this place is our home. And hope you will love your time here too.
So come and join us!
How do I get there what are my options?
As you will know, Koh Phangan is an island. 18 miles into the ocean from the coast of Koh Samui.
So, you have probably guessed it, you will need a boat. Luckily there are many different options for you to take. Based on your budget, time allowance and preferred method of travel.
There are two main options when choosing which boat to take from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan.
Raja Ferry is best for budget travel, and slow travel.
Lomprayah Ferry is faster but along with that comes a higher price tag.
Alternatively, there are private boat options, again this takes the budget even higher and an option that we wouldn’t recommend.
Do I need to pre-book?
Honestly, no. But realistically, yes.
It is up to you if you want to risk not getting a ticket. However, we have booked tickets many times before and incurred an extra pre-booking fee of 50-100 baht when we didn’t need to as the ferry was basically empty.
In contrast we have not booked and turned up to a sold-out ferry having to stay an extra night in Samui. Costing more than the added booking fee!
In high season we would recommend to pre-book tickets. In low season you may get away with taking the risk. If you do take the risk arrive at the ferry 30 mins before the recommended check in time.
To pre-book tickets you can visit the ferry port a day or two before your desired travel day and buy them direct from there. Alternatively, most hotels and tour agencies will sell them on the island. However they may add an extra booking fee for the convenience.
How Do I Get to The Ferry?
Depending on which method of travel you chose to take will depend on the ferry terminal you will need to depart from on Koh Samui. Luckily Koh Phangan has one main Pier where all the ferries arrive and depart in Thong Sala.
Raja Ferry – If you decide to take the Raja ferry this departs from the South-West of the island from Lipa Noi Pier.
Lomprayah Ferry – If you choose to take the Lomprayah Ferry this departs from Bangarak Pier in the centre of the island closest to Chaweng Beach.
Lomprayah is the easiest to get to, if you are paying extra to get a tuk-tuk or taxi to the raja ferry port this may bump up your cost to equal the cost of the Lomprayah ticket price. So may be more cost and time efficient to choose Lomprayah.
However, if you are travelling by car or bike to Koh Phangan Raja is the only freight/vehicle ferry.
How Long Does The Ferry Take?
Raja – Around 90 Minutes
Lomprayah – 30 Minutes
Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour for check in, boarding etc.
Ferry Schedules:
Where to stay in Koh Phangan
Don’t forget to check out our ultimate guide to Koh Phangan! Everything to see, do, eat where to stay and the best beaches on the island.
4 Star Hotel in Koh Phangan. Stunning, private rooms and bungalows with terrace, garden, pool and on site restaurant and bar. Amaya is quiet and secluded, offering luxury private bungalows in a jungle garden theme.
3 star accommodation, a good option for budget accommodation. Located in Baan Tai just 5 minutes for the centre of Thongs Sala, great affordability for location! All rooms fit with tv, air conditioning and private bathroom.
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