Thailand is a country known worldwide for its fantastic beaches. White and golden sands, crystal clear waters, snorkeling opportunities and spectacular scenery await you, as well as a vibrant nightlife if you like to go out. Two of the best places in Thailand to experience all this and much more are Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. Koh Phangan, best known for hosting the Full Moon Party, has long been a popular tourist destination, although it is becoming more family-friendly. Koh Samui is the more developed island of the two, and is also much larger. In fact, Koh Samui is the second largest island in Thailand and boasts luxurious resorts, fantastic nightlife and a friendly atmosphere. Why not explore both islands while visiting Thailand? Read on and we’ll tell you the best way to get from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui.
Travel options from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui
The islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Samui are only 15 kilometers (9 miles) away, so they’re perfect for hopping between them. Although Koh Samui has a large airport, Koh Phangan does not, so flying is not an option. For this reason, as you can imagine, the only way to travel between these islands is by sea, by ferry or fast boat. Since the distance is short, the maximum travel time should not exceed one and a half hours.
From Koh Phangan to Koh Samui by fast ferry
Lomprayah High Speed Ferry © OlegD / Shutterstock.com
There are several ferry companies that operate from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui. Being a popular route, there are many departures throughout the day. Two of the most well-known and trusted companies are Lomprayah and Seatran Discovery. Both operate modern, comfortable boats with a good safety record and few amenities on board in case you need to go to the bathroom or eat something.
It only takes 30 minutes to travel from Lomprayah and Seatran, and tickets usually cost exactly the same, so there isn’t much difference between the two. First of all, Lomprayah operates a catamaran, while Seatran has a high-speed ferry, although for the passenger this does not matter much. The arrival location in Koh Samui is subject to change. Both companies depart from Thong Sala Port on Koh Phangan, but while Koh Samui Seatran arrives at its own port, Bangrak Seatran Pier, Lomprayah arrives at either Nathon Pier or Maenam Pier, depending on the time of day. Perhaps this is the only difference you should consider to choose the option that leaves you closest to your accommodation.
look at 12Go.asia, a travel site that shows you all the options available and even the option to buy a combo ticket that includes a taxi or van to your hotel. It will be slightly more expensive than a standard ferry ticket, but it will make it easier for you to cover the entire journey.
Slow ferry from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui
If you want to save money, you can take the slow ferry for about half the price from Lomprayah or Seatran. Raja Ferry is a good option. Its ferries are a bit older than the ultra-modern fast ferries, but they are also safe and reliable. They have onboard bathrooms, but few other services, so it’s a good idea to buy something to eat before boarding. The Raja ferry takes 90 minutes from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui to Lipa Noi port on Koh Samui. Tickets are also available on the 12Go website, so you can compare the schedules and prices of the three companies.
From Koh Phangan to Koh Samui by fast boat
A more expensive option is the fast boat, but it’s a good alternative if you want more flexibility. To travel from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui, you can leave and arrive almost anywhere on both islands, so you save ports in both places. Although more expensive than a standard ferry, fast boats are, as the name suggests, fast and fun, and if you split the cost between a few friends or family it will be quite reasonable. As these are personalized services, they cannot be booked through 12Go, so you will need to do some research to find a reliable and safe fast boat operator.
From Koh Phangan to Koh Samui during the Full Moon Party
During the famous Full Moon Party, almost everyone will travel from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan, not vice versa. But if you are planning a trip during this time, you have nothing to worry about. Ferries fill up much faster, so all you need to do is book your tickets in advance. However, during this time, ferry services are increasing and you will have several options to choose from.
A popular option among backpackers, as it is usually the cheapest way to travel from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui, is the Rin Queen passenger ferry, which is famous for its not-so-positive aspects. It’s always full of people and if you manage to get a seat it will be a wooden bench. The journey takes about an hour, but may seem much longer due to the conditions on board. Designed to bring many people to the Full Moon Party, the ferry departs from Haad Rin Pier which is located on the southeast coast of Koh Phangan, right where the Full Moon Party takes place, so you can spend the night partying and catch the ferry right after . On Koh Samui, you will arrive at the Sunset Pier, which is located near the airport.
The last option is the Thong Nai Pan Express, which also departs from the Haad Rin area of the island. It can cost the same as the Queen or a little more depending on where you get on, but since it’s a slightly unstable form of transport, it only works in good weather.
While there are many ferry options to choose from, we always recommend using the most reputable companies. Travel with Raja Ferry if you’re on a tight budget, or choose Lomprayah or Seatran if you want a quick trip, even if it costs a little more. Note that you can book tickets with any of these companies through 12Go.