Island hopping is the perfect way to experience some of Thailand’s most spectacular beaches. With so many islands to choose from, each one unique or even better than the last, the perfect way to explore them is to spend a few days on each one. Among the most famous islands in the Gulf of Thailand are Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Koh Phangan is the fifth largest island in Thailand and is particularly famous for its full moon parties. Koh Tao, on the other hand, is much smaller and has a peaceful and magical atmosphere with lots of beaches, scenery and wildlife, and is becoming popular as a fantastic diving destination. If you’re thinking of moving from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao, read on to find out how.
What transportation options are available to get from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao?
Being a small island, Koh Tao does not have an airport, so it can only be reached by boat. The lack of an airport means that Koh Tao is a bit quieter than the neighboring islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, so even if it takes a little longer to get there, the serenity you’ll find there will be worth the trip. Although you can only get there by boat, there are three different companies that offer services from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao. Prices, comfort levels and schedules vary slightly between them, so you can choose the one that best suits your plans and needs. In this guide, we detail what services each company offers so you can make the best decision.
From Koh Phangan to Koh Tao by Lomprayah high-speed catamaran
Lomprayah High Speed Catamaran © Vasit Buasamui / Shutterstock.com
Lomprayah is one of the most reputable tour operators in Thailand, operating high-speed catamarans since the 1990s. They are a common choice among passengers traveling from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao. Lomprayah operates two high-speed trains daily and sometimes a third in the afternoon. Their regular services depart from Thong Sala to Koh Phangan at 8:30 AM and 1:00 PM, and if there is a third service, it usually departs in the late afternoon, although it may vary depending on the day and demand, so try to check in advance if you want to leave in the afternoon .
The high-speed catamaran is the fastest way to get from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao. It only takes an hour to get there. These ferries are modern and equipped with air conditioning, hostesses, snack service and of course toilets. In addition, they are comfortable and safe. You pay a little more to get to Koh Tao faster than other companies, but that’s not the difference that makes Lomprayah an impossible option unless you’re traveling on a budget.
Seatran discovery from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao
Seatran Discovery © mukphoto / Shutterstock.com
The second ferry option from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao is Seatran Discovery. This is another large company in Thailand that operates a fast ferry, unlike Lomprayah catamarans. Still, it’s a fairly quick option, with a journey time of around 90 minutes, which is 30 minutes longer than Lomprayah. You’ll save just over 100 baht with a Seatran ferry ticket, and the ferry is pretty well equipped, so it’s not too different from the Lomprayah service.
Seatran Discovery regularly operates three services a day, so it’s easier to find an option that suits your plans. They have well-spaced departures throughout the day at 8.30am, 1.30pm and 5pm.
The cheapest way to travel from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao
The Songserm Ferry during the busy days of the Full Moon Party. © woraatep suppavas / Shutterstock.com
The third company you can consider is Songserm. Songserm’s advantage is that their ferry is the cheapest from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao, although it is also the slowest. Ferries from Songserm take about 2 hours, twice as long as Lomprayah, but you’ll save a few baht on your ticket.
Ferries are quite comfortable and safe, although they have fewer services on board, and there is only one daily sailing between the two islands. It leaves at 12:30 and arrives in Koh Tao around 2:30, so at least it’s a good time to eat and socialize.
Which ferry to take to go from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao?
Thong Sala Harbor on Koh Phangan
You can’t always have the luxury of choice when it comes to buying ferry tickets, but if you can choose between these three companies, which is the best option?
If you get seasick easily, you should consider going with Songserm. Their journeys are longer as the ferries travel slower, so there will be less resistance from the waves and less traffic, which can help to avoid seasickness.
Being the quickest option, Lomprayah catamarans allow for a bit more hectic travel than ferries, but the advantage is that you’ll get to Koh Tao faster, so if you want to get there as soon as possible, maybe Lomprayah is the best option. Finally, the Seatran Discovery is halfway between the other two options in terms of speed, excitement, and price.
If you are traveling between October and December, the waters will be more choppy than at other times of the year, which is something to consider, especially if you are prone to seasickness.