Phuket and Koh Phangan are two of the most popular islands in Thailand, and both are absolutely worth visiting. But one island is in the west of the country, and the other is in the east—about 185 miles (300 km) apart.
In this post, you’ll learn the best ways to travel from Phuket to Koh Phangan, whether by plane, bus, or ferry. And of course, I’ll reveal our favorite method, which we use almost every month to hop between Phuket and Koh Phangan.
Travel Option 1: Direct Flights from Phuket to Koh Samui + Ferry
Flying from Phuket to Koh Samui is not only the fastest but also one of the most comfortable ways to get close to Koh Phangan. Here’s all you need to know!
Take the Plane
Taking a direct flight from Phuket to Koh Samui is by far our favorite option (here we go, the revelation right in the beginning). The flight itself is only 55 minutes, making it the quickest way to get from Phuket to Koh Phangan without wasting hours on a ferry or bus.
Phuket International Airport (HKT) is modern and has everything you need: free Wi-Fi, tons of restaurants (there’s even a Dairy Queen right by the gate!), and some duty-free shopping. If you’re traveling with kids, there’s a play area in the Coral Executive Lounge, which is a lifesaver.
When you land at Koh Samui International Airport (USM), get ready for one of the cutest airport experiences ever. It’s an open-air, tropical-style airport with lots of greenery and a super chill vibe. You can grab a coffee or a snack at one of the cute cafes while waiting for your ferry.
Airline Options: Bangkok Airways
Bangkok Airways is the only airline flying between Phuket and Koh Samui, and there’s a reason they call it the “boutique airline.” You’ll get free lounge access at both Phuket and Samui airports. Think comfy seats, free popcorn, muffins, and drinks! The planes are modern and clean, and the staff is super friendly, making the whole trip easy.
One cool thing about Bangkok Airways is the free in-flight meals. If you have any dietary needs, like allergies or if you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can pre-book your meal online. Just make sure to do it at least 24 hours before the flight. We’re vegetarians, and I love their Asian veggie meal. Our daughters always get the fruit platter meal.
Luggage Limitations
You’re allowed 20 kg of checked luggage per person, which is usually more than enough for a few weeks on the islands. If you need more space, no worries! You can pay for extra luggage online, and it’s cheaper that way. For hand luggage, the limit is 7 kg. Just keep in mind that the overhead compartments on these smaller planes fill up fast, so don’t bring anything too bulky.
Travel Time & Costs
The flight takes around 55 minutes. Prices vary depending on the season and how early you book. On average, you’ll pay between $100 to $150 for a one-way ticket, but during peak season, prices can jump to $300 or more.
If you’re traveling from Phuket to Koh Phangan in the low season, you might snag tickets for less, so it’s worth checking early!
Continuing from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan by Ferry
Once you land in Koh Samui, getting to Koh Phangan, Thong Sala Pier is quick and easy. After grabbing your luggage, book a taxi directly at the Samui Airport taxi counter. You pay the full price at the counter, so later, you won’t have to worry about anything.
There are several ferry options to suit your schedule. The ferry terminal is a quick 10 to 40-minute drive from the airport, depending on which pier you choose.
The closest pier is Bangrak Pier, which should be your first choice. If no ferries are leaving at a good time, your next best option is Maenam Pier (also called Pralarn Pier), which is about a 25-minute drive away from the airport. The last and least convenient option is Nathon Pier, which is 40 minutes from the airport and located on the far west side of Koh Samui.
Here are the main ferry options and the leading providers of ferry services:
- Lomprayah: High-speed ferry operator with fast catamaran and speedboat service, takes about 30 minutes.
- Seatran Discovery: Takes about 45 minutes and uses slightly older boats.
Ferry prices are around 250 to 600 THB ($8 to $18), depending on the boat and speed. You can book tickets online via 12GoAsia. The main pier in Koh Phangan is Thongsala Pier. However, some ferry operators also stop at Baan Tai Pier or Haadrin Pier.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Fastest way to reach Koh Phangan, with just a 55-minute flight.
- Comfortable, modern airports with free Wi-Fi at both Phuket Airport and Samui Airport.
- Free lounge access with snacks and drinks before your flight.
- In-flight meals included, with options for special dietary needs.
- Family-friendly amenities like play areas for kids.
- Easy continuation to Koh Phangan island with frequent ferries from Samui.
Cons:
- Most expensive option, especially during peak times.
- Only one airline (Bangkok Airways) offers direct flights.
- Limited overhead luggage space on smaller planes.
- Additional cost and time for taxi transfers to the ferry piers.
- Ferry tickets add to the total cost of the journey.
Travel Option 2: Ferry + Bus Combo
If you’re looking for a more affordable way to get from Phuket to Koh Phangan, the ferry and bus combo might be just for you. It’s a lot longer than flying, but if you’re into road trips and boat rides, this could be a fun adventure as it’s definitely the cheapest option! Let’s break it down.
Bus Ride from Phuket to Surat Thani
The bus ride kicks off at Phuket Bus Terminal 2, located about 4 kilometers from Phuket’s old town, on Thepkrasattri Road. If you’re staying in popular spots like Patong or Kata Beach, it’s easy to grab transport to the terminal. The terminal itself is simple, with a few snack stands and shops where you can grab something to eat before the ride.
Lomprayah also offers hotel pick-up services from various spots around Phuket island, which is super convenient. Make sure to check this when you book your tickets!
The bus ride from Phuket to Surat Thani province takes about 5 to 6 hours. It’s a long ride, but most buses are pretty comfy. Expect soft reclining seats and air-conditioning, which makes it bearable. Lomprayah even has VIP buses with extra legroom, which is awesome if you’re tall or traveling with kids.
There will be a couple of stops along the way for snacks and bathroom breaks. The roads can get a bit bumpy in spots, but nothing too crazy. Bring headphones, a good playlist, or your favorite book to pass the time. A travel pillow might be handy for a quick nap, too!
Ferry Ride to Koh Phangan
Once you hit Surat Thani, it’s time for the ferry. Depending on your booking, you’ll either hop on a speedboat or a larger ferry.
- Lomprayah’s Speedboats: These are fast and will get you to Koh Phangan in about 2 to 2.5 hours. The boats are smaller but zip through the water. If you love speed, this is your ride! Just arrive early to snag a good seat.
- Raja Ferries: These are bigger and slower, taking about 3 to 3.5 hours. But they’re roomy and comfy, so you can walk around, stretch your legs, and even grab a snack onboard. This is a great option if you’ve got loads of luggage or prefer a laid-back ride.
Boarding Tips: Make sure to arrive at the pier at least 30 minutes early to check-in. During peak times, things can get busy, so it’s better to be safe. And if you tend to get seasick, don’t forget your seasickness pills—those waters and sea conditions can get rough, especially during monsoon season. We always take our pills about 30 minutes before setting off.
Overview of Combo Tickets from Phuket to Koh Phangan
Several companies offer combo tickets that include a bus from Phuket to Surat Thani, followed by a ferry to Koh Phangan.
Getting a combo ticket from Phuket to Koh Phangan makes the journey so much easier. No need to juggle separate ferry and bus tickets or worry about getting lost. Prices generally range from 700 to 1200 THB ($20 to $35), depending on the time of year and the company.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- The combo ticket is way cheaper than flying. For about 700 to 1200 THB ($18.90 to $32.40 USD), you get both the bus and ferry.
- The ferry ride gives you awesome views of the surrounding islands. If you enjoy being on the water, this is a nice part of the trip.
- No strict luggage limits on the ferries, so you can pack a little extra without stress.
Cons:
- The whole trip can take 8 to 10 hours, depending on connections. It’s not the fastest, but it’s an adventure.
- While the buses are decent, it’s still a long ride. If you’re not into sitting on a bus for hours, this could be a downside.
- Ferries are at the mercy of the weather. If it’s stormy, expect delays or rough seas.
Travel Option 3: Private Taxi + Ferry
If you love comfort and flexibility, the private taxi + ferry option is perfect for getting from Phuket to Koh Phangan. It’s a more personalized way to travel and works really well for families or larger groups. Let’s break it down!
Private Taxi from Phuket to Donsak Pier in Surat Thani
Your trip starts with a private taxi from Phuket to Don Sak Pier in Surat Thani. This is a great option if you want to skip the buses and avoid the crowds. The drive takes about 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and where you’re staying in Phuket.
You can get a taxi from pretty much anywhere on the island—whether you’re staying in Patong, Kata, or Phuket Town. Booking a private taxi is easy through services like 12Go Asia or local taxi providers. Prices range from 3,500 to 5,500 THB ($100 to $160) depending on the size of the vehicle and the season. Larger vehicles are also available, so you’ll have plenty of room if you’re traveling with kids or in a group.
One big advantage of traveling from Phuket to Koh Phangan this way is flexibility. You can leave whenever you want, stop for snacks or bathroom breaks, and travel in total comfort. The taxi drops you off directly at Donsak Pier, where you catch the ferry to Koh Phangan.
Ferry from Surat Thani to Koh Phangan
Once you reach Donsak Pier, it’s time to hop on the ferry to Koh Phangan. This is the same ferry ride with the same options as described in the previous section, travel option 2.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Private and flexible, perfect for families and larger groups.
- Comfortable ride with plenty of space for your luggage.
- Direct service from your hotel to the ferry pier.
- No dealing with public transport or waiting for connections.
Cons:
- More expensive than other options, especially if you’re traveling solo.
- You still have to follow the ferry schedule, so there may be some waiting.
- Total travel time can be 6 to 8 hours with both the taxi and ferry.
Travel Option 4: Non-stop Boat Ride
The non-stop boat ride from Phuket to Koh Phangan offers a more traditional ferry experience, usually operated by Raja Ferry. These ferries are large, simple, and comfy for the long haul. The distance between Phuket and Koh Phangan is approximately 96 nautical miles, and the day trip takes about 9 hours.
The ferries have open decks where you can stretch out, breathe in the sea air, and take in the surrounding islands. There are no strict luggage limits, so it’s a good option if you’ve got lots of bags. Snacks are available onboard, so you won’t go hungry while sailing.
How to Book the Boat Ride from Phuket to Koh Phangan
Booking is simple through platforms like Direct Ferries, where you can check live schedules and prices. Raja Ferry operates six sailings a week, with the first ferry leaving around 07:30 am. Tickets range from $41 to $142, depending on the season.
Book early, especially during high season, to secure your spot. Make sure to arrive at the pier 30 minutes before departure to check in and find your seat.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- One of the cheaper options, with tickets ranging from $41 to $142
- Move around, stretch your legs, and enjoy the open-air decks.
- Great views of the Gulf of Thailand and nearby islands.
- Perfect if you prefer more relaxed and slow, laid-back travel.
Cons:
- It’s one of the slowest options and very time-consuming, taking around 9 hours.
- The ferry is comfortable but only has basic amenities. Don’t expect luxury.
- Delays or rough seas can happen, especially in bad weather.
Conclusion: The Easiest Ways to Get from Phuket to Koh Phangan
I hope this gives you a good overview of how to get from Phuket to Koh Phangan easily! As I revealed right in the beginning, our favorite is the first option: flying. I’m happy to pay a bit more to get to the destination quickly and comfortably. My second favorite is the private taxi + ferry option. We’ve done it several times with the kids, and it was super flexible and convenient.
What’s your favorite way to travel from Phuket to Koh Phangan? Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments!
Thanks for reading and for letting me be part of your day. Yours, Lulu
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