How to get to Koh Phangan
There are different ways to get to the island of Phangan: Of course, all of them include a boat or ferry but you can choose to arrive via the mainland by train, bus or flight. You can also fly to Koh Samui which is the fastest but also the most expensive option.
Nighttrain to Koh Phangan
Traveling by train can be much more enjoyable than traveling by overland bus. Most Overnight trains have an air-conditioned first and second class. Here you will find comfortable armchairs, which are transformed into couches by the conductor at bedtime. In the first class, a whole compartment can be booked for one person. The service includes blankets, pillows and a curtain, which can be closed to improve privacy.
Anyone who has not packed enough food is supplied at the stations — except for the night — by traders who walk through the train and advertise their goods. Some trains also have a dining wagon. Train tickets can be booked at the train stations and in special travel agencies. Information about trains and ferry schedules can be found on the website of Railway Thailand, More information about traveling by train here.
Bus from Bangkok to Koh Phangan
There are countless bus companies that take a bus ride from Bangkok to the south of Thailand. The ferry companies Lomprayah and Songserm offer package deals in which the bus ride from Bangkok to Don Sak, as well as the ferry ticket Koh Pha Ngan, are already included.
There’s also a government bus going from Bangkok to the island. The advantage is that the bus takes you directly to the pier and will go with you on the car ferry. So you do not have to worry about your luggage and can enjoy the journey in peace. During the ride, you will not only get blankets and pillows, but also a small welcome snack and a meal in a restaurant on the route. For a few baht more you can book the VIP bus, which has only three instead of four seats in one row.
Of course there are countless other bus companies in Thailand. Please note that the price says something about the quality and therefore also about the security of the bus. Minibusses are a bit cheaper than the big coaches, but they are known to drive very fast and make many stops.
The journey takes about 12 hours. You can book your bus ticket here.
Flight from Bangkok to Suratthani / Nakhon Si Thammarat & ferry from Don Sak to Ko Phangan
The airlines Nok Air , Lionair and Air Asia take off at Bangkok Don Muang (DMK) to Surat Thani (URT) and Nakhon Si Thammarat (NST), Don Muang Airport, which is next to the main airport offers mainly domestic flights.
If you arrive at the international airport Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and want to fly on, there is the possibility to take the free Shuttle bus №554, 555 or to use a taxi.
BothNok Air, as well as at Air Asia Passengers can book the necessary transfers directly when booking online.
If you are not booking a complete package, please make sure that the bus to Suratthani takes at least 90 Minutes and from Nakhon Si Thammarat at least 2 hours to Don Sak Pier. Between the arrival of the plane and the departure of the ferry should be approx. 2 ½ hour to 3 hours.
Both Lomprayah as well as Songserm and Raja offer a ferry crossing from Don Sak to Koh Phangan.
Flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui — ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
You can fly to Koh Samui and take one of the ferries to Koh Phangan as well. Check the Ferry Schedule to see which boat leaves close to your arrival time.
The pier closest to the airport is the Big Buddha Pier (about 10 minutes). From here, the Haadrin Queen leaves four times a day to Haadrin.
This ferry company also offers the last possible crossing at 6:30pm. Should you arrive later, there is only the option to charter a Speedboat or stay one night on Koh Samui and take the first boat in the morning. Right on Big Buddha Pier in Baan Bang Rak There are some good hotels in different price ranges.
There is also the possibility with Lomprayah ab Maenam (about 20 minutes from the airport) and Nathon (about 40 min) and with Seatran Discovery from Bangrak (Near Big Buddha Pier). Please note, when planning your trip, that the streets can be very crowded at Rush Hour (in the morning around 8AM and in the afternoon from 5PM).
From Bangkok via Chumphon to Koh Phangan
If you want to travel too long on land, you can take a bus or train to Chumporn and from there go with either Songserm or Lomprayah to Pha Ngan.
Originally published at my-kohphangan.com on March 27, 2013.
