Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are two of the most famous and popular islands in Thailand. Since Koh Phangan, unlike its neighboring island Koh Samui, does not have its own airport, the best way to get to there is by regular ferries or speedboat. Check how to get from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan (and vice versa).
Ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
Ferry Piers
In Koh Samui, there are 5 piers where ferries to Koh Phangan can be boarded:
- Na Thon (Raja, Lomprayah, Seatran): Na Thon Pier, the busiest pier on Koh Samui, is located in the northwest of the island. This pier is well connected by ferries to Koh Phangan.
- Lipa Noi (Raja): Lipa Noi Pier is located on Koh Samui's west coast. By choosing this pier, you will transfer from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan with the old Raja ferry in 1.5 hours.
- Bangrak (Seatran): From Bangrak Pier, the Seatran's boats operate to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
- Big Buddha (Haadrin Queen): The Big Buddha Pier is located in the north of the island with ferries departing several times a day. Haadrin Queen ferries run directly from the Big Buddha Pier on Koh Samui to the pier in Haad Rin, where the legendary Full Moon Party takes place.
- Pralarn (Lomprayah): Pralarn Pier, also known as Maenam Pier, is where you can take a high-speed catamaran between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.
In Koh Phangan, there are 2 piers used for connection with Koh Samui:
- Thong Sala (all companies except Haadrin Queen): Thong Sala is the main town on the island. It is located on the west side of the island and is suitable for everyone who has booked accommodation in the western or northern part of the island.
- Haad Rin (Haadrin Queen): It is a small pier to transfer to Koh Samui from Koh Phangan's Haad Rin Beach, where the Full Moon Party takes place.
Ferry Companies
Several ferry companies operate between Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. Ferries travel back and forth between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan throughout the day and with 5 different companies to choose from you will always find plenty of options.
1. Lomprayah Ferry
Lomprayah is the first and the only high-speed ferry operator in Thailand, established in 1999, and offering traveling between these 2 islands of the Gulf of Thailand. Lomprayah is usually the fastest solution. The new catamarans they use take you from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan even faster, taking only 30 minutes, so in terms of speed Lomprayah is outstanding. Although Lomprayah ferry fares may not be the lowest that you can find, the price is really worth it for the comfortable and reliable journey. This high-speed ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan is equipped with comfortable seats both inside and outside. There is a shop where you can buy snacks and drinks. There are also toilets on board and even TVs that play movies.
Ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
- Departure Point at Koh Samui: Pralan Pier, Na Thon Pier
- Arrival Point at Koh Phangan: Thong Sala Pier
- Schedule: 08:00, 12:15, 12:30, 15:30, 16:30
Ferry from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui
- Departure Point at Koh Phangan: Thong Sala Pier
- Arrival Point at Koh Samui: Pralan Pier, Na Thon Pier
- Schedule: 08:00, 11:00, 12:30, 16:30
Duration: 30 minutes
Ticket Price: 350 THB
The discounted ticket for Lomprayah ferry can be booked here: Ferry Ticket between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan
2. Seatran Discovery Ferry
Seatran Discovery started operating in 2002 and currently is one of the most popular ferry services in Thailand. Seatran Discovery operates ferries between the mainland (Donsak Pier), Koh Samui, Koh Phangan (Thong Sala) and Koh Tao. Ferries depart from Bangrak Pier in Koh Samui and arrive at Thong Sala Pier on Koh Phangan's west coast. The company operates a high-speed ferry with good level of comfort, including indoor and outdoor decks, air conditioning, restrooms, plenty of seating and a shop selling drinks and snacks. If you are seasick, taking the Seatran ferry is a better option than the catamaran. In rough waters, ferries tend to be more stable, so you should consider this when buying tickets. For value for money and for the number of daily ferries, Seatran remains one of the most popular ways to travel from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan. The transfer service operates daily in low and high season.
Ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
- Departure Point at Koh Samui: Bangrak (Big Buddha) Pier
- Arrival Point at Koh Phangan: Thong Sala Pier
- Schedule: 09:30, 14:30
Ferry from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui
- Departure Point at Koh Phangan: Thong Sala Pier
- Arrival Point at Koh Samui: Bangrak (Big Budddha) Pier
- Schedule: 10:30, 16:00
Duration: 45 minutes
Ticket Price: 350 THB
Ferry tickets can be booked here: Seatran Ferry between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan
3. Songserm Ferry
Songserm is another ferry company that offers trips between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Songserm tickets are slightly cheaper than other companies charge. Their ferries are slightly older and slower and the facilities on board are not that good.
Ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
- Departure Point at Koh Samui: Na Thon Pier
- Arrival Point at Koh Phangan: Thong Sala Pier
- Schedule: 10:30, 16:30
Ferry from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui
- Departure Point at Koh Phangan: Thong Sala Pier
- Arrival Point at Koh Samui: Na Thon Pier
- Schedule: 08:00, 12:00
Duration: 1 hour
Ticket Price: 250 THB
Ferry tickets can be booked here: Songserm Ferry between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan
4. Raja Ferry
Raja Ferry is one of the leading providers of ferry services in Thailand. The company was established in 1981 and currently operates 13 vessels. The three main ports used by the company are Donsak, Koh Samui, and Koh Phangan for the convenience of their passengers. Raja Ferry is the slowest so the trip between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan takes more than 1 hour.
Ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
- Departure Point at Koh Samui: Lipa Noi Pier
- Arrival Point at Koh Phangan: Thong Sala Pier
- Schedule: 07:00, 16:30
Ferry from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui
- Departure Point at Koh Phangan: Thong Sala Pier
- Arrival Point at Koh Samui: Lipa Noi Pier
- Schedule: 09:30, 18:30
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ticket Price: 219 THB
Ferry tickets can be booked here: Raja Ferry between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan
5. Haadrin Queen Ferry
Haadrin Queen Ferry is the choice for most budget tourists as it serves backpackers and travelers traveling to Haad Rin, being the best option for everyone who wants to go to the Full Moon Party or who have booked their accommodation in the south of the island. Haadrin Queen Ferry goes regularly from Big Buddha Pier on Koh Samui to Haad Rin Beach on Koh Phangan. The boat is slow, taking around an hour, but the tickets are cheap and you are taken directly to Haad Rin, where the party is located. You can expect the boat being too crowded and with insufficient seats on board. The seats on these boats are uncomfortable wooden benches.
Ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
- Departure Point at Koh Samui: Big Buddha Pier
- Arrival Point at Koh Phangan: Haad Rin Pier
- Schedule: 10:30, 17:00
Ferry from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui
- Departure Point at Koh Phangan: Haad Rin Pier
- Arrival Point at Koh Samui: Big Buddha Pier
- Schedule: 09:30, 16:00
Duration: 50 minutes
Ticket Price: 300 THB
Ferry tickets can be booked here: Haadrin Queen Ferry between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan
Speedboat from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
Another alternative to travel between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan is by private speedboats. This is an ideal option if you are traveling with a group of friends or family or you’re just in need of a little luxury and don't like the idea of sharing a ferry with hundreds of other people. Speedboats are fast and flexible, so they are especially recommended when your arrival time doesn’t coincide with the ferry timetables.
There are many private companies offering privately chartered speedboats between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. They can take you from all over Koh Samui, and drop you exactly where you want to go on Koh Phangan. The speedboat ride between the islands takes only 15 minutes.
If you are thinking of going to Koh Phangan only for the Full Moon Party, you can book Full Moon Party Round-Trip Speedboat Ticket to enjoy a stress-free journey from Koh Samui to Haad Rin on Koh Phangan and after partying hard return back to your hotel in Koh Samui the next day in the early morning.
Tour from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
If your Thailand trip plan includes spending more than one day in each island, ferries are a good option. However, if your time is very limited, it is better to take a day trip. There are many tours from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan that can be chosen depending on what you are interested in.
Koh Phangan Island Full-Day Cruise with Sunset lets you to discover the iconic Phangan Island aboard a traditional sailboat on a scenic cruise from Koh Samui. Eat a delicious lunch, relax on the beach, and end the day by admiring a stunning sunset.
Booking Tickets
We would recommend booking your ferry tickets for the trip between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan in advance, especially during the high season or before Full Moon Party. The number of boats is limited, so it is best to have a booking before arriving at the pier to guarantee your place on the desired ferry. You can also buy a combo ticket that would include a taxi or minibus transfer from your hotel in Koh Samui directly to the ferry terminal. This can save you time and effort as you receive door-to-door service.
Different transportation options for the trip from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan can be found and tickets can be booked by using 12GoAsia website.
If you want to stay overnight in Koh Phangan, choose the best area to stay on the island with the help of our guide: Where to Stay in Koh Phangan?
Tips
If you want to visit the island of Koh Phangan and live to the fullest the Full Moon Party, one of the most spectacular parties in the world, choose to stay at one of the top hotels near Full Moon Party.
Koh Phangan has lots of incredibly impressive attractions that pull tourists all year round. Explore the best things to do in Koh Phangan to better prepare for your next holiday in Thailand.
If you are adventurous and want to combine your trip with a little island hopping, you can visit Koh Samui alongside Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, all of them are between the best islands to visit in Thailand and even if they are situated in the Gulf of Thailand, the atmosphere in each of them is very different.