This article will show you the best ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan. Besides Koh Tao and Koh Samui, Koh Phangan is the third big vacation island in the Gulf of Thailand.
If you plan to go to Koh Tao, or even visit all 3 islands in a row, it definitely makes sense to start on Koh Tao and from there travel on to Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. If not, here are the 3 best alternatives including prices, how to get directly from Bangkok to Koh Phangan.
Bus
Taking the bus and then the ferry is the cheapest option. The lowest prices start at 900 baht for a combination ticket (Songserm & Jolly Travel), however, I recommend choosing a more expensive option at this point: Lomprayah.
Not only is the bus ride quite comfortable with them, but they have the best fleet of ferries. You better invest a few baht more. You can book the tickets either conveniently online or in one of the many ticket offices in Bangkok.
The trip by bus
You take the bus from Bangkok and drive to Chumphon where the ferry port is located. Once you arrive, you'll have to wait for a couple of hours until everything is settled and the ferry is ready to leave. The trip in the bus takes a total of about 8 to 10 hours, but there is at least one short stop, where you can also buy something to eat or visit the toilette.
The waiting time at the ferry port is another 1-2 hours, so be sure to stock up on provisions during the bus stop. Afterwards you take the ferry to the islands Koh Nang Yuan, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui (Lomprayah route).
Prices
1400 Baht (approx. $37) for Songserm / Jolly Travel
I recommend Lomprayah for 1550 Baht (ca. $41)
Train
A ride in a Thai train with a sleeping compartment is an experience in itself. Ideally, you can sleep here, stretch your legs in between and even get food brought to your seat. It all sounds very luxurious, but it's not quite that great.
The tracks are not up to European or US standards, of course, and neither are the trains. As a result, the ride can be quite rough and certainly not quiet. It is overly dramatic, but if you really want to catch some sleep, you have to be quite insensitive to noise and movements.
Decision is up to you whether a train ride is better for you than an 8-10 hour ride in the bus, the prices for the train are a tad bit higher.
The train ride
If you are traveling in a sleeper car, you have a choice between the upper and lower beds. Do yourself a favor and take the lower one.
It's not only much more comfortable but you also have a window. In the upper bed you feel a bit like a piece of luggage, you are safely stowed away but you can't move much.
If you are lucky enough, you can even ride in the newer trains. These have then light and socket at the place. You can recognize the trains by the quite new and red seat cushions.
Prices
- 2nd Class sleeper - total of 2079 Baht ($54,70): 829 Baht for the sleeper + 1250 Baht for the ferry with Lomprayah incl. Van
- 1st Class sleeper - total of 2190 Baht ($66,80): 1290 Baht for the sleeper + 1250 Baht for the ferry with Lomprayah incl. Van
Compare prices here (train prices)
Compare ferry prices (ferry & van connection)
Airplane
The third and fastest alternative is by plane. There are basically 2 options: either you fly to Koh Samui or you fly to the airport in Suratthani. From there you continue by ferry to Koh Phangan.
Usually, the flights to Koh Samui are expensive, however sometimes you're lucky and fly there for only 2,000 to 3,000 Baht. If that's not the case, I recommend a combination of a flight to Suratthani and subsequent van & ferry to Koh Phangan. This trip often takes just under 7 hours, and a trip via Koh Samui is often way shorter. As a comparison, the route by bus or train is 14 or 18 hours.
The flight
The flight to Suratthani airport takes only one hour. When you arrive there, it goes by minibus to the ferry port from where you finally get on the ferry to Koh Phangan. The flights are short and even if the legroom leaves something to be desired it is the most comfortable option.
Prices
- Flight to Suratthani & ferry is 2150 Baht ($57) - 1200 Baht (no luggage included) + 950 Baht for bus & ferry
- Flight to Koh Samui ($92)- 3000 Baht + 500 Baht for van & ferry
Compare flight prices to Koh Samui or to Surat Thani
Compare ferry prices from Koh Samui and Surat Thani
So what to do on Phangan?
Koh Phangan is best explored by scooter, so rent one to get to the most beautiful spots on the island.
If you are still looking for accommodation on Koh Phangan, take a look at Agoda.
Especially in the Southeast Asian region, there are usually the best prices, especially for hostels. Avoid the days around the Full Moon parties, as the prices are outrageously high at these times. It's only worth it if you really want to go to the party yourself.