Ferries to Ko Phangan
Ferries to Ko Phangan
You can travel to Ko Phangan by ferry from nearby islands like Ko Samui and Koh Tao, making it a perfect stop for island-hopping in the Gulf of Thailand. From the mainland, ferries also depart from Surat Thani and Chumphon, offering easy access whether youโre coming from the north, south, or central Thailand. Minibuses connect most major cities to the ferry piers, so reaching Ko Phangan is simple, even if youโre starting far away.
Interestingly, you can also get to Ko Phangan from places like Phuket or even Krabi, despite the large landmass in between. These are sold as combo tickets, bundling minibus or van transfers with your ferry rideโmaking it a smooth, all-in-one journey to the island.
To get your bearings, it helps to look at a map of the ferry routes across both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. In the Gulf, youโll see three main islands: Ko Tao at the top, Ko Phangan in the middle, and Ko Samui at the bottom.
We personally took the ferry from Koh Tao to Ko Phangan and Ko Samui, so we have a bit of experience which we'd love to share. If you're planning to explore more of the Gulf islands, Ko Phangan is a great base to start or end your journey.
Map: Thailand ferry routes: crossings to the Thai Islands.
- ย Click on the ferry ports to see all crossings.
In the following map, you can find several ferries on the southwestern coast of Thailand. Connecting Koh Samui to Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand and, on the other side, Koh Lanta, Phuket and Kho Phi Phi in the Andaman Sea. Bangkok lies to the north. Ko Phangan is the middle Island in the Gulf of Thailand, the east side (right side)
About the crossings to Phangan
As mentioned earlier we went on vacation in Thailand in early 2025 with our family. Amongst the crossings were the crossings to Ko Phangan, Ko Samui and Ko Tao. You can find out more about our ferry experiences in this blog about ferrying through Thailand.
Popular Ferry Routes in Thailand
Gulf of Thailand (Eastern Side)
- Koh Samui โ Koh Phangan (30 min โ 1 hour)
- Koh Samui โ Koh Tao (1.5 โ 2 hours)
- Koh Phangan โ Koh Tao (1 โ 1.5 hours)
- Mainland (Surat Thani / Donsak Pier) โ Koh Samui (1.5 โ 2 hours)
Ferries to Ko Phanganย
Ko Phangan is a lush island in the Gulf of Thailand, best known for its serene beaches, jungle vibes, and the famous Full Moon Party. The island is well-connected by ferry to Ko Samui, Koh Tao, and the Thai mainland, making it an easy stop on your island-hopping route. Hereโs a breakdown of the main ferry routes:
Ko Samui โ Ko Phangan
A quick and popular island hop.
- Ferry time: ~30 minutes
- Departure (Ko Samui): Multiple piers (usually Nathon Pier)
- Arrival (Ko Phangan): Thong Sala Pier
- โ ๏ธ Double-check your pier when booking, especially if transfers are involved.
Koh Tao โ Ko Phangan
A scenic crossing with stunning views.
- Ferry time: ~1 to 1.5 hours
- Departure (Koh Tao): Mae Haad Pier
- Arrival (Ko Phangan): Thong Sala Pier
- Often includes a stop at Ko Samui
- Operators: Lomprayah, Seatran Discovery, Songserm
Surat Thani โ Ko Phangan (via Don Sak Ferry Pier)
The most common route from the mainland.
- Ferry time: ~2.5 to 3.5 hours (including land transfers)
- Departure: From Surat Thani town, train station, or airport
- Transfer to: Don Sak Ferry Pier
- Arrival (Ko Phangan): Thong Sala Pier
- Operators: Raja Ferry, Seatran Ferry, Lomprayah
- Ideal for travelers coming from Bangkok, Krabi, or connecting via Surat Thani Airport.
Don Sak Ferry Pier โ Ko Phangan
Direct ferry from mainland to island.
- Ferry time: ~2 to 2.5 hours
- Departure: Don Sak Pier, Surat Thani province
- Arrival: Thong Sala Pier
- Frequent departures daily, especially during high season
- Often part of a combo trip with a bus/minivan from Surat Thani
- Operators: Raja Ferry, Seatran, Lomprayah
Chumphon โ Ko Phangan
A longer but scenic Gulf crossing.
- Ferry time: ~5 to 6 hours
- May stop at Koh Tao and sometimes Ko Samui
- Operator: Lomprayah
- Best for those coming from central or northern Thailand
Phuket โ Ko Phangan (via land + ferry)
No direct ferry, but easy to book as a combo ticket.
- Travel time: ~7 to 9 hours total
- Includes minibus/van + ferry from Don Sak Pier
- Convenient for travelers starting on the Andaman Coast
- Widely available through travel agents and online platforms
Whether you're coming from a nearby island or the mainland, Ko Phangan is well within reach. Just make sure to book ahead during peak season or Full Moon Party weeks, and always double-check your departure pier when booking combo tickets.
On board, vessels & route maps
Inter Island ferries: Ko Tao – Ko Phangan and Ko Samui
The Koh Tao to Surat Thani ferry, operated by Lomprayah, is a key route for travelers heading back to the mainland. And vice versa. The journey takes around 3 to 3.5 hours, covering 50 miles, with up to four sailings per day. This ferry makes stops at Koh Phangan and Koh Samui before reaching Raja Ferry Pier (Don Sak), the main arrival point near Surat Thani.
Like many Lomprayah Ferries, this trip is efficient but slightly chaotic, so it's best to be prepared for a busy boarding process. Tickets range from $25 to $30 per person and should be booked at least 24 hours in advance, as online sales close a day before departure and seats often sell out, especially during peak season.
For those planning further travel through Thailand, Surat Thani serves as a convenient gateway to train stations, airports, and bus connections. From here, travelers can continue their journey to Bangkok, Krabi, or Phuket.
If you're planning island-hopping, taking a look at a ferry route map can help you understand the best connections between Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Surat Thani. ๐ข๐๏ธ
Other crossings in Thailand
Ferry Operators & ticket Booking
The routes to Ko Tao, Ko Samui en Ko Phangan
- Lomprayah High-Speed Catamarans (faster, more expensive)
- Seatran Discovery (comfortable, mid-range pricing)
- Raja Ferry (budget option, larger ferries for vehicles)
How to Book
- Tickets can be booked in the booking module below
- Prices vary based on season, speed, and operator.
- Some ferries allow vehicle transport, especially on mainland to Koh Samui routes.
Travel Tips & Considerations
- Book early in peak season (Nov โ April), as ferries fill up quickly.
- Sea conditions can affect schedules, especially during monsoon season (May โ Oct).
- High-speed ferriesย are faster butย can be rough in bad weatherโtake motion sickness precautions if needed.
- Island hoppingย is easy, but plan connections carefully, as ferry schedules vary.
Key Booking Tips
- Book in advance – at least a few days ahead in high season, especially for popular routes like Koh Samui-Koh Tao or Phuket-Koh Phi Phi.
- Check ferry schedules early, as some routes have limited departures per day.
- Online booking is recommended – this ensures you have a confirmed ticket before arriving at the port.
- Donโt rely on same-day purchases – walk-in tickets may not be available, and some ticket counters close sales a day before departure.
By booking ahead, travelers can avoid the stress of sold-out ferries and enjoy a smooth journey between Thailandโs stunning islands.
Ferry Travel in Thailand
Thailand has a well-established ferry network, connecting major islands like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Lanta. These ferries offer a reliable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly mode of transport for island hopping.
Our platform provides expertise, informationย and route details. Travel options range from high-speed catamarans to standard ferries with seating.ย Timetables and availability vary based on season and weather conditions, so booking in advance is recommended.
