Traveling to Koh Phangan by speedboat or ferry is the most convenient and popular option. Thousands of travelers make their way to this stunning island from nearby Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and the Surat Thani mainland. While Koh Phangan is a year-round destination, the demand skyrockets during the "Full Moon Party" periods. Ferries and speedboats fill up quickly, so booking early is essential if you're traveling at this time.

Koh Phangan's main pier, Thong Sala Pier, is located on the island's southwest, close to the famous Ban Had Rin Beach. Ferries carry 180–300 passengers and offer breathtaking views. These ferries undergo regular safety checks and are fully equipped with lifejackets and other safety gear.

For FerrySamui.com customers, the process is seamless. To ensure a smooth journey, check our Travel Tips page, arrive at the pier at least 30 minutes before departure, and have your E-ticket ready. Pier staff will provide you with a destination sticker for your trip.

Here’s how to get to Koh Phangan:

From Koh Samui: Ferries depart frequently from Bangrak Pier and Maenam Pier, with a travel time of 30–45 minutes.
From Surat Thani: Ferries from Donsak Pier connect the mainland to Koh Phangan in about 2.5 hours.
From Koh Tao: High-speed ferries take approximately 1.5 hours.
Direct from Bangkok: Choose a combination ticket (bus and ferry) for a hassle-free journey.

Koh Phangan Information

Koh Phangan is a great little island sandwiched between Koh Tao (35km) to the north and the larger Koh Samui (15km) to the south. Phangan is the location of the notorious "Full Moon Party" on Haad Rin Beach, which attracts masses of partying backpackers who arrive from everywhere seeking the party of their lives! Yet Koh Phangan is about so much more than a wild party. It's a beautiful place, mostly unspoilt and full of tranquil natural beauty. Lots of people come for the serenity of Phangan, and you can find lots of wonderful little hotels, spas and retreat centres to relax and soak up the tropical ambience!

Highlights

Full Moon Party!

Crazy with a capital C! This is not your average party, it is completely wild. Haad Rin Beach becomes a sandy dance floor as a truly global gathering of backpackers and travelling party people dance and socialise the night away in the wildest possible way! PhuketFerry.com is sure that two-thirds wake up the next day saying stuff like "what happened" and "where are we"! Yes, alcohol abounds (in sand buckets actually), and normal living is suspended. Our advice is BE CAREFUL (well we tried!). Actually, it does make sense to read up a bit about what to expect, because there are some cautionary notes to be found, but whatever you do, have a good time at the party in paradise!

Phangan Beaches

Starting with the infamous Haad Rin Nok, which is the most popular beach complete with all the tourist amenities, this beach turns into a massive sandy dance floor on full moon party night and takes a while after to get cleaned up. Why not try Haad Rin Nai in the south, otherwise known as "Sunset Beach". To the southwest you'll find Ao Ban Tai and Ao Ban Khai, which are two long beaches with stunning sunset views. To the West there's Had Yao and Mae Had, which are beautiful, highly rated beaches with soft sand and great snorkelling conditions. Finally, to the East, there's the picturesque Had Yao and Thong Nai Pan, which are still so special and tranquil.

Natural Beauty of Phangan

Koh Phangan is blessed with wonderful waterfalls and viewpoints if you are adventurous enough to venture inland. Check out the Domesila Viewpoint and then hike around 15 minutes to swim in the fresh waters of Phaeng Waterfall in the beautiful Phaeng National Park near Thong Sala Beach. There's also a viewpoint of the north of the island on a rocky viewpoint that's 30-45 minutes away-and-up from Haad Khuat (Bottle Beach). Many people enjoy a hike in Phangan along trail that leads between Haad Rin and Haad Tien, and if it's relaxing upon the ocean you'd prefer, then try a special little boat trip whilst enjoying the natural beauty of Ko Maa and other areas.

Getting Around Phangan

It's relatively easy to get around Koh Phangan. Car or motorcycle taxis are available, or you could take a "songthaew", which is a small pickup truck with seats and a roof at the back that seats around 10 people. If you're feeling extra adventurous then how about renting a motorcycle so you have much more traveling freedom. If you're fairly inexperienced be extra careful. Phangan roads are not all smooth so beware the potholes, always wear your helmet and get some insurance coverage. Best cars for hire are definitely the four-wheel drive automatic cars that'll enable you to move effortlessly up and down the hilly landscape.