Situated in the clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand, a few miles north of Koh Samui, lies the famed island of Koh Phangan. Well known for its’ duality as a peaceful, tropical island getaway with waterfalls, mountains and white sandy beaches, whilst at the same time, playing host to Thailand’s most famous night out, the Full Moon Party.
Koh Phangan is the perfect backdrop to realise that mental image of laying in a hammock on the beach, reading a book and watching the sun go down in complete tranquility. There is plenty to experience on the island like Thai cooking classes, yoga schools or going snorkelling or scuba diving to see the vibrant array of tropical sea life.
Maybe you prefer to spend your day hiking through the jungle, taking a jeep safari or elephant trekking and witnessing nature’s wonders. Perhaps even try out Muay Thai, the famous Thai sport of boxing and put your fitness to the test.
When the evening comes take a stroll along the beach where there are numerous restaurants to visit, serving some of the best food in Thailand alongside dishes from around the world. Then finish the night at one of the great beach bars for some cocktails, karaoke and live music or join the masses at the Full Moon Party at Haad Rin beach.
With so much and so little to do, it’s easy to see why Koh Phangan is one of the top places to visit in Thailand and why so many visitors fall in love with it.
How To Get to Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is a tropical island 30 minutes north of Koh Samui and can only be reached by boat. The island is well known for have having two contrasting sides. One, for hosting the world famous Full Moon parties at the southern most point (Haad Rin beach) and two for being one of the most idillic islands that has attracted meditation centers and yoga retreats throughout the island. The main pier is in the islands capital town called THONG SALA, which is where we will do all our pick ups from.
There are a selection of boats/companies that go to Thong Sala leaving from all over Thailand but I am are going to give the easiest options to ensure you have the most reliable and comfortable arrival to the island.
• Flight from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi Airport) to Koh Samui.
• Book your taxi and boat ticket at the desk in the airport arrival hall at Koh Samui.
• Taxi from Koh Samui airport to Big Buddha Pier.
• Boat from Big Buddha Pier to Thong Sala Pier, Koh Phangan.
Some accommodation will pick up at Thong Sala Pier and take you to your hotel.
• Flights leave approx every hour.
• Airline – Bangkok Airways
• Flight Duration – 1 hour.
Koh Samui airport is actually in the top 10 airports in the world due to how original and beautiful it is. It is a very small and intimate airport with nearly all the staff being able to speak English. Once you arrive and collect your luggage you are directed to a arrival area. Simply go up to the reception desk and ask them for the next boat to THONG SALA Koh Phangan.
Below are the boat departure times from Koh Samui (Big Buddha) to Koh Phangan (Thong Sala) – Boat company called (SEA-TRAN). There is also another company called Lompraya, which leave around the same times from Maenaam pier.
Big Buddha Pier to Thong Sala Pier
• Departure – 8.00am Arrival – 8.20am
• Departure – 13.00pm Arrival – 13.30pm
There are also boats that also go to HAAD RIN.
Another cheaper option to get to Koh Phangan is to fly with Nokair or Air Asia from Bangkok (Don Muang airport) to Suratthani. They provide a connecting bus/boat service all the way from Suratthani airport to the pier (1.5 hours) then the boat to Thongsala (another 2 hours).
Disclaimer: *All times are subject to change without notice.
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