Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) – Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier)
Ferries to Koh Phangan Island
Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) – Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier)
Ferries to Koh Phangan Island
The Koh Samui Koh Phangan ferry route connects Koh Samui Island with Koh Phangan Island and is currently operated by 2 ferry companies. The Songserm service runs up to 7 times per week with a sailing duration of around 1 hour While the Lomprayah High Speed Ferries service runs up to 14 times per week with a duration from 30 minutes.
So that’s a combined 21 sailings on offer per week on the Koh Samui Koh Phangan route between Koh Samui Island and Koh Phangan Island. Compare now and get the best fare at the time that you want to travel.
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Koh Samui is the third largest island belonging to Thailand, laying off the coast of Thailand’s mainland. The port lays on the southwest coast of the island with the town centre within a 10-15 minute walk from the landing pier; for those not wishing to travel on foot there is also a taxi rank directly outside the port. Away from the port, the easiest and cheapest way to get around the island is by songthaew (a covered pick-up truck type vehicle that serves as a local bus) which are seen frequently and can be flagged down from the side of the road. The majority of the population live in the town surrounding the port, Nathorn, though the major sights are found scattered around the island. Because 90% of the island is buddhist, one of the main attractions is the Big Buddha, a giant statue that can be seen by walking up many stairs. It is worthwhile noting that visitors are required to remove their shoes if they are to witness the statue up close. Aside from the Big Buddha, Koh Samui has copious beaches on offer – the most popular is Chaweng Beach which has plenty of cafes, restaurants and shops to enjoy. The island is notorious for being the most upmarket in Thailand, transforming its clientele from backpackers on a budget to middle class Europeans and North Americans. To escape the tourist focused areas, the south of the island offers a totally different landscape; Samui family-run restaurants are hidden among long stretches of coconut palms and dusty roads. Ferry routes run relatively frequently from the port to the neighbouring islands as well as the Thailand mainland; the crossings are all fairly short and comfortable making it a stress free sailing.
With the opening of Koh Phangan Airport yet to be unveiled, ferry travel is considered the best way to reach Koh Phangan, with hundreds of thousands each year making the crossing from nearby islands and popular parts of the Thailand mainland. The port is located on the southwest coast of the island and is known locally as Thong Sala Pier; it is generally very busy due to the popularity of the island and its close proximity to the famous Ban Had Rin beach. There are several crossings per day and each ferry boat typically carries around 180-300 people each time, creating a lively buzz around the area. The island is nearly always swarmed with backpackers and has become a notorious holiday destination for young travellers looking to discover Thailand’s party scene. Some regard the island’s reputation as the home of full moon parties, especially the infamous nights at Hat Rin, as a misconception distracting uninformed visitors from the hidden gems Koh Phangan has to offer. In an effort to attract a more upmarket clientele, areas such as Hat Thong Nai Pan Noi boast extravagant resorts with high quality restaurants and luxurious accommodation. For transport to and from the port, the only official taxi service is via songthaew (a pick-up truck type vehicle shared with other passengers) that are generally very reasonably priced. Many motorcyclists will offer tourists a discounted price but they are considered dangerous, unreliable and can also cause a fine from the police, so are best to be avoided.
