How to Get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is one of the most famous islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Known for its Full Moon Party, pristine beaches, and laid-back vibe, Koh Phangan is a must-visit for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation.

There are 3 different ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan: via plane, bus, or train. This updated 2025 guide covers the best routes, costs, and insider tips to help you plan your trip seamlessly.

Option 1: Bangkok to Koh Phangan via plane

The easiest and fastest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan is by plane. Currently, Koh Phangan does not have its own operational airport yet, so you will need to fly via Koh Samui or other alternative routes (Surat Thani or Chumphon).

Total travel time is 2 hours via Koh Samui.

Via Koh Samui

Total travel time: ~2.5 hours
The fastest flight route is via Koh Samui.

• From Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK) Airport, book a flight via Bangkok Airways or Thai Lion Air to Koh Samui. Travel time is 1 hour, and costs range from $90-150 USD (3200-5400 THB), depending on booking time.
• From Koh Samui Airport, take a combined van + ferry trip to Koh Phangan. Vans cost 150-300 THB, and ferries (via Seatran or Lomprayah) cost 300-500 THB. Total transfer time is 1-1.5 hours.

Pro Tip: Book a joint flight + ferry ticket via 12Go.asia or Klook for seamless transfers.

Via Surat Thani

Total travel time: ~4.5 hours
Another option is to fly via Surat Thani. This is a longer route but cheaper compared to Koh Samui. If you book weeks in advance, flights can cost as low as $30-60 USD (1000-2100 THB).

• From Don Mueang (DMK) Airport, book a flight via AirAsia, Nok Air, or Thai Vietjet to Surat Thani.
• From Surat Thani Airport, take a bus or van to Donsak Pier (1-1.5 hours, 100-200 THB), then a ferry to Thong Sala Pier in Koh Phangan (2-2.5 hours, 300-450 THB).

Via Chumphon (Alternative Route)

Total travel time: ~4 hours
Chumphon is a less common but viable route. Fly from Don Mueang (DMK) to Chumphon via Nok Air ($40-80 USD, 1400-2800 THB). From Chumphon Airport, take a bus or van to Chumphon Pier (30-45 minutes, 100-150 THB), then a ferry to Koh Phangan (1.5-2 hours, 400-600 THB).

Pro Tip: Chumphon is ideal for avoiding crowds at Surat Thani during peak seasons (December-March).

Option 2: Bangkok to Koh Phangan via bus

Taking the bus will take a significantly longer time, but it’s a cheaper option and there are night buses available so you won’t have to waste a whole day on the road. This is a popular among backpackers.

For convenience, there are tour operators that offer a combination of bus + ferry trip to Koh Phangan. There are different schedules and pick-up points in Bangkok, so you have flexible options.

This combo trip includes a bus ride from Bangkok (Khao San Road or Southern Bus Terminal) to Donsak Pier in Surat Thani and then a ferry ride to Thong Sala Pier in Koh Phangan. Popular operators include Lomprayah and Songserm; costs range from 1000-1500 THB ($28-42 USD).

There is also a direct bus-only trip to Koh Phangan, which is slightly more expensive (1200-1800 THB).

Travel time: 10-12 hours for daytime buses; 12-14 hours for overnight buses.

Option 3: Bangkok to Koh Phangan via train

This is the most time-consuming way to get to Koh Phangan.

As above, we recommend booking a combination train + bus + ferry trip. You can also book these transfers separately.

This route includes a train ride from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (replaced Hua Lamphong in 2023) in Bangkok to Surat Thani Railway Station, then a bus/van ride to Donsak Pier, and finally a ferry ride to Koh Phangan. Total cost is 1200-2000 THB ($34-56 USD), depending on train class (2nd class sleeper recommended).

Travel time: 14-16 hours.

Which option is the best?

If you’re simply looking for an easy way to get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan, book a flight. If money is an issue, the bus is your next best option.

Here’s a summary of the 3 ways you can get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan:

	Duration	Estimated cost
Flight (via Koh Samui)	2.5 hours	$100-200 USD (3500-7000 THB)
Flight (via Surat Thani)	4.5 hours	$50-100 USD (1800-3500 THB)
Bus + Ferry	10-14 hours	$28-50 USD (1000-1800 THB)
Train + Bus + Ferry	14-16 hours	$34-60 USD (1200-2000 THB)

Arriving in Koh Phangan

Once you arrive in Koh Phangan, you’ll be met by local drivers offering motorbike taxi services to take you to your accommodation for a small fare (100-150 THB or $3-4 USD per person). Further down the road, you’ll also find songthaews (shared taxis), which are cheaper and can take you around the island (50-80 THB or $1.5-2 USD per person).

Check in at your resort and discover that there are tons of activities you can do in Koh Phangan.

Pro Tip: Download the Grab app for easier transport bookings in Koh Phangan, though availability is limited compared to Bangkok.

Things to Do in Koh Phangan

Here are some of the best things you can do in Koh Phangan:

• Join the Full Moon Party. The Full Moon Party is undeniably a rite of passage for the island’s visitors. It is held monthly at Haad Rin Beach
• Island hopping. Visit the Ang Thong National Marine Park and other beautiful spots like Koh Ma or Koh Tao.
• Diving. Koh Phangan shares similar dive spots as Koh Tao. For those who are into snorkeling, you can visit the beaches in Haad Salad and Haad Ya.
• Explore the island via motorbike. Experienced riders will appreciate the hilly slopes in Koh Phangan and views from strategic points such as Haad Son or Phangan Viewpoint.
• Food trip in a night market. Get your fill of delicious Thai food in Thong Sala (try pad thai or grilled seafood for cheap).
• Yoga and wellness: Join a yoga retreat or wellness workshop in Srithanu

It’s easy to travel around Thailand, as long as you know the best routes for you. Here’s a relevant guide on how to get to Koh Lanta, another must-see in the country.

Has this route guide from Bangkok to Koh Phangan been helpful to you? If you have questions or comments, let us know in the comment section below!