To reach Koh Phangan in the Gulf, you’ll need to take a ferry, as the island lacks its own airport. The closest airports are Koh Samui and Surat Thani on the mainland, with regular ferries departing from Koh Samui’s Big Buddha Pier and Nathon, as well as from Donsak Pier near Surat Thani to Koh Phangan. Here are some of the ferry rides you can take to Koh Phangan.
Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
Ferries regularly depart from two main piers on Koh Samui – the Big Buddha Pier and Nathon Pier. The journey to Koh Phangan takes approximately 20-30 minutes. These rides are quite inexpensive and depending on the ferry service you select, quite comfortable and convenient. Getting to the island fast should be your goal, as there are so many things to do on Koh Phangan and you don’t want to waste a second.
Surat Thani
Ferries depart from the Donsak pier near Surat Thani on the mainland. The journey to Koh Phangan takes around 2-3 hours. You can arrive at the Surat Thani Airport and either take a ferry to Koh Phangan right away or go to Donsak’s wider ferry piers. Upon arrival, you can arrange methods of transport with your resort, such as Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas, or head over to it via taxi, tuk, or public transport.
Koh Tao
Ferries connect Koh Tao to Koh Phangan, offering a scenic ride between the islands. The journey usually takes around 1.5-2 hours. Koh Phangan is a mere 44 kilometres away from Koh Tao, and the only mode of transportation between them is by ferry since there are no airports on these islands. This absence of air travel has contributed to Koh Tao’s tranquil ambience.