When planning a trip from Bangkok to Koh
Phangan, it is important to consider seasonal features, as they affect the
availability of transport, travel comfort and ticket prices. At different times
of the year, the route may be more expensive, longer or more difficult due to
weather conditions. Let's look at when it is best to go to Koh Phangan and how
to choose the best way to travel.
Flight Bangkok - Koh Samui
Parameter |
Description |
Airline |
Bangkok Airways |
Travel time |
about 1 hour 15 minutes |
Price |
from 2,600 Thai baht (approx. $80) |
Ferry Koh Samui - Phangan
Parameter |
Description |
Ferry companies |
Seatran Discovery, Lomprayah |
Travel time |
30-45 minutes |
Price |
approximately 300-400 Thai baht (about
$9-$12) |
It is recommended to book tickets in
advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability and avoid
delays.
Flight to Surat Thani with subsequent
transfer and ferry to Koh Phangan
This route is a more economical option
and includes a flight to Surat Thani, then a bus transfer to Donsak Pier and a
ferry to Koh Phangan.
Flight Bangkok - Surat Thani
Parameter |
Description |
Airlines |
AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air |
Travel time |
about 1 hour 10 minutes |
Price |
800 to 2,000 Thai baht (approx.
$24–$60) |
Transfer to Donsak Pier
Parameter |
Description |
Means of transportation |
bus or minivan |
Travel time |
about 1.5 hours |
Price |
150-200 Thai baht (about $5) |
Donsak - Phangan Ferry
Parameter |
Description |
Ferry companies |
Raja Ferry, Lomprayah |
Travel time |
2-3 hours |
Price |
300-500 Thai baht (around $9-$15) |
This route takes more time than the first
one, but allows you to save significantly on the cost of travel.
Both options have their advantages and
are suitable for different categories of travelers depending on their budget
and travel time preferences.
Bus and ferry from Bangkok to Koh
Phangan
This route is one of the most
budget-friendly ways to get to Koh Phangan. It involves a long bus ride to
Surat Thani or Donsak, then a ferry ride. It is suitable for travelers who are
willing to sacrifice comfort for the sake of economy.
Bus Bangkok – Surat Thani/Donsak
Parameter |
Description |
Departure |
Southern Bus Station (Sai Tai Mai) or Khao San Road |
Travel time |
10–12 hours |
Price |
600–1,000 baht ($18–$30) |
Donsak - Phangan Ferry
Parameter |
Description |
Ferry companies |
Raja Ferry, Lomprayah |
Travel time |
2-3 hours |
Price |
300–500 baht |
This route is suitable for those who want
to save on the flight, but are ready to spend a significant amount of time on
the road. It is better to buy tickets in advance, as bus seats can fill up
quickly during the high season.
Train and ferry from Bangkok to Koh
Phangan
This option is convenient for those who
want to travel in comfort while enjoying the scenic views. A train ride to
Surat Thani, then a bus to Donsak Pier and a ferry to Phangan is a popular
option for tourists who prefer more convenient overnight transport.
Train Bangkok – Surat Thani
Parameter |
Description |
Departure |
Hua Lamphong Main Station |
Travel time |
9-12 hours |
Price |
1st class: 1,500–1,800 baht ($45–$55) 2nd class: 800–1,000 baht ($24–$30) |
Transfer to Donsak Pier
Parameter |
Description |
Means of transportation |
Bus or minivan |
Travel time |
1.5 hours |
Price |
150-200 baht ($5) |
Donsak - Phangan Ferry
Parameter |
Description |
Ferry companies |
Raja Ferry, Lomprayah |
Travel time |
2-3 hours |
Price |
300–500 baht ($9–$15) |
If you choose a night train, it is better
to book a ticket in 1st or 2nd class with seats that fold out into a sleeping
position. This will allow you to rest before arrival and not waste time on the
road.
🚆 Train + ferry is a more comfortable option compared to the bus,
suitable for those who want to travel at night.
🚌 Bus + ferry is the most budget option, but it takes more time.
In both cases, it is important to take
into account the season - during peak periods (December - March, as well as
during the Full Moon Party) tickets can sell out quickly, so it is recommended
to book seats in advance.
Seasonal Features of Travel to Koh
Phangan
When planning a trip to Koh Phangan, it
is important to consider seasonal factors, as they can affect ticket prices,
weather conditions, and transport availability. Depending on the time of year,
you may encounter increased demand for tickets or, conversely, disruptions to
the ferry schedule due to storms.
High season (December – February)
This time of year is considered the most
popular for trips to Koh Phangan due to the comfortable weather.
●
Dry, warm (daytime +28…+32°C,
nighttime +23…+26°C), calm sea.
●
High demand for flights, buses,
trains and ferries, which could lead to higher prices and a shortage of seats.
●
Hotels and bungalows fill up
quickly, especially before the New Year holidays.
●
Book your tickets and
accommodation at least 2-3 months before your trip to avoid overpaying.
Low season (May – October)
The monsoon season makes travel less
predictable, but still budget-friendly.
●
High humidity, frequent rains,
especially in September-October. Temperature +27…+31°C.
●
Ferries may be cancelled due to
storms, so it is advisable to have a backup option.
●
Hotel prices are lower, there are
fewer tourists, and you can find good deals.
●
Choose flexible tickets, take into
account the possibility of delays due to weather conditions.
Full Moon Party Period
The island's main party takes place every
month on the night of the full moon and attracts thousands of tourists.
●
Phangan is becoming the center of
Thailand's party life, and hotels and transport are overloaded.
●
Tickets for ferries and buses sell
out several days before the event.
●
In the Haad Rin area, hotel prices
can be 2-3 times higher than usual.
●
If you plan to attend the Full
Moon Party, book your transportation and accommodation in advance. If you want
to avoid the noise, choose the northern part of the island.
Conclusion
Koh Phangan is not only a party place,
but also a paradise for beach lovers, snorkelers and solitude. There are
different ways to get here, depending on your budget and travel time.
●
✈
Fast but expensive option: Air travel via Koh Samui.
●
💰 Economical but long
route: Bus/train + ferry.
●
⛴ Moderate in price and time:
Flight to Surat Thani + transfer + ferry.
When planning your trip, take into
account seasonal features: in high season, book tickets in advance; in low
season, prepare for possible weather changes.
Regardless of the route you choose, Koh Phangan will give you an unforgettable experience, whether it's a beach holiday, partying, or exploring the island. 🌴🚤