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Getting There |
There
is no direct flight or bus or train from Bangkok to Koh Phangan. The
passengers are required to travel to Samui by air or by bus or by train to
Suratthani and
from Samui or Suratthani, there is the ferry transfer to
cross over to Koh Phangan. If you are looking for accommodations in Koh Phangan, Please book here
If you would like a more economical way to travel, take the VIP bus from the well-known Khao San Road or from the New Southern Bus Terminal at Boromrat Chonnani Road. The VIP buses are more comfortable than the so-called A/C bus. The tickets are easily available in almost every travel agency in Bangkok. Ferry fee is often included in the price. Please confirm it when you buy the bus ticket.
Ferry: The fastest ferry leaves from Donsak pier on the main land. The ferries are not luxurious in any way, but you will see many of the small surrounding islands if you don't fall asleep. Some Thai guys on some ferries may try to convince you that "their" resort on Samui is great. It can be a blank or a prize in that "lottery".
From Koh Samui
There
are approximately 10 daily transfers to Koh Phangan. Boats depart between
7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The trip takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour,
depending on the weather conditions. Boats leave from Thong Sala Pier and
Haad Rin on Koh Phangan to Koh Samui Pier including Na Thon Pier, Mae Nam
and the Big Buddha.
| Ferry Schedule | |
| From Big Buddha Pier,
Koh Samui (15 minutes from Samui Airport) |
From Haad Rin Pier, Koh Phangan |
| Departure time | Departure time |
| 10.30 a.m. | 09.30 a.m. |
| 01.00 p.m. | 11.40 a.m. |
| 04.00 p.m. | 02.30 p.m. |
| 06.30 p.m. | 05.30 p.m. |
| Seatran Discovery (High Speed Catamaran) Schedule | |
| From Bang Rak Pier, Koh
Samui (10 minutes from Samui Airport) |
From Thong Sala Pier,
Koh Phangan (30 minutes to Haad Rin Beach) |
| Departure time | Departure time |
| 08.00 a.m. | 11.00 a.m. |
| 12.00 p.m. | 04.30 p.m. |
From Suratthani
Surat Thani Pier operates a minimum of 6 daily departures to Koh
Phangan. Boats leave from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and arrive at Thong Sala
Pier on Koh Phangan.
From Koh Tao
Approximately six daily departures from Thong Sala Pier to Koh Tao are
provided. They leave from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Traveling around the island by rented motorcycle from bungalows is
recommended. The cost is approximately 200 Baht per day. For those who
prefer truly Thai-style transportation, Songthaew services are also
available. The fare is 50 Baht from Thong Sala Pier to any place on the
island. Exceptions are on routes to Ban Khai (30 Baht) and Ao Thong Nai Pan
(80 Baht). Car rental service is also available at approximately 1,000 Baht
per day.
Koh Tae Nai
A charming island with jungle-covered hills, a long stretch of golden
sandy beach and colorful coral reefs, Koh Tae Nai is located near Koh
Phangan, and can be reached just 5 minutes by chartered boats.
Accommodations are available but are mostly middle to top-end.
Koh Tao
A small isolated island situated 45 kilometers to the north of Koh
Phangan; Ko Tao was once used as a prison for instigators of the Bavordet
coup d'etat. The island is famous for its rich sea coral reefs and
inhabitants and secluded beaches set in a laid-back atmosphere. Ideal for
snorkeling and diving, there are numerous diving schools scattered around
the island that have always attracted diving students. With exceptional
underwater visibility, Koh Tao is one of Thailand’s finest offshore diving
spots with main attractions such as White Rock, Shark Island, Chumphon
Pinnacle, Green Rock, Sail Rock and Southwest Pinnacles. The stunning
viewing point is a spot where visitors can see three connecting beaches
stretching beautifully to the horizon. Apart from Koh Phangan, Koh Tao can
be reached either from Surat Thani or Chumphon Provinces. Accommodations in
the form of bungalows, at various price ranges, are available. The best time
to visit Koh Tao is from February to April. Traveling on the island is
possible by boat, car or motorcycle.
Wat Khao Tham
Located on the hilltop of Khao Kao Haeng, Moo 1, Bang Tai Sub-district,
the monastery is ideal for meditation amidst the unspoiled nature.
Foreigners mostly visit the compound to learn how to practice meditation
between September and November. To reach the monastery, take a chartered car
or rent a motorcycle at Thong Sala Pier and drive for approximately 3
kilometers. From the entrance of the temple, drive approximately 1 kilometre
up to the compound.
Wat Maduea Wan
Apart from beaches, sand and sea, Koh Phangan also has cultural
attractions such as Wat Maduea Wan, located at Moo 3, where the replica of
the Lord Buddha’s Footprint is enshrined on the hilltop Mondop. To reach the
temple, take a Songthaew from for a total distance of approximately 3
kilometers for a fare of 20 Baht per trip per person.
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