How to Get from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui
Are you trying to find out how to get from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui? You’ve come to the right place!
There are two ways to get from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui. You can take a ferry or speedboat from Thong Sala Pier in Koh Phagan to one of the many piers in Koh Samui.
The only difference between both ways is the time; the ferry takes around 1 hour, while the speedboat takes 30-40 minutes from Koh Phagan to Koh Samui. Price-wise, both ways are similar.
Another thing to consider is where you’d like to go in Koh Samui because, unlike Koh Phangan, Koh Samui has more than one pier on the island.
The main piers in Koh Samui, Maenam Pier, Nathon Pier and Haad Rin Pier.
So consider what side of the island you’d like to go to and book your ticket to Koh Samui according to the pier closest to your destination.
RELATED: Samui Airport to Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan to Koh Samui by Ferry
Once you’ve arrived at Thong Sala Pier in Koh Phagan, approach the desk counter to buy a ticket, though it’s advised to purchase ferry tickets ahead of time to ensure your spot.
If you’ve purchased a ticket prior, show up at least 30 minutes before departure time to check in with the ferry staff.
Ferry departures from Thong Sala Pier in Koh Phangan to Koh Samui start as early as 7:00 AM and as late as 6:30 PM.
From Thong Sala Pier in Koh Phangan to Koh Samui, the ferry takes around 1 hour.
Ferry ticket costs range from 244 THB to 349 THB, which is around $7 to 10 US.
Many ferry companies operate ferry departures to Koh Samui from Koh Phangan daily. The only difference between tickets is the departure times, and some include hotel transfers.
If you’d like a hotel transfer in Koh Samui, when purchasing your ticket, make sure it includes “Koh Samui Transfer.”
If you choose to purchase a ferry ticket only, without a Koh Samui hotel transfer, you can take a taxi or Grab taxi once you arrive at the pier Koh Samui to your hotel.
Only one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 30 KG is allowed per passenger on the ferry. If you have more luggage, you’ll end up having to pay for another additional ticket.
Book Ferry to Koh Samui — Cost: $7 to $10 US
Koh Phangan to Koh Samui by Speedboat
Speedboats also depart from Thong Sala Pier in Koh Phagan. To take one, approach the desk counter to buy a ticket, though it’s advised to purchase speedboat tickets ahead of time.
If you’ve purchased a ticket prior, do show up at least 30 minutes before departure time to check in with the speedboat staff.
Ferry departures from Thong Sala Pier in Koh Phangan to Koh Samui start as early as 7:00 AM and as late as 6:30 PM.
From Thong Sala Pier in Koh Phangan to Koh Samui, the speedboat takes around 30-40 Minutes.
Speedboat ticket costs range from 349 THB to 418 THB, which is around $10 to 12 US.
Many speedboat companies operate departures to Koh Samui from Koh Phangan daily. The only difference between tickets is the departure times, and some include hotel transfers.
If you’d like a hotel transfer in Koh Samui, when purchasing your speedboat ticket, make sure it includes “Koh Samui Transfer.”
If you choose to purchase a speedboat ticket only, without a Koh Samui hotel transfer, you can take a taxi or Grab taxi once you arrive at the pier Koh Samui to your hotel.
Only one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 30 KG is allowed per passenger on the speedboat. If you have more luggage, you’ll end up having to pay for another additional ticket.
TIP: For those who get seasick, go to 711 and purchase a few motion sickness pills; the speedboat might make you feel sick.
Book Speedboat to Koh Samui — Cost: $10 to $12 US
Where to Stay in Koh Samui
Kimpton Kitalay – 5 Star / Famous for its spacious rooms, many restaurants, a luxurious spa, and much more. The Kimpton Samui is in an excellent location on Koh Samui
Samui Resotel Resort – 4 Star / Cozy resort with spacious rooms and a stunning rooftop located along Chaweng Beach, near many restaurants and shops
Ibis Samui – 3 Star / Located right along Bo Phut Beach, the Ibis is an excellent location ideal for families, with a beautiful pool overlooking the ocean
Lub d Koh Samui – 3 Star / A perfect hotel for a younger crowd, located right on the popular Chaweng Beach, Lub D Samui is close to the central part of Koh Samui
P&T Hostel / Those visiting on a budget, look no further. This is the cheapest and highest-ranked hostel on the island. They’ve got everything you need, even a restaurant
Things To Do in Koh Samui
Have a Beach Day: Koh Samui is known for its beaches, and it’s the main reason many choose to visit; some of the best beaches in Koh Samui are Lamai, Chaweng, Bo Phut, and Lipa Noi Beach.
Jungle/Waterfall Adventures: The safari tour in Koh Samui is the most popular tour on the island; during the tour, you will visit the jungle side of Koh Samui and experience beautiful waterfalls/viewpoints.
Day Trip to Ang Thong Park: Ang Thong is one of Thailand’s best national parks; Ang Thong Marine Park is a collection of 42 unique islands to explore. Located not far from Koh Samui, visiting Ang Thong Park is a must when in Koh Samui!
Island Hopping: With its location in the Gulf of Thailand, there are many other islands nearby, including Koh Phangan, Ko Tao, and Pig Island, to explore.
Big Buddha Samui: The most famous landmark in Koh Samui is the Big Buddha, located in the island’s Northern part. Visiting the Big Buddha, you’ll see great views of both Koh Phangan and Koh Samui.
Explore Fishermen’s Village: The Fishermen’s Village is a picturesque walkable area by Bo Phut Beach; it’s full of boutique shopping, great restaurants, and beach bars with stunning sea views.
Night Markets: A few notable night markets in Koh Samui worth checking out are Lamai Night Market, Chaweng Walking Street, and the Night Market Fishermans Village.
Koh Phangan to Koh Samui — Final Thoughts
Those are the two different ways to get from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui. Again, the only difference is speedboats take around 30 minutes, whereas ferries take around 1 hour.
Also, consider where your hotel is in Koh Samui so you can purchase a ticket to the nearest pier in Koh Samui to your hotel.
The main piers in Koh Samui are Maenam Pier, Nathon Pier, and Haad Rin Pier.
TIP: Early morning ferries always have more space on them, so if you’re traveling with your family or in a large group, it’s a good idea to take an earlier ferry in the day!
Koh Samui is a beautiful island with plenty of things to do in the day and night. The island’s biggest advantage is that it’s one of the most developed islands in Thailand, meaning it offers plenty of large city advantages despite being an island.
Are you wondering how to get around Koh Samui once you get there? Use my Koh Samui transportation guide!
Looking for more places to explore after Koh Samui? Consider one of these many cheap places to visit in Thailand!
How long is the ferry from Koh Phangan to Samui?
The ferry takes 1 hour from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui. If you’d like to get there faster, take the speedboat, it takes 30 minutes.
Can you get a speed boat from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan?
Yes, you can. There are a few speedboat departures from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan daily.
How much does it cost to get from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan?
The ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan costs around $7 to 10 US per passenger.
What is better Koh Samui or Koh Phangan?
This depends on the atmosphere you’re looking for, and both islands are quite different from one another.
Koh Samui is a developed island with plenty to do and amazing beaches. Koh Phangan has a more remote, laidback island beach vibe and a more authentic Thai island experience.
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