How to Get Around Koh Phangan: 3 Best Ways
Are you planning a trip to Koh Phangan, or maybe you’ve just arrived and are wondering how to get around Koh Phangan?
This Koh Phangan transportation guide breaks down all the best ways to explore the island. While it’s not a huge island, it’s spread out enough that you’ll need some form of transport to see more than your immediate area.
Koh Phangan is made up of small, pocketed beach towns. If you stay in one, you can easily walk to nearby cafés and the beach, but venturing further will require a scooter, taxi, or local transfer.
Popular areas include Coco Garden, Mae Haad Beach, The Village Green, Rose Villa, and Panburi Village. If you’re visiting just for the Full Moon Party, it’s best to stay in Coco Garden or Coco Hut Village near Haad Rin Beach, where all the action happens.
For longer stays, open Google Maps and check which area best fits your travel style and transportation needs. You’ll save time and enjoy the island more when your base is convenient.
Getting to Koh Phangan is easy from nearby Koh Samui. I recommend checking 12GO for updated ferry schedules and bookings, which makes planning your arrival stress-free.
Songthaews in Koh Phangan (Local Taxi Trucks)
Songthaew taxi pickup trucks operate as public transportation around the island, but you can also use them as private taxis, though it will cost more. More on that later.
If you prefer not to rent a scooter in Koh Phangan, this is the cheapest way to get around.
Also, it’s quick and convenient. Throughout the island, you’ll spot these shared taxi trucks driving along the main roads, looking for passengers to take them around the island.
Put your hand up to flag one of the pickup trucks to stop and let the driver know where you’d like to go. The driver won’t stop for you if they have no room in the Songthaew truck.
Once it stops, speak to the driver, tell them where you’d like to go, and ask for the price.
Depending on your destination, using a Songthaew in Koh Phagan costs 100 to 300 Baht, which is $2.80 to $8.42 US. A short trip is 100 Baht, and a longer one is 200+; from there, it’s up to how you negotiate your trip cost.
To get the best price, you’re encouraged to negotiate with your driver for your trip cost in Koh Phangan; plenty of Songthaew trucks are driving around anyway. Prices do slightly increase at nighttime because fewer trucks are on the road!
When you’d like to get off the Songthaew truck, click the button, which is usually located below the seat somewhere inside on the roof. It’ll ring the driver. They’ll promptly stop for you to get off, pay your driver, and be on your way.
The word “Songthaew” means passenger vehicle.
TIP: The Songthaew Taxis also operate as private taxis in Koh Phangan; if you use them that way, the driver will charge you more than 100-300 baht, considering no passengers are splitting the trip cost with you.
Other times, the driver will tell you to wait for a few passengers so they can lower the price of your trip.
Renting a Scooter or Motorbike in Koh Phangan
Renting a scooter or motorbike is the most popular way to explore Koh Phangan and many of Thailand’s cheaper islands.
Scooter/motorbike rental shops are everywhere, and you can often arrange rentals through the hotels/hostels you’re staying at.
Renting a scooter in Koh Phangan generally costs 150 to 300 Thai Baht / $4.20 to $8.42 US per day. Those considering staying for two or more weeks can often negotiate a lower price! Gas is around 35 to 40 Thai Baht per liter.
There are many advantages to renting a scooter in Koh Phangan. Considering the island only has one form of public transportation, a scooter is the fastest/most convenient way to get around.
It is also best to take in the island’s stunning roads and coastlines by scooter. Petrol/gas is also quite cheap and readily available, and unlike some places in Thailand, you don’t have to worry about scooter parking!
But there are a few disadvantages to renting a scooter/motorbike, which include a few safety hazards; sometimes, the roads in Koh Phangan can get very wet from a storm or quick rainfall, and driving around on wet roads with a scooter is not safe.
Yes, you may see all the locals driving around on their scooters in the rain and think it’s safe. Well, it’s not, and they’re also very experienced scooter drivers. Don’t risk it; this is a common scooter accident in Thailand.
Car Rentals in Koh Phangan
Renting a car is an excellent idea for those visiting Koh Phangan with their family or a group of friends.
Having a car on the island will allow you to explore on your own time and visit many remote beaches in Koh Phangan, which are ideal for a peaceful island experience.
Koh Phangan isn’t complicated to navigate; when going to beaches, the roads are straightforward.
The cost of your car rental will ultimately depend on the make of the car. Prices for a car rental in Koh Phangan range from 500 to 1700 Thai Baht, which is $14 to $47 US a day. Google “car rentals” in Koh Phangan and look at some reviews before deciding on a shop!
Jeeps are available for rent in Koh Phangan, but renting one will cost you more. But I mean, what better way to get around an island with a group of friends than in a Jeep?
An advantage of renting a car is that you don’t have to worry about rainy roads in Koh Phangan when it rains, unlike when renting a scooter.
However, you should still be aware of stray dogs and the many scooters driving around you.
Best Things to Do in Koh Phangan at Night & Day
- Ko Ma: Located in the Northern part of Koh Phangan is Ko Ma, an island attached to Koh Phangan by a long strip of sand, and you can visit just by walking over! It’s a sight to see!
- Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat): One of the island’s most remote and beautiful beaches. You can reach it by long-tail boat or a jungle hike, which is an adventure in itself.
- Phaeng Waterfall & Viewpoint: Located in the island’s national park, this waterfall offers a refreshing stop and a short hike to Dome Sila Viewpoint, with panoramic jungle and ocean views.
- ATV Safari Tour: On this ATV Tour, you will experience Koh Phangan’s jungles and coastlines!
- Snorkel Tour/Island Hopping: You will visit Nang Yuan and Ko Tao islands from Koh Phangan during this snorkeling tour. Ko Tao is known for its stunning waters full of healthy coral reefs and tropical fish, making it the perfect place for snorkeling.
- Pantip Night Market: Open daily from noon to 10 PM, Pantip Night Market is an excellent market with a variety of foods to try!
- Day Trip to Ang Thong: Near Koh Phangan is Ang Thong National Park, which is rated as one of the best national parks in Thailand. Comprising 42 islands, the park is full of mangroves, luscious green scenery, and more!
- Take a Thai Cooking Class: Spend an evening learning to cook local Thai dishes, from spicy curries to fresh spring rolls, then enjoy your creations for dinner.
- Wat Ruese Pa Saeng Temple: The most famous Buddhist temple on the island is Wat Ruese Pa Saeng, located in the heart of the jungles of Koh Phangan. As you finish hiking toward the temple, you’ll see stunning views of Koh Phangan’s dense green jungles.
Where to Stay in Koh Phangan for Easy Access
Here’s a list of some of the best hotels in Koh Phangan, organized into price categories to suit every type of traveler.
Whether you’re looking for a budget‑friendly guesthouse near the beach, a mid‑range resort with a pool and ocean views, or a luxury villa tucked away in the jungle, this list has something for every budget and travel style.
- Budget: Echo Beach Hostel or Phatra Hostel
- Mid-Range: Silan Residence or Explorar Koh Phangan
- Luxury: Santhiya Koh Phangan or Panviman Resort
Getting Around Koh Phangan — Final Tips
There you have it; those are all the best transportation methods for getting around Koh Phangan.
While the island is large, the main beach areas where most hotels are located are very walkable, with easy access to restaurants, convenience stores, and small shops.
You’ll only need transportation when venturing to other beaches, exploring hiking trails, or discovering remote parts of the island.
If you’re planning your trip, knowing the best time to visit Koh Phangan can make your travels much smoother.
Weather patterns here mirror those of nearby Koh Samui, with dry season from December to April offering sunny skies, calm seas, and the best conditions for beach hopping or attending the Full Moon Party.
Visiting during the rainy months can make some roads slippery and less scooter-friendly, so timing your trip wisely is key.
Are you planning to visit Koh Samui? Check out my transportation guide for Koh Samui! There are more options to get around Koh Samui than Koh Phangan!
What is the best way to get around Koh Phangan?
The most popular way to get around Koh Phangan is by renting a scooter or motorbike. It gives you the freedom to explore beaches, viewpoints, and hidden spots at your own pace.
For those not comfortable on two wheels, taxis and songthaews (shared pickup trucks) are available but more expensive for frequent trips.
Is it safe to rent a scooter in Koh Phangan?
Yes, but only if you have experience driving scooters or motorbikes. Always wear a helmet, avoid driving at night on unfamiliar roads, and check the bike carefully before renting.
Koh Phangan has hilly, sometimes unlit roads, so safety should come first.
Are there taxis or Grab in Koh Phangan?
No, Grab doesn’t operate in Koh Phangan. Grab is available on some nearby islands, like Koh Samui (covered in my Koh Samui transportation guide), but here you’ll need to rely on local taxis or songthaews.
Always confirm the fare before getting in, as prices can rise at night or during Full Moon Party weeks.
Can you walk around Koh Phangan, or do you need transport?
Some areas, like Haad Rin or Thong Sala, are walkable with plenty of shops and restaurants nearby.
But to explore remote beaches, waterfalls, and viewpoints, you’ll need transportation, either a rented scooter, a taxi, or a songthaew.
