Koh Phangan: The Day Trip from Koh Samui

Koh Phangan is only a short crossing from Koh Samui — close enough to visit in a single day. The island is best known for the Full Moon Party, but by daylight it has plenty more to offer: quiet beaches, a jungle waterfall, a hilltop temple with sea views, and the easy-going main town of Thong Sala. Here's how to get there, what you can realistically see in a day, and which organised boat tours cover the island.

What's the best way to get from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan?

By ferry or speedboat. Several operators run the route, with slightly different piers, times and prices:

• Lomprayah (catamaran): around 30 minutes, roughly 250 THB.
• Seatran Discovery: sources vary between 30 and 45 minutes, roughly 200 to 300 THB.
• Songserm: according to timetable sites sometimes the fastest crossing, at around 20 minutes.

Boats usually leave Koh Samui from Maenam, Bangrak or Nathon, and arrive at Thong Sala Pier on Koh Phangan. Exactly which pier and price apply depends on the operator, so it's worth checking directly with the ferry company or a booking platform shortly before you travel, since schedules and prices change fairly often.

For a single day, an organised boat tour is often the more relaxed option — hotel pick-up, boat and stops are already coordinated, so you don't have to plan a thing. If you'd rather go independently, take the public ferry to Thong Sala and then a songthaew or taxi to the beaches.

What can you see on Koh Phangan in a day?

Koh Phangan is bigger than it looks on the map — realistically, you'll see a selection in a day, not the whole island.

Beaches

Haad Rin in the south-east is the best-known beach — a perfectly pleasant stretch of sand by day, and the site of the Full Moon Party by night (on full moon dates). If you'd rather have it quieter, head to Haad Yao or Haad Salad in the west, both with shallow water and snorkelling close to shore. Thong Nai Pan in the north-east is considered by many to be the island's most beautiful beach, though it's further from Thong Sala and takes longer to reach.

Waterfall and viewpoint

The Phaeng Waterfall (Nam Tok Phaeng) sits in the forested centre of the island. You can reach the lower pool in just a few minutes from the road; the full loop to further pools and a viewpoint takes about an hour to ninety minutes and is steep in places — for a day trip, the short walk to the lower pool is usually enough. If you want a view without much of a hike, head to the Chinese Temple (Guanyin) on a hill above the south coast — free entry, with views out to sea.

Thong Sala

The main town, Thong Sala, is unremarkable but useful: ferry pier, restaurants, ATMs and small shops. On Saturday evenings it hosts the Walking Street, with street food and live music — though on a day trip with an afternoon return, you'll usually miss it.

Organised boat tours around Koh Phangan

If you'd rather not manage the ferry, songthaew and timing yourself, kohsamui.tours has two tours that take you to Koh Phangan by boat directly:

Boat excursion with brunch — a sailing boat trip around Koh Phangan, with a snorkelling stop at Had Yuan Bay, a buffet on board, and a stop at a hidden waterfall near Than Sadet Bay:

from 2,750 THBBoat excursion with brunch around Koh Panghan★★★★★5.00 from 5 reviews

3 Islands day trip — combines Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao in the morning with an afternoon stop on Koh Phangan:

from 1,950 THB3 Islands Day trip snorkeling Koh Tao & Koh Nang Yuan & Koh Phangan★★★★★4.78 from 170 reviews

What about the Full Moon Party?

The Full Moon Party in Haad Rin is arguably what Koh Phangan is best known for — but it only happens on specific dates around the full moon, not every day. For everything you need to know — dates, what to expect, safety — see our own article: Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan.

Best time to go

The crossing runs over open water, so the weather matters. In the rainy season, usually October to December on Koh Samui, the sea can be rougher and boat trips are occasionally cancelled. For more on how the weather changes through the year, see Koh Samui weather and the truth about the rainy season.

What should you bring?

• Cash in Thai baht for the ferry, songthaews, entry fees and food
• Swimwear, a towel and a waterproof pouch for your phone
• Sturdy sandals if you plan to visit the waterfall or a viewpoint
• Sun protection and a hat
• If you have a sensitive stomach: something for seasickness for the crossing

Frequently asked questions

What's the best way to get from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan?

By ferry or speedboat with one of several operators, or with an organised boat tour that includes hotel pick-up. For a single day, the organised tour is usually the more relaxed option, since the boat and stops are already coordinated.

How much does the crossing cost?

Usually somewhere between around 200 and 300 THB one way, depending on the operator. Check current prices directly with the ferry company shortly before you travel, since they change fairly often.

How long does the boat take?

Usually between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on the operator and route. Lomprayah typically takes around 30 minutes, while some crossings take up to 45 minutes.

How much does the ferry cost?

Similar to the speedboat, prices are usually around 200 to 300 THB one way, depending on the operator and ticket class.

For more islands around Koh Samui, see our article on the day trip to Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao, our Top 10 beaches on Koh Samui, and our tips on getting to Koh Samui.