Koh Samui to Koh Phangan — the shortest and most popular inter-island crossing in the Gulf of Thailand. Just 30–45 minutes by high-speed catamaran, multiple daily departures and tickets from as little as 200 THB (~$6). This complete guide covers every operator, every schedule, current prices, Full Moon Party planning and everything you need to know for 2026.
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Koh Samui to Koh Phangan — The Basics
Koh Phangan is just 15 km north of Koh Samui — making this one of the easiest island hops in Thailand. The crossing takes 30–45 minutes by high-speed catamaran or speedboat, with multiple daily departures from Nathon Pier on Koh Samui's west coast. It's also one of the cheapest ferry routes in the country — tickets start from just 200 THB (~$6).
Distance: ~15 km · Duration: 30–45 min · Operators: Lomprayah · Seatran · Songserm · From: 200 THB (~$6) · Pier Koh Samui: Nathon · Pier Koh Phangan: Thong Sala
Ferry Operators — Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
Three main operators run this route with a combined total of 10+ daily departures — one of the most frequent inter-island ferry services in Thailand. Here's the complete breakdown:
| Operator | Type | Duration | Departures | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lomprayah | High Speed Catamaran | 30 min | ~4–5 daily | 250 THB |
| Seatran | Speedboat | 45 min | ~4–5 daily | 200 THB |
| Songserm | Speedboat | 45 min | ~2–3 daily | 200 THB |
Lomprayah — Fastest & Most Comfortable
Lomprayah is the best choice for most travellers — 30-minute crossing in a fully air-conditioned catamaran with assigned seats. The most reliable operator with the best punctuality record. Departures from Nathon Pier approximately every 2–3 hours from early morning. Lomprayah also offers combined tickets connecting Koh Samui → Koh Phangan → Koh Tao as a single booking — the best option for island-hoppers planning to continue to Koh Tao.
Seatran — Frequent & Affordable
Seatran operates a high-frequency speedboat service at a slightly lower price than Lomprayah. 4–5 daily departures from Nathon Pier, 45-minute crossing. Good alternative if Lomprayah is fully booked or if you want to save 50 THB. Also arrives at Thong Sala Pier on Koh Phangan.
Songserm — The Budget Option
Songserm is the oldest operator on the Gulf island routes and the cheapest at 200 THB. Slightly slower boats and fewer departures, but perfectly adequate for the 15km crossing. 2–3 daily departures. Good option in low season when Lomprayah prices may be higher.
Lomprayah for speed and reliability — worth the extra 50 THB. Seatran if Lomprayah is sold out. Songserm for the absolute cheapest option. For Full Moon Party periods, book Lomprayah at least 2 weeks ahead — it sells out completely.
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Ferry Prices — Koh Samui to Koh Phangan 2026
| Ticket Type | Lomprayah | Seatran | Songserm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult passenger | 250 THB (~$7) | 200 THB (~$6) | 200 THB (~$6) |
| Child (3–11 yrs) | 125 THB | 100 THB | 100 THB |
| Samui → Phangan → Tao combo | 700–800 THB | N/A | N/A |
Book via 12Go Asia — same price as the pier counter with real-time availability for all operators. No hidden fees, instant confirmation. In high season and Full Moon Party weeks, book at least 1–2 weeks ahead.
Departure Pier — Nathon Pier, Koh Samui
All ferries from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan depart from Nathon Pier on the west coast of Koh Samui. Nathon is also the arrival pier for ferries coming from the mainland (Donsak Pier). It is Koh Samui's main commercial pier with a small market, restaurants and travel agents nearby.
Getting to Nathon Pier from Koh Samui
- From Chaweng — taxi costs 300–500 THB, takes approximately 25–35 minutes depending on traffic. Book via Grab for a fixed price.
- From Bophut — taxi costs 250–350 THB, takes approximately 20–25 minutes.
- From Lamai — taxi costs 400–600 THB, takes approximately 35–45 minutes. The west coast road is slower.
- By songthaew — shared red trucks run around the island for 50–80 THB per person but can be slow. Not recommended for early morning ferry connections.
- By scooter — if you've rented from Tonton Samui Rental, park near the pier and the scooter will be collected for you.
Koh Samui's ring road can get congested, especially around Chaweng in the morning. Allow at least 45 minutes from Chaweng to Nathon Pier. Arrive at the pier 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.
Arrival Pier — Thong Sala, Koh Phangan
All ferries from Koh Samui arrive at Thong Sala Pier on the south coast of Koh Phangan — the island's main commercial pier and transport hub. Thong Sala town has ATMs, restaurants, convenience stores and the island's largest market.
Getting Around from Thong Sala Pier
- Haad Rin (Full Moon Party beach) — shared songthaew 100 THB, taxi 300–400 THB. Takes 30–40 minutes.
- Srithanu / Baan Tai (west coast yoga area) — 10–20 minutes by scooter or taxi, 100–200 THB.
- Thong Nai Pan (north coast, best beaches) — 45–60 minutes, 400–600 THB by taxi. The road is rough — hire a local taxi rather than a songthaew.
- Chalok Lam (north coast fishing village) — 30–40 minutes, 300–400 THB by taxi.
- Scooter rental — available near the pier from 150–200 THB/day. Essential for exploring the north coast beaches independently.
Step-by-Step — Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
- Book your ferry in advance — via 12Go Asia. Choose your operator and departure time. QR code sent instantly.
- Get to Nathon Pier — allow 45 minutes from Chaweng. Arrive 30 minutes before departure.
- Check in — show your QR code at the operator's counter. Lomprayah, Seatran and Songserm have separate counters at Nathon Pier.
- Board your ferry — Lomprayah catamarans are air-conditioned with assigned seats. Speedboats have open deck options — perfect on calm sunny days.
- Arrive at Thong Sala Pier, Koh Phangan — 30–45 minutes later. Collect your transport to your accommodation.
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Full Moon Party — Planning Your Ferry
The Full Moon Party at Haad Rin Beach is Koh Phangan's most famous event — 30,000+ people gather every month on the night of the full moon. If you're travelling to Koh Phangan for the Full Moon Party, ferry planning is critical.
Full Moon Party 2026 — Dates
The Full Moon Party happens every month — check the exact date for your travel period as it shifts monthly with the lunar calendar. Key dates in 2026: January 13, February 12, March 13, April 12, May 12, June 11, July 10, August 9, September 7, October 7, November 5, December 4.
Ferry Booking for Full Moon Party
- Book 2–3 weeks in advance — all operators fill up in the days before and after Full Moon Party. This is non-negotiable in high season.
- Best approach — take the ferry to Koh Phangan 1–2 days before the party. Ferries on the party day itself are extremely crowded and often delayed.
- Return ferry — book your return to Koh Samui at the same time. The day after Full Moon Party is the busiest ferry day of the month.
- Consider staying longer — Koh Phangan has excellent beaches, yoga retreats and waterfalls beyond Haad Rin. Most visitors stay 3–5 nights around Full Moon Party to explore the whole island.
Ferries the night of the Full Moon Party (returning to Koh Samui) are extremely crowded and run late. Plan to stay on Koh Phangan the night of the party and return the following morning on a regular schedule departure.
What to Do on Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is far more than just the Full Moon Party. The island has some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in the Gulf, a thriving wellness and yoga scene centred around Srithanu, excellent local food markets and a genuinely charming local atmosphere in the north.
Best Beaches on Koh Phangan
- Haad Rin — the Full Moon Party beach. Lively, backpacker-heavy, good for nightlife. Rocky headland with reasonable snorkeling.
- Thong Nai Pan Yai & Noi — the best beaches on the island. Two beautiful bays on the north-east coast, relatively remote and stunning. Worth the rough road to get there.
- Haad Salad — quiet west coast beach with excellent snorkeling and clear water. Good for swimming year-round as it faces west away from the monsoon.
- Haad Yao — long west-facing beach popular with long-stay visitors. Calm water, good restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat) — remote north coast beach accessible only by boat or a steep hike. Worth the effort for the seclusion.
Wellness & Yoga
The Srithanu area on the west coast has become one of Southeast Asia's most established wellness destinations — dozens of yoga studios, health cafes, healing centres and retreat programmes. A week-long yoga retreat in Srithanu costs a fraction of equivalent programmes in Bali or Chiang Mai. Popular studios include Agama Yoga and The Yoga Retreat.
Waterfalls & Jungle
Koh Phangan's interior is covered in jungle with several beautiful waterfalls — Wang Sai and Phaeng Waterfall are the most accessible. Phaeng Waterfall is inside a national park reserve (50 THB entrance fee) and has a viewpoint with stunning views over the Gulf of Thailand.
How Many Days on Koh Phangan?
2–3 days for a standard beach visit. 4–5 days if you're combining beaches with Full Moon Party and yoga. 7+ days if you're doing a yoga retreat or wellness programme. Most island-hoppers coming from Koh Samui spend 2–3 nights before continuing to Koh Tao.
Snorkeling tours, waterfall excursions and Full Moon Party tickets are bookable via Klook — instant confirmation, free cancellation on most bookings.
Koh Phangan to Koh Samui — Return Journey
The return ferry from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui departs from Thong Sala Pier and arrives at Nathon Pier on Koh Samui's west coast. Same operators (Lomprayah, Seatran, Songserm), same prices, multiple daily departures. Book your return via 12Go Asia before you leave Koh Samui — especially important around Full Moon Party periods.
Insider Tips — Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
- Take the morning departure — the 8–9am boat gives you a full day on Koh Phangan. Later boats mean less time to explore on arrival day.
- Book both legs together — book your outward and return ferry at the same time via 12Go Asia. Saves time and guarantees your return spot.
- Lomprayah for island hopping — if you're planning to continue to Koh Tao, book the Lomprayah combined ticket (Samui → Phangan → Tao). Cheaper than buying each leg separately.
- Sea sickness — the Koh Samui to Koh Phangan crossing is generally calm (only 15km), but can get choppy October–November. Take Dramamine if you're prone to motion sickness.
- Scooter on Koh Phangan — rent one from a shop near Thong Sala Pier on arrival. Essential for reaching the north coast beaches and waterfalls. Road quality varies — ask your guesthouse about current conditions before heading north.
- Activate your eSIM before crossing — your Thailand eSIM works on Koh Phangan via AIS, though signal is weaker on the north coast. Download offline maps before arriving.
- Cash on Koh Phangan — ATMs are available in Thong Sala but the island is still relatively cash-heavy. Withdraw what you need before leaving Koh Samui where ATM fees are lower.
FAQ — Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
How long is the ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan?
The Lomprayah high-speed catamaran takes approximately 30 minutes. Seatran and Songserm speedboats take around 45 minutes. All depart from Nathon Pier on Koh Samui and arrive at Thong Sala Pier on Koh Phangan.
How much does the ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan cost?
Adult passenger tickets start from 200 THB (~$6) with Seatran or Songserm, and 250 THB (~$7) with Lomprayah. Children (3–11 years) pay half price. Book via 12Go Asia for the best prices and real-time availability — same price as the counter with no hidden fees.
How many ferries run from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan per day?
Combined across all operators, there are approximately 10–12 departures daily from Nathon Pier to Thong Sala. Lomprayah operates around 4–5 departures, Seatran 4–5 and Songserm 2–3. First departure is typically around 7–8am and the last around 5–6pm.
Do I need to book the Koh Samui to Koh Phangan ferry in advance?
In low season, you can often buy tickets at the pier on the day. In high season (December–February, July–August) and especially around Full Moon Party, book at least 1–2 weeks ahead via 12Go Asia. The Lomprayah catamaran fills up fastest — always book this one in advance.
Which pier does the ferry from Koh Samui depart from?
All ferries from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan depart from Nathon Pier on Koh Samui's west coast. Nathon is approximately 25–35 minutes by taxi from Chaweng and 20–25 minutes from Bophut.
Can I take the ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan for the Full Moon Party?
Yes — the ferry is the only way to reach Koh Phangan from Koh Samui. For Full Moon Party, book your ferry 2–3 weeks in advance. Travel to Koh Phangan 1–2 days before the party date for the best experience, and book your return ferry for the morning after the party rather than the night itself.
Is there a night ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan?
There is no scheduled night ferry. The last regular departures are typically around 5–6pm. If you're planning to attend the Full Moon Party, travel to Koh Phangan the day before. The party runs from approximately 9pm to sunrise — staying overnight on Koh Phangan is the only practical option.
Continue Reading
- Island Hopping from Koh Samui — Complete Guide
- Koh Phangan to Koh Tao — Essential Ferry Guide
- Koh Samui to Koh Tao — Ultimate Ferry Guide
- Donsak Pier Surat Thani — Complete Ferry Guide
- Complete Ferry Guide to Koh Samui
- Best eSIM for Thailand 2026 — From $3
- Best Hotels in Koh Samui 2026
Some links in this article are affiliate links. InsideSamui.com earns a commission if you book through our 12Go Asia links, at no extra cost to you. Prices and schedules are indicative for 2026 — always verify on 12Go Asia before travelling.