Koh Phangan is known for its chill beaches, laid-back vibe, and of course its nightlife. You can spend weeks in Koh Phangan relaxing on its shores, hiking its tropical trails, or just partying all night.
But the adventure begins even before you set foot on Koh Phangan. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your ferry trip from Surat Thani to Koh Phangan.
I’ll also share some personal tips from our own ferry trip to Koh Phangan to ensure a smooth and enjoyable start to your Koh Phangan adventure.
How to Get from Surat Thani to Koh Phangan
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about taking the ferry from Surat Thani to Koh Phangan in Thailand. I’ll cover how to book your ticket, key things you should know ahead of time, and transportation options before and after your ferry ride.
Three companies operate ferries between Surat Thani and Koh Phangan, all of which you can book through 12Go. We made this trip ourselves in 2024 while traveling through Thailand, so I hope our experience helps you out in your journey.
Surat Thani to Koh Phangan Ferry: Key Points
Here are a few things you need to know before booking your ferry from Surat Thani to Koh Phangan:
Ferry Operator Options
There are currently three different companies that operate ferries between Surat Thani and Koh Phangan:
- Seatran
- Raja
- Lomprayah
Seatran is known for its modern vessels, comfortable seating, and reliable schedule. Their ferries have amenities like air-conditioned cabins, outdoor decks, and onboard snacks for sale.
Raja is another option that carries both passengers and vehicles. Their ferries are a little older but still have air-conditioned cabins for passengers.
Lomprayah operates passenger-only fast ferries that are the quickest option if you’re short on time. Their catamaran-style ferries are a bit smaller than the other ferry options so seating can be limited during busy times. Lomprayah’s speed also comes at a price since they are more expensive than the other ferry options.
Schedule for the ferry from Surat Thani to Koh Phangan
Roughly 14 ferries depart daily from Surat Thani to Koh Phangan, giving you plenty of options to choose from. The first ferry typically departs at 5:30 AM, and the last ferry leaves around 5:30 PM, depending on the operator. Below is a breakdown of the schedules by ferry operator (as of January 2025):
Seatran Ferry
- Number of Departures: 5 ferries daily
- Departure Point: Donsak Pier
- Schedule: First ferry at 5:30 AM, with departures every three hours thereafter. The last ferry departs at 5:30 PM.
- Travel Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
Raja Ferry
- Number of Departures: 6 ferries daily
- Departure Point: Donsak Pier
- Schedule: First ferry at 8:00 AM, last ferry at 4:00 PM.
- Travel Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
Lomprayah High-Speed Ferry
- Number of Departures: 3 ferries daily
- 2 ferries from Donsak Pier
- 1 ferry from Tapee Pier in Surat Thani town
- Schedule: First ferry at 11:00 AM, last ferry at 3:00 PM.
- Travel Time:
- From Donsak: 1.5 to 2 hours
- From Tapee Pier: 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3.5 hours
Why We Chose the Seatran Ferry to Koh Phangan
After looking at all the ferry options from Surat Thani to Koh Phangan, we decided to book the Seatran ferry through 12Go. I think the Seatran ferry is the best option for most travelers. Here’s why:
First off, we try to avoid fast ferries when possible. They’re smaller and move at high speeds, which can lead to a bumpy ride if the seas are rough. While fast ferries are great for covering long distances, Koh Phangan isn’t far enough from Surat Thani to make speed a top priority for us.
That left us with two options: Seatran and Raja.
After doing some research, I found that Seatran’s ferries are newer and generally in better condition than Raja’s. Additionally, the Seatran terminal at Donsak Pier is new and in excellent shape. It even has a comfortable waiting area with a restaurant that sells food and snacks.
Choosing the Seatran Ferry to go to Koh Phangan ended up being an easy decision, and I’m glad we did because it ended up being one of the nicest ferries we’ve ever ridden.
That said, if I were in a rush, I wouldn’t mind taking the Lomprayah Catamaran Fast Ferry. It’s larger than most fast ferries I’ve been on, and its catamaran design is supposed to provide a smoother ride. But for this trip, we prioritized comfort over saving an hour or two, and Seatran delivered exactly what we were looking for.
How to Get to the Ferry Terminal in Surat Thani
The main ferry terminal for Surat Thani isn’t located in the city itself. Instead, ferries to Koh Phangan typically depart from Donsak, which is a 90-minute drive from Surat Thani. The exception to this is Lomprayah, which offers one daily ferry departure from Tapee Pier, located in Surat Thani itself.
Fortunately, most ferry operators provide transportation from Surat Thani to Donsak by bus from popular areas like:
- Surat Thani Airport
- Surat Thani Train Station
- Surat Thani Bus Terminal
- Surat Thani Town
The ferry we booked on 12Go included a bus transfer from Surat Thani Airport directly to Donsak Pier. From there, we boarded our ferry to Koh Phangan.
Our Experience on the Surat Thani to Koh Phangan Ferry
We flew into Surat Thani Airport from Bangkok and after collecting our luggage we headed to the Seatran counter to confirm our ferry and bus tickets, which we booked through 12Go.
The process was straightforward: we showed our booking confirmation, and the staff issued our tickets and provided stickers labeled “KOH PHANGAN” to wear on our shirts. This ensured there was no confusion about our destination.
After a short wait, a staff member called out for passengers heading to Koh Phangan and guided us to our bus. We left our suitcases outside the bus, where the driver loaded them into the luggage compartment. We boarded the bus and found it to be in decent shape and reasonably comfortable.
Our 90-minute ride to Donsak Pier was uneventful. The landscape was flat and the highway went straight through rural areas with palm oil farms. It was actually kind of relaxing to take a bus ride after flying in on an airplane. No complaints from me.
When we arrived at Donsak, the bus dropped us off right in front of the Seatran terminal. We collected our luggage and headed into the waiting area.
The terminal’s waiting area was very nice. It had plenty of seating and a restaurant serving food and snacks. The terminal also had a large restroom facility with tons of stalls. We were feeling hungry at this point so we grabbed lunch while waiting for our ferry to board.
The Seatran ferry port was organized. Each gate had an electronic sign displaying ferry information and boarding announcements, making it easy to know where to go.
When it was time to board, we passed through the gate into the boarding area. We scanned our tickets and walked down a long dock to our ferry at the end of the pier.
We boarded the ferry with all our luggage. To reach the passenger deck, we had to carry everything up a short flight of stairs. It wasn’t too challenging, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re traveling with heavy bags.
Once on board, we found seats in the ferry’s air-conditioned cabin and left our luggage there. The cabin was spacious and comfortable, and it even had a small store where you could buy snacks and drinks.
We decided to explore the rest of the ship before settling in. The ferry had an open-air seating area and a roof deck with panoramic views.
At this point, the ferry pulled away from the pier and began sailing. The ride was so smooth that I didn’t notice that we started moving. The ocean was extremely calm and the weather was stable during our trip. We couldn’t ask for better conditions to ride a ferry. I sat down in the cabin and it didn’t take long for me to fall asleep.
When I woke up, I saw Chloe on her phone. I was surprised that she still had cell service. I asked her about it and she told me that her connection had been super fast the entire time. She had blazing-fast 5G out here in the ocean! I looked out the window and saw that we were passing Koh Samui, so she must have been connecting to the cell towers there.
It wasn’t long until the ferry got to Thong Sala Pier in Koh Phangan. As we approached the pier, the other passengers started to gather their belongings and line up to disembark.
We grabbed our luggage, walked down the ramp, and stepped onto the pier, ready to start our adventures in Koh Phangan.
How to Get Out of the Ferry Port in Thong Sala
No matter which ferry you catch from Surat Thani, you’ll arrive at Thong Sala Pier in Koh Phangan. Koh Phangan isn’t that large so getting to your final destination is straightforward.
Songthaew
As you disembark, you’ll notice a line of songthaews waiting near the pier. The songthaews on the pier are known to price gouge so I recommend walking to the main road in the town to find a songthaew there.
The songthaews cover all the major tourist areas on the island, so chances are there’s one that will bring you exactly where you’re going. Most songthaews have their routes printed on the windshield, so you know which direction they’re heading.
If you’re unsure which one to take, tell a songthaew driver where you’re going, and they’ll point you to the right one. Expect to pay around 100–400 baht per person, depending on where you’re going. We paid 150 baht per person for a songthaew to bring us to Haad Rin.
Motorbike Rental
If you prefer exploring the island with the most freedom, renting a motorbike is the best option. Motorbike rentals in Koh Phangan start at around 250 baht per day.
Several rental shops are located right next to the Thong Sala Pier. You can rent a motorbike right at the pier, use it throughout your stay, and then return it when leaving the island.
You can also rent a motorbike in any of the tourist areas of Koh Phangan. When we explored the island, we rented a motorbike near our accommodation and then returned it before heading to our next accommodation.
How Much Luggage Can You Take On the Surat Thani to Koh Phangan Ferry?
Most ferry operators set official luggage limits of one suitcase and one hand-carry item (like a backpack) per passenger. Some may also have weight or size restrictions, such as a maximum of 20 kg per item or dimensions around 55 x 40 x 20 cm. If your luggage exceeds these limits, you might be asked to pay an additional fee.
In practice, however, most ferry companies don’t strictly enforce these rules. When we traveled from Surat Thani to Koh Phangan on the Seatran Ferry, we didn’t see anyone weighing or measuring luggage. I didn’t see anyone get charged extra or face issues for slightly larger or heavier bags, and passengers with multiple hand-carry items weren’t called out either.
My own luggage technically exceeded the rules: my suitcase was slightly larger than the stated dimensions, and I carried both a shoulder bag and a backpack. Despite this, I didn’t face any issues. The key seemed to be that I could handle my luggage without assistance.
Is the Surat Thani to Koh Phangan Ferry Safe?
When we rode the Seatran Ferry from Surat Thani to Koh Phangan, it felt very safe. The ferry was large, modern, and in good condition. The seas were very calm that day, and our entire ride was smooth and comfortable.
Generally, larger ferries tend to have a more stable and smoother ride compared to smaller fast ferries. If you’re concerned about safety or seasickness, the large ferries are the better choice.
While the majority of ferry trips go smoothly, it’s always a good idea to stay aware and make decisions that prioritize your safety. Use your own discretion when deciding to board.
Here are a few tips to help you gauge safety:
- Weather conditions: If the seas look rough or there’s a storm forecasted, some ferry operators may sail regardless. Even a large ferry can get rocked by waves, so assess the weather conditions before boarding.
- Ask arriving passengers: If you’re unsure about the current sea conditions, ask passengers disembarking from an arriving ferry. They can give you firsthand feedback on how rough or smooth the journey was.
- Delay your own trip: If you’re not comfortable sailing in less-than-ideal conditions, consider waiting for calmer weather. A few hours’ delay could make a huge difference.
Photos from Our Ride on the Seatran Ferry to Koh Phangan
Where to Stay in Koh Phangan
Although Koh Phangan is a small island, choosing where to stay isn’t straightforward, especially for first-time visitors. The island has several areas, each offering different experiences.
During our 10 days in Koh Phangan, we stayed in four different areas and covered all sides of the island. This gave us a solid understanding of what each location has to offer in terms of accommodation, atmosphere, and accessibility.
Here’s our take on the different areas to stay in Koh Phangan and what to expect from each one.
- Haad Rin: Home to the infamous Full Moon Party, Haad Rin is the place for nightlife. The entire area revolves around the party scene, with bars, clubs, and hostels catering to those looking to drink and dance until sunrise. If you’re looking for a social, high-energy atmosphere, Haad Rin is the place to be.
- Baan Tai / Thong Sala: Baan Tai and Thong Sala are centrally located to the rest of the island and are the most convenient base if you plan to explore Koh Phangan by motorbike. While Baan Tai and Thong Sala don’t have much in terms of sightseeing, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, markets, and essential services there.
- Thong Nai Pan: If you’re looking for a quiet, upscale retreat with great food, Thong Nai Pan is the best area to stay. It’s a peaceful place ideal for couples and families looking for a relaxing beach vacation. It’s far from the party madness and has calm, scenic beaches and a laid-back vibe.
- West Koh Phangan: The entire west coast of Koh Phangan has a free-spirited vibe. It’s a popular gathering place for expats who live on the island. This is where you’ll find yoga retreats, meditation centers, and vegan cafes, making it the island’s hub for health and wellness. It also happens to have some of the island’s most beautiful beaches.
What to Pack for Koh Phangan
Here are some of our must-have items you might not have thought of when packing for a trip to Koh Phangan.
- Crocs: During our time in Koh Phangan, we visited 15 beaches, and almost all of them had one thing in common: rocks in the water! I was so glad to have Crocs to protect my feet when swimming.
- Sunscreen: We ran out of sunscreen while in Koh Phangan, so we went to the store to buy it and it was super expensive! Don’t be like us. Bring plenty of sunscreen because you will need it!
- Dry Bag: With all the sand, salt, and water flying everywhere during our adventures in Koh Phangan, I was so glad to have a dry bag to keep all my things safe from the elements!
- Travel Towel: In my opinion, a travel towel like this one is super necessary for a trip to Koh Phangan! It packs down nicely and was there for me anytime I went swimming, or just needed to brush sand or dirt off.
Our Free Koh Phangan Google Maps Locations
Do you need a handy map with all our Koh Phangan locations? We’ve got a Google Map with all the Koh Phangan locations in this post (plus a LOT more). Sign up in the box below and we’ll deliver it right to your inbox, plus our top tips to help you plan your Koh Phangan adventure.
Are You Following Our Koh Phangan Blog Series?
We spent 10 days in Koh Phangan and found so many things to do there—from waterfalls to beaches, temples, and hikes. To help fellow adventurers, we’ve put together guides to the best places we found. You can check them out by clicking the links below.
- Our Ultimate Guide to Koh Phangan: 16 Incredible Things to Do in Koh Phangan
- Our Koh Phangan accomodation/area guide: Where to Stay in Koh Phangan
- Our Koh Phangan Beach Guide: The 15 Best Beaches in Koh Phangan
- How to plan your trip to Koh Phangan: 3 Days in Koh Phangan: The Perfect Koh Phangan Itinerary
- The Bottle Beach Viewpoint is Koh Phangan’s most epic vantage point
- We did the Haad Rin to Haad Yuan Hike over a mountain to a secluded beach
- Our favorite temple in Koh Phangan is the Kuan Yin Chinese Temple
- Our favorite waterfall in Koh Phangan: Pho Darng Waterfall
- How to get to Koh Phangan: Surat Thani to Koh Phangan by Ferry
I hope you enjoyed our guide to the Surat Thani to Koh Phangan Ferry! Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions 🐸
I just wanna say: Thank u for so practical info. Very nice!