Bangkok to Koh Phangan Bus and Ferry – Cheap and Convenient

Traveling from Bangkok to Koh Phangan by bus and ferry?

Koh Phangan, an island in the Gulf of Thailand, is becoming one of the favorite islands in Thailand. While backpackers come here for it’s lively party scene, the island is catering more than ever to visitors that want to relax and unwind possibly even do yoga classes and spa days.

Koh Phangan is truly a gorgeous island that pretty much has it all. And thankfully the relaxed island vibe is still there unlike the more developed neighboring island Koh Samui.

Bangkok is where most tourists first touch down when entering Thailand. There are various ways to get to Koh Phangan from Bangkok. But because there is no airport on the island, one of the most popular travel methods is via bus and ferry.

Bangkok to Koh Phangan Bus and Ferry

The journey from Bangkok to Koh Phangan by bus and ferry involves first traveling by land down to Chumphon city. Chumphon is a city on the east coast of Thailand and connects to the islands via ferries and catamarans

There are 2 methods to take the bus and ferry from Bangkok to Koh Phangan. You can plan everything yourself and take a bus down to Chumphon and then take a ferry from there. Alternatively, a much easier and less stressful option is to take the all-inclusive bus and ferry option.

Regardless which option you choose, the route is almost identical. The only difference is that the normal buses terminate their journey in Chumphon city. Meanwhile the piers and ferries are located about 40 minutes drive outside the city. From the bus station a taxi is required to reach the boats. And taxis are quite expensive down there because drivers only give fixed prices rather than using the meter.

The alternative is the bus and ferry joint tickets. This is the most popular way to get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan by bus and ferry. Bus departures are from near Khaosan road which is convenient as most tourists are already staying in the area. The journey terminates at the pier in Chumphon connecting travelers directly with the ferries and removing any unnecessary transfers and additional costs. And don’t worry, the connection is guaranteed because the buses and ferries are operated by the same company. The ferry won’t leave before the bus arrives.

Planning the bus and ferry from Bangkok to Koh Phangan

Personally I suggest just booking the all-inclusive bus+ferry option as it will remove a lot of unnecessary planning, transfers and additional costs. And you can check departures on the 12Go platform which will show you prices and all related information.

If you plan maybe spending a few days in Chumphon before going to Koh Phangan, or you just want to plan the journey independently, here is how to do it. While this will be more hassle and maybe also cost more and definitely take longer, planning everything yourself in without a doubt more interesting. Along the way you are bound to experience a few hiccups.

Bangkok to Koh Phangan – Bus

The buses from Bangkok to Chumphon depart from Mochit bus terminal and Southern bus terminal. The first bus departs Mochit bus terminal at 6:25am and the last bus is at midnight from the Southern bus terminal.

It’s approximately a 6 to 7 hour journey with a short 30 minute break for a snack along the way.

Tickets can be bought directly at the bus terminal on the day of travel. While tickets are usually available, on busy days you may need to wait if the next departing bus is full. Tickets can also booked online.

Bangkok to Koh Phangan – Ferry

The ferries to Koh Phangan depart from Tung Makham pier which is about 40 minutes drive outside the city. Public buses do not cover this journey. Taxis are easily available in the city but very rarely use the meter and charge high prices. A better option is to get a Grab (the equivalent of Uber) as it will probably be cheaper.

There are 2 ferry departures at 7:00am and 1:30pm. Tickets can also be purchased at the pier on the day of travel. However, due to most travelers already having their ferry tickets by choosing the bus+ferry combo option, tickets may be limited unless you arrive well ahead of departure. Or check availability online.

HEY, just so you know…

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