Koh Samui to Koh Phangan

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

The crossing from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan is one of the most frequently made ferry journeys in Thailand: a short hop of 30–45 minutes across a calm stretch of the Gulf of Thailand, with multiple operators, multiple departure piers and boats running through much of the day. It is an easy trip, but understanding which pier suits your location on Samui can save time.

The operators

Three main operators run the Samui–Phangan route:

• Lomprayah High Speed Catamaran: the most organised operator in the Gulf. Their catamaran calls at Maenam pier (north coast of Samui) and sometimes Bangrak pier (near Big Buddha Beach) before crossing to Thong Sala pier on Koh Phangan. The journey from Maenam to Thong Sala takes around 30–35 minutes. Lomprayah's booking system is straightforward and tickets can be bought online or at their counters near each pier.
• Seatran Discovery: runs both a high-speed catamaran and a slower car ferry. The catamaran departs from Nathon pier on Samui's west coast and reaches Thong Sala in around 40–45 minutes. Seatran's car ferry takes longer — allow 1 hour 30 minutes — but is useful if you are taking a motorbike across.
• Raja Ferry Port: operates the large car ferry between Samui's west-coast piers and Thong Sala. The crossing takes around 1 hour. Slower than the catamarans, but significantly cheaper for passengers and the only practical way to bring a full-sized vehicle to Phangan.

Which pier on Koh Samui?

Your choice of departure pier on Samui depends largely on where you are staying:

• Nathon pier (west coast): the main pier, close to the ferry terminal area. Used by Seatran and Raja. If you are coming from the airport or a hotel in the Nathon or Lipa Noi area, this is the most convenient.
• Maenam pier (north coast): used by Lomprayah. Maenam village is on Samui's quieter north shore. If you are staying in Maenam, Bo Phut or Bangrak (Big Buddha area), Lomprayah departing from here saves you driving across to the west coast.
• Bangrak pier / Big Buddha pier: also used by Lomprayah on certain services. Near Big Buddha Beach on the north-east corner of Samui, convenient for travellers staying in that area or coming directly from the airport by taxi.

From Chaweng — Samui's busiest beach area on the east coast — the most practical approach is usually a taxi to Nathon or Maenam pier (15–20 minutes' drive). Check which operator's timing suits you and take a taxi to the right pier.

Frequency and timetables

In high season (roughly November to April), combined Lomprayah and Seatran timetables mean crossings from one pier or another are available every 1–2 hours throughout the day, typically from early morning to late afternoon. Raja car-ferry sailings are less frequent but run several times daily. In low season, services thin out — generally two or three sailings per day rather than six or seven. The last sailing of the day is typically in the late afternoon, so plan accordingly if you are leaving late.

During the days before and after the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, the crossing becomes significantly busier. Catamarans fill up and booking ahead is strongly advisable. Extra sailings may be added but they fill quickly too. See the Surat Thani to Koh Phangan guide for more on Full Moon logistics.

Arriving at Thong Sala

All services from Samui arrive at Thong Sala pier, the main commercial pier on Koh Phangan's west coast. Thong Sala town itself has ATMs, pharmacies, supermarkets, a busy market, and all the practical services the island offers. Songthaews and taxis scatter from the pier to the main beaches:

• Hat Rin (south-east, home of the Full Moon Party): about 30–45 minutes by songthaew, or take a boat taxi from the pier for a faster, more scenic crossing.
• Haad Yao / Haad Salad (north-west coast): 20–35 minutes by songthaew.
• Thong Nai Pan Noi / Nok (north-east): 45–60 minutes by songthaew over a partly rough road — one of the island's more remote and beautiful areas.

Continuing to Koh Tao

If you are heading further north to Koh Tao, you can board the Lomprayah or Songserm catamaran directly at Thong Sala — you do not need to return to the mainland. The Koh Phangan to Koh Tao crossing is covered in detail in the Koh Phangan to Koh Tao guide. The full chain of Gulf islands — Samui → Phangan → Tao — is one of Thailand's classic island-hopping routes, all manageable by catamaran without touching the mainland. For the full picture of how the Gulf ferry network fits together, see ferries to the Thai islands.

Taking a vehicle

Both Raja Ferry and Seatran's car ferry carry vehicles from Samui to Phangan. If you have rented a car or motorbike on Samui and want to bring it, the car-ferry is the way to do it. The road network on Koh Phangan is mostly manageable in a small car, though some of the east-coast tracks to the more remote beaches are rough. Motorbikes are more practical for exploring beyond the main roads.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan take?

On a Lomprayah or Seatran catamaran the crossing takes 30–45 minutes. Raja's car ferry takes around 1 hour. All services arrive at Thong Sala pier on Koh Phangan's west coast.

Do I need to book in advance?

For most of the year, buying a ticket at the pier on the day is fine. Around the Full Moon Party, book ahead — catamarans sell out and extra sailings fill fast. High season weekends can also be busier than usual.

Which is the best pier to depart from on Koh Samui?

It depends on where you are staying. Nathon pier (west coast) is closest to the airport side of the island and used by Seatran and Raja. Maenam pier (north coast) is used by Lomprayah and suits guests in the north. Bangrak pier (near Big Buddha) is also Lomprayah and handy for the north-east area. From Chaweng Beach, Nathon is usually quickest to reach by taxi.

Can I buy a combined Samui–Phangan–Tao ticket?

Yes. Lomprayah sells through-tickets covering multiple legs in the Gulf. If you plan to visit all three islands, buying a multi-leg ticket from Samui through to Koh Tao (or even from the mainland) is usually straightforward through their website.