The nearest airport to Koh Phangan is Samui International Airport (USM), also known as Ko Samui Airport or simply Samui Airport. Located on the nearby island of Ko Samui, this airport serves as the main gateway for tourists visiting Koh Phangan.
Koh Phangan doesn’t have its own airport, which means that getting there might not be as easy as you think. After doing this trip many times in my life, I’m here to tell you more about Koh Phangan’s nearest airport and how to get from there to the island itself!
Where Is Koh Phangan’s Nearest Airport?
As mentioned before, the nearest airport to Koh Phangan is Samui International Airport. This airport is located on the island of Ko Samui, which is just a short distance away from Koh Phangan.
Ko Samui Airport is situated in the northeast corner of the island and covers an area of approximately 2,000 acres. It serves both domestic and international flights, making it a convenient choice for travelers coming from different parts of the world.
Flights to Samui International Airport are available from various major cities in Thailand, such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. There are also direct flights from international destinations like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.
đź“š Read More: Koh Samui vs Koh Phangan: Which Is Worth Visiting More?
How To Get From Samui Airport To Koh Phangan
Now that you know where Koh Phangan’s nearest airport is located, the next question is how to get from there to the island itself.
Once you arrive at Koh Samui Airport, you’ll need to get to one of the piers that offer ferry rides and speedboats to Koh Phangan. There are 4 piers in Koh Samui that go to Koh Phangan.
| Pier In Koh Samui | Arrival Pier in Koh Phangan | Journey Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Haad Rin Queen Ferry | Haad Rin Pier | 20 minutes |
| Pralarn Pier | Thong Sala Pier | 30 minutes |
| Nathon Pier | Thong Sala Pier | 1 hour |
| Bangrak Pier | Thong Sala Pier | 40 minutes (Only two departures per day) |
Which pier should you go to? If you are coming from Samui Airport, the closest pier to you is the Haad Rin Queen Ferry, but ferries from there only go to Haad Rin Beach, where the island’s famous full moon party takes place.
This is unlikely where your accommodation will be, so if it’s not, you’ll have to go to Pralarn Pier, which is the second closest one that’s big.
To get to any of the piers from the airport, your only option is to take a taxi since there isn’t any public transportation. You can arrange that once you get out of the Koh Samui Airport, but I would highly recommend you to book it ahead of time.
You can organize your airport transfer plus ferry to Koh Phangan on sites like 12Go. This is what I use for all kinds of transportation in Thailand.
Ferries from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
Apart from the Haad Rin Queen Pier, most of the other ferry operators at the other piers will take you to Thong Sala in Koh Phangan.
Thong Sala is the main town of Koh Phangan and where the island’s main pier is located. The ferry ride from Koh Samui to Thong Sala takes about 30 minutes, depending on sea conditions and where you departed from.
Once you arrive at Thong Sala, there will be taxis waiting for you to take you to your final destination on the island. You can also rent a scooter or car from there if you prefer to have your own transportation.
You could also pre-arrange a transfer directly to your hotel, which is what we recommend if you don’t want to deal with the taxi drivers and the hassle of haggling.
The biggest ferry operators in Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are:
- Raja Ferry
- Lomprayah
- Songserm
Speedboat from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
If you prefer a faster and more expensive option, you can also take a speedboat from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan. This will only take about 20 minutes but costs significantly more than the ferry ride.
From my experience, it isn’t really necessary since the ride is so short already, but that is up to you.
For both the ferries and speedboats, note that the sea can get rough during monsoon season (September-November), so make sure prepared for a potentially bumpy ride if you are prone to seasickness.
How To Get To Koh Phangan From Koh Samui For Full Moon Party?
If you are planning to attend the famous full moon party in Koh Phangan, it is super easy to get to from Koh Samui. During this time of the month, there are special ferries that run directly from Koh Samui’s piers to Haad Rin Beach, even late at night.
Most ferries to the full moon party depart from Haad Rin Queen Pier, and you can easily get tickets for them at your hotel or any travel agency on Koh Samui. These ferries usually run until 10 pm, so make sure to plan your return trip accordingly.
The last ferry back to Koh Samui departs at around 3 to 4 AM, and the ferry operator will tell you beforehand.
Nearest Airport To Koh Phangan FAQs
Is There An Airport In Koh Phangan?
No, there is no airport in Koh Phangan. The nearest airport is Samui International Airport on the neighboring island of Ko Samui, which is about a 30-minute ferry ride away from Koh Phangan.
How Long Does It Take To Get From Samui Airport To Koh Phangan?
It takes approximately 1 to 2 hours to get from Samui Airport to Koh Phangan, including the ferry ride. The actual time may vary depending on where you depart from, what time the ferry leaves, and sea conditions.
Are There Direct Flights To Koh Phangan?
No, there are no direct flights to Koh Phangan as the island doesn’t have its own airport. Travelers can fly to Samui International Airport and then take a ferry or speedboat to Koh Phangan.
How Often Do Ferries Run From Koh Samui To Koh Phangan?
Ferries run frequently from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan, with departures every hour or two from each of the piers. It is best to check the ferry schedule beforehand and plan accordingly.
How Do I Get From Bangkok To Koh Phangan?
The most convenient way to get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan is to fly to Samui International Airport and then take a ferry or speedboat to the island. Alternatively, travelers can also take a bus or train to Surat Thani and then transfer to a ferry for Koh Phangan.
Final Thoughts: Closest Koh Phangan Airport
In conclusion, the nearest airport to Koh Phangan is Samui International Airport, located on the nearby island of Ko Samui. From there, you can take a ferry or speedboat to reach Koh Phangan. It’s recommended to book your airport transfer and ferry ahead of time for convenience!