Koh Lanta to Koh Phangan: Your Ultimate Guide to a Party Paradise

Fancy swapping the laid-back vibes of Koh Lanta for the electric energy of Koh Phangan? This stunning island in Thailand’s Gulf of Thailand is famous for its Full Moon Parties, lush jungles, and pristine beaches. Whether you’re plotting your journey from Koh Lanta or dreaming of what awaits, this guide has everything you need to know about travelling to Koh Phangan and making the most of your time there.

How to Travel from Koh Lanta to Koh Phangan

The trip from Koh Lanta to Koh Phangan spans about 300 kilometres, crossing from the Andaman Sea to the Gulf of Thailand. It’s a bit of a trek, but with the right transport, it’s a breeze. Here are your options:

Bus and Ferry: The most popular and budget-friendly choice. From Koh Lanta’s Saladan Pier, take a short ferry to the mainland (included in most tickets), then hop on a bus or minivan to Surat Thani via Krabi. The road trip takes about 5-6 hours, followed by a 2.5-hour ferry from Donsak Pier to Koh Phangan’s Thong Sala Pier. Combined tickets cost around 700 THB to 1,000 THB and take 9-11 hours total.

Speedboat and Ferry: For a faster sea-based option, book a speedboat from Koh Lanta to a mainland pier like Krabi or Trang (1-2 hours, 600-800 THB), then a bus to Surat Thani (4-5 hours), and finally a ferry to Koh Phangan. This cuts the journey to about 8-9 hours, with costs around 1,200 THB to 1,500 THB.

Private Transfer: If you’re after comfort, a private taxi from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani (6-7 hours, 4,000-5,000 THB) followed by a ferry (400-600 THB) gets you there in style. Total time: 9-10 hours.

Book tickets in advance, especially around Full Moon Party dates, as services fill up fast. The bus-and-ferry combo is the go-to for most travellers - affordable and reliable.

Weather and Seasons of Koh Phangan All Year Round

Koh Phangan’s tropical climate keeps things warm, but the seasons dictate the vibe:

High Season (December to March): The best time to visit, with sunny days, low humidity, and temps between 25°C and 32°C. Perfect for beach parties and outdoor adventures, though it’s peak season, so expect crowds.

**Hot Season (April to June): **Temperatures climb to 35°C, with dry skies and fewer tourists. Great for a quieter trip, but you’ll need to stay cool and hydrated.

Rainy Season (July to November): Monsoons bring heavy rain, especially in October and November, with temps around 27°C to 30°C. Some businesses close, but you’ll snag bargains if you don’t mind the wet.

For the classic Koh Phangan experience - think Full Moon Parties under clear skies - December to February is your sweet spot.

Things to Do in Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is a playground for all sorts, from party animals to nature lovers. Here’s what to get stuck into:

Full Moon Party: Dance the night away on Haad Rin Beach with thousands of revellers - neon paint and buckets of booze included.

Snorkelling and Diving: Explore coral reefs and marine life at spots like Koh Ma or Sail Rock - day trips are a must.

Hiking: Trek through jungles to viewpoints like Phaeng Waterfall or Bottle Beach for jaw-dropping vistas. Yoga and Wellness: Join a yoga class or retreat - Koh Phangan’s chilled vibe makes it a wellness hotspot.

Beach Bumming: Lounge on quieter shores like Thong Nai Pan or Secret Beach for some proper relaxation. There’s something for every mood, whether you’re here to rave or recharge.

Attractions in Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan’s natural and cultural gems are worth exploring. Don’t miss these:

Haad Rin Beach: The Full Moon Party epicentre - lively by night, lovely by day.

Phaeng Waterfall: A scenic cascade surrounded by jungle - perfect for a dip or a hike.

Koh Ma: A snorkelling haven linked to Mae Haad Beach by a sandbar at low tide.

Than Sadet National Park: Home to waterfalls and royal history - King Rama V loved this spot.

Bottle Beach: A secluded paradise reachable by boat or a sweaty trek - pure bliss.

Each spot highlights Koh Phangan’s mix of wild beauty and laid-back charm.

Where to Stay in Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan’s accommodation suits all budgets and vibes. Here’s the rundown:

Budget: Hostels and bungalows near Haad Rin or Thong Sala start at 300 THB per night for dorms or 600 THB for basic rooms - ideal for party-goers or backpackers.

Mid-Range: Beachfront bungalows or small resorts like those on Thong Nai Pan range from 1,500 THB to 3,000 THB - comfy and close to the action.

Luxury: Resorts like Anantara Rasananda offer villas with pools from 5,000 THB upwards - pure indulgence with stunning views.

Haad Rin is party central, while Thong Nai Pan or Srithanu offer a quieter escape. Book early for Full Moon dates!

How to Save Money on Travel in Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan can be kind to your wallet with these tips:

Travel Off-Peak: Visit in July to November for cheaper rooms and transport - rain’s a trade-off, but savings are ace.

Eat Street Food: Grab pad Thai or grilled skewers from markets for 50-80 THB instead of 200 THB at restaurants.

Share Rides: Split songthaew taxis (50-100 THB) or rent a scooter (200 THB/day) with mates to cut costs.

Book Early: Snag bus-and-ferry tickets from Koh Lanta for as low as 700 THB by planning ahead.

Stay in Hostels: Dorm beds at 300 THB beat pricier hotels hands down.

A few smart moves keep your Baht stretching further.

How Many Days Should I Spend in Koh Phangan?

Your stay depends on your plans:

2-3 Days: Enough for a Full Moon Party, a beach day, and a quick hike - perfect for a whirlwind visit.

4-5 Days: Ideal for partying, snorkelling, and exploring waterfalls or quieter beaches at a relaxed pace.

1 Week: A treat if you want to dive deep - add yoga, island hopping, and total chill time.

Most opt for 3-4 days to balance the buzz and the beauty without rushing.

Where to Eat in Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan’s food scene is a tasty mix of local and global. Check these out:

Thong Sala Night Market: Cheap eats like chicken satay (50 THB) or mango sticky rice (70 THB).

Nira’s Home Bakery: Fab breakfast spot - croissants and coffee for 100-150 THB.

Fisherman’s Restaurant: Fresh seafood like grilled fish (300 THB) with sea views.

Pura Vida Café: Healthy bowls and smoothies from 120 THB - great for a post-yoga bite.

Bubba’s Coffee Bar: Western comfort food like burgers (200 THB) in a cosy setting.

From street stalls to beachside dining, you’ll eat like a king without breaking the bank.

Koh Phangan is a destination that packs a punch - wild nights, stunning nature, and a vibe that’s hard to beat. The journey from Koh Lanta is an adventure in itself, and once you arrive, you’ll see why this island’s a Thailand must-do. Ready to go? Plan your trip with this guide and get set for a cracking time!

Cheapest ticket from Koh Lanta - Koh Phangan

Station and Locations