We traveled extensively around Thailand for many months and spent a month in the Gulf of Thailand islands of Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, and Koh Samui.
After traveling between them and the southern destinations of Krabi and Phuket, we have an excellent idea of how to travel there best.
The only real way to get from Krabi to Koh Phangan is a two-step journey, first by bus or van to the Surat Thani pier and then a boat ride to the island. Getting from Krabi to Koh Phangan takes between 5 and 7 hours, depending on the transport company you book with.
The best way to secure tickets is on 12go, our preferred platform for booking buses, trains, ferries, and more in Thailand. Click here to check tickets.
How to book transport from Krabi to Koh Phangan the best way
The easiest and most hassle-free way to get from Krabi to Koh Phangan is to book the combo transfer ticket, which includes a pickup from Krabi, a ride in a bus or van to Surat Thani pier, plus a ferry ride to Koh Phangan.
This way, you don’t need to book separate tickets for the two parts of the journey. Plus, the staff guides you through the process.
No matter the company you choose, getting from Krabi to Koh Phangan will involve a drive to the Surat Thani pier and then a ferry or speedboat ride to the island. How fast you get there depends on the company you book with.
Our recommended ferry company
In the Gulf of Thailand islands of Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, and Koh Samui, we usually travel with the Lomprayah high-speed ferry, which is more comfortable and, in our opinion, safer than a speedboat.
They also operate a comfortable bus from Krabi so that you can book the whole journey with them.
Click here to check all their routes.
We prefer the ferry over the speedboat also because there’s more space, not only for us but also for our bags. They usually stack the bags and suitcases in front of the seating area inside the ferry so they’re well protected from the possible water splashing in from waves or potential rain.
Getting to your hotel on Koh Phangan
Since the combo transfer options don’t include a drop-off at your Koh Phangan hotel, you must organize the transport yourself. We recommend doing it in advance.
The main arrival pier for ferries and speedboats to Koh Phangan is Thong Sala Pier, from where you can take a shared Songthaew pickup truck (Thai taxi) to your hotel. The standard price is about 150 Baht (4.5 USD).
Unfortunately, the taxi and Songthaew drivers on Koh Phangan are notorious for overcharging tourists, even if your hotel is close by. And if your hotel is on the northern or eastern shore of Koh Phangan, the price will go up fast.
Grab (Uber) and other ride-hailing apps are not yet operating in Koh Phangan, so your only option is the local taxi or the shared pickup trucks (Songthaew). If you must use one, we recommend walking further from the pier for a better price.
That’s why we recommend organizing a pickup with your hotel or transport company.
What we recommend
If you’re traveling with Lomprayah, they offer a shuttle that can take you to your hotel for 150 Thai Baht. We used this service a few times, and it always came out cheaper and faster than any other option. Must-do: Ask for the hotel transfer when checking in.
However, if you’re traveling light and are a skilled motorbike driver, you can rent a scooter right from Thong Sala and ride it to your hotel.
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Krabi to Koh Phangan Travel Tips
- Take a hoodie or long-sleeved shirt for bus and ferry journeys from Krabi to Koh Phangan. The air conditioning can be pretty strong.
- We always recommend to book your transport in advance, and we always do it ourselves. It’s essential, especially if you want a specific type of transport that gets booked out in the high season.
- Bring some snacks onboard, as stops are limited and may not always have the best choice.
To book transport in Asia, we always use this platform, the top transport booking platform in the region for flights, trains, buses, and taxis. Their user-friendly platform makes booking a breeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
For better or worse, Koh Phangan has no airport, so you can’t fly there from Krabi. The closest airport is in Koh Samui, reachable by a 50-minute direct flight from Krabi, but you still need to take a 20-minute speedboat to Koh Phangan.
The bus plus ferry option from Krabi to Koh Phangan takes 5 to 7 hours.
The ferry ride from Krabi to Koh Phangan takes about two and a half hours, but first, you need to get a two-hour bus ride to the pier from Krabi.
Absolutely! Compared to Krabi, Koh Phangan has a lot more beaches, so you can find your own piece of paradise easier. Koh Phangan has stunning beaches, and some of our favorite beaches in Thailand are right there.
Our thoughts on getting to Koh Phangan from Krabi
Getting from Krabi to Koh Phangan is hassle-free, especially if you book a combo ticket and organize a hotel drop-off in advance. That way, there’s little to go wrong and door to door, it should be a 6-hour journey.
Ready to book your transport? Check the prices and timings below.
| Van Krabi - Koh Phangan $ 30.77–37.07 5h 45m – 7h 50m | |
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