Travel
How to get from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao?
Destinations
Joanna Horanin
Current condition
Weather in Koh Tao
Patchy rain nearby
Temperature
Feels like 27.3℃ 😎
UV index
Low
Air quality index
Good
Last updated at 20/05/2024, 18:15
Hi, I'm Joanna, the author of The Blond Travels. In the worlds of Thailand and Portugal, I feel like a fish in water - and it's no coincidence! I've been exploring Thailand for over a decade, and I've settled in Portugal for 6 years now. My mission is to support Dreamers - just like you - in discovering these fascinating countries and helping those in love with them find their own place on Earth, preferably for good! Let's uncover these unique corners of the world together.
Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and Koh Tao are 3 islands that are usually visited by tourists on one trip. They are located close to each other and it is very easy to get from one to the other. I travelled from Koh Phangan, where I spent a few days to Koh Tao. In this article you’ll find out how I did it and how you can organise such a transfer for yourself.
After a slightly too long three days in Had Rin, I set off for Koh Tao, hoping that something better awaited me there than in the infamous city of debauchery and full moons. Want to get from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao too? Read on to find out how to do it.
To Koh Tao from Koh Phangan
There is no airport on Koh Tao and there is no other option than to get there by sea.
The two islands are 60km apart and it is about an hour’s journey. The ticket price is around 400-700 BHT.
Two companies operate on this route – Marine Passion and Lomphraya, which offer catamaran or speedboat cruises, which is a smaller and faster boat.
Buying your tickets
You can buy ferry tickets from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao, for example, from the tourist office on Koh Phangan. Many hotels and hostels also sell them at their premises. In addition, they will also order you a taxi.
I did just that before, but now I often use 12GoAsia – a site for booking tickets for different modes of transport.
It was similar here. I paid 500 BHT per person, which is a very good price.
The purchase on the site was quick and easy. I was able to book tickets well in advance and not worry about whether there would be seats on the boat.
The cruise by a catamaran to Koh Tao
I chose to take a catamaran cruise from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao.
All ferries and boats depart from Tong Sala of Koh Phangan. It is quite a large harbour where you will find ticket counters, and food stalls and bathrooms. There is also a large waiting area where you can sit in the chill.
From your accommodation you can order a taxi to take you there at a certain time. I bought my boat tickets on 12GoAsia and at my guesthouse in Had Rin I asked them to order me a taxi, which cost about 300 BHT.
I arrived at the marina early, about two hours before the boat was due to leave, as I had to check out of my room. At the marina, I sat down in one of the stalls, ordered food and drink and waited patiently.
By the time the boat left, we were all notified that the transport was already waiting. We made our way to the ferry. Before we got on, we had to show our booking at the window, we were given a sticker that said we were going from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao and then we could get on the boat.
The cruise was calm, with no big waves or wind. It was comfortable inside, there was a toilet, and a convenience store with food and drink.
After an hour we were on Koh Tao.
I think Thailand is an extremely easy country to travel, and getting from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao is a very easy trip to organise, plus you won’t pay very much for it.
Have you sailed from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao before? What were your impressions? Or are you going now and want to know something? Leave a comment!
