Ko Phangan Transportation Tips by laramie

Around Koh Phangan

I rented a 4 wheel drive. In my opinion, that is the only way to go in Koh Phangan. The island has hilly interior, and for most part still consist of dirt road. Renting moped, like so many people do just doesn't make any sense.

Shared taxis are abundant, and available almost 24 hours during the full moon season but if you plan to move around a lot, the fares will definitely add up, it might cost more than having a private vehicle

Price for 24 h rental start at 1,000 bht, depending on the make and model.

Mode: AROUND

Type: Car/Motor Home

Boat to Koh Phangan

There are many boat operator plying the Surat Thani - Koh Samui - Koh Phangan route.

Upon arrival in Phun Phin station in Surat Thani, you will be swarmed by many touts offering basically the same service, except that each of them may represent a different ferry company. I end up using the Seatran ferry service.

When I arrived at the station in the middle of the nite, I was cornered by a tout who did a good job of setting me up in a decent guest house in Surat Thani for the overnite stay, and sell me a Seatran ferry ticket for my trip to Koh Phangan.

All in all, it was a hassle free experience. Remember, if the tout who talk to you look dodgy, just walk away becoz there are many others who offer similar service. I don't remember how much I pay, but from what I gather from other fellow travelers, everyone pay the same fare as I do, so I guess there's no need for you to haggle down the price.

Mode: TO

Type: Ship/Boat

Website: http://www.seatranferry.com

Getting to Surat Thani from Kuala Lumpur

There is no direct train connection from Kuala Lumpur to Surat Thani. You need to break the journey and change train in Penang.

Depart from Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station at 8 pm, and arrive in Butterworth Station, Penang at 6 am, next morning. The ticket cost roughly RM 40 per person for a 2nd class sleeping compartment. For more details, check out this website: www.ktmb.com.my

From Penang, change to Thai train. The train depart from Butterworth at 2 pm, and arrive in Phun Phin Station at midnite on the same day. For information about Thai train, check out this website: www.railway.co.th

You will need to sleep over at Surat Thani town and catch the next morning boat to Koh Phangan.

Mode: TO

Type: Train