Island in Surat Thani, Thailand
Getting around Koh Phangan
How to get around Koh Phangan
A hilly island with few paved roads. Most visitors rent a scooter; songthaew taxis run between Thong Sala and the beaches but charge fixed, high prices.
Ways to get around Koh Phangan
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Songthaew taxi | About 100–400 THB | Shared pickups from Thong Sala; fares rise with distance and at night |
| Scooter | 200–300 THB a day | Cheapest way around; steep roads cause frequent crashes |
| Longtail boat | About 100–500 THB | Between some east and north bays; weather-dependent |
Taxis in Koh Phangan
- No ride-hailing apps operate here. No ride apps. Songthaew taxis set fixed prices; agree first. Hotels can book drivers, especially for ferries.
Arriving in Koh Phangan
Via Koh Samui airport (USM)
Ferry from Samui to Thong Sala, 30–60 min, about 250–500 THB; Lomprayah and Seatran also run from Surat Thani.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Rented widely; licence checks are common and many accidents occur on steep roads. Avoid riding if you are inexperienced.
- Driving: on the left. Drive with your home licence plus a 1949-Convention IDP; scooters need the motorcycle category or police fine you.
- Onward travel in Thailand: Cheap domestic flights link main cities; overnight sleeper trains run Bangkok–Chiang Mai and south; VIP buses, minivans and ferries cover the rest.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Koh Phangan?
No ride-hailing apps work here. No ride apps. Songthaew taxis set fixed prices; agree first. Hotels can book drivers, especially for ferries.
What's the best way to get around Koh Phangan?
A hilly island with few paved roads. Most visitors rent a scooter; songthaew taxis run between Thong Sala and the beaches but charge fixed, high prices.
How do I get from the airport to Koh Phangan?
Ferry from Samui to Thong Sala, 30–60 min, about 250–500 THB; Lomprayah and Seatran also run from Surat Thani.
Is Koh Phangan walkable?
You'll need transport.
More about Koh Phangan
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Sources
- State Railway of Thailand e-ticketing
- Airports of Thailand
- Tourism Authority of Thailand
- Lomprayah ferries
- Seatran Discovery ferries
- Bangkok Hospital Samui
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.