How to get to Koh Phangan from Koh Tao
Say ‘Koh Phangan’ and here you are in the middle of the partying crowd, old-school hippies and modern flashpackers, party animals and adventurous party goers from all over the world who come to the island to partake in a once in a lifetime celebration experience. Koh Phangan’s epic Full Moon, Black Moon and other ‘Moon’ parties rock the island creating an overwhelming atmosphere of freedom and happiness. If drinking and partying all night through is not your thing, it does not mean that Koh Phangan is a total no-no for you. A stunning island has much more to offer. When the parties are not raging, the island settles into a sleepy hippie town, perfect for the unconventional traveller who is looking for an organic experience. The terrain of the island is quite mountainous and provides a picturesque backdrop for white sand beaches and infinity pools in mushrooming luxury five star hotels and resorts which are consistently gentrifying the island, slowly transforming it from a budget destination to a Babylonian one.
Getting to Koh Phangan from Koh Tao
There are three ferry companies which transport passengers from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan offering different level of comfort, transit time and price.
The fastest way to travel between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan is with Lomprayah High Speed Catamaran (80 min.). There are two departures a day, at 9.30am and 3pm. Lomprayah leaves from Koh Tao’s Mae Haad pier and brings you to Koh Phangan’s Thong Sala pier. With ticket price at THB500 to THB660 it is also the most expensive option.
Seatran Discovery offers a similar service with three ferries a day (6.30am, 9am and 3pm) departing from Mae Haad in Koh Tao and arriving to Thong Sala in Koh Phangan an hour and a half later. Seatran is a bit cheaper at THB 430.
Tip: If you are prone to seasickness, opt for Seatran instead of Lomprayah, when the sea is choppy. Catamarans actually ride the swell, which means you will experience endless ups and downs. With Seatran you will cut through the wave.
Though Songserm provides the slowest service, it is also the most budget way to get to Koh Phangan from Koh Tao. Prepare to spend around two hours on board (THB 350). There is only one boat a day at 9.30am which hits Koh Phangan at 11.30am.
Getting around
When you arrive to Koh Phangan, there are a few ways to get around the island which depend on your budget and your desire to explore or immerse yourself in the island experience.
Taxis, or songthaews, are pick-up truck which connect the busiest parts of the island. Depending on your destination they will cost between 100 THB and 200 THB per person. The prices are usually fixed and tend to double after the sunset. They are convenient, but limit your freedom to explore, and cost quite a bit when you add it up. They are however the best and safest option for full moon party goers – you know why.
Motorcycles can be rented from shops all over the island. They are a great way to admire the scenery on the coastal road which boasts awe inspiring views, quaint resorts and pit stops along the way. Fuel is cheap, and normally brought in whiskey bottles from local shops or from brightly coloured coin operated machines. Rental for motorcycles will cost around 150 THB per day and you're generally expected to give up your passport until you return the bike. So take photos and look after it. But above all drive carefully, you will undoubtedly see plenty of tourists walking around with bandages and scrapes, more often than not from motorcycle accidents.
Bicycles can be rented all over the island for about 50 THB a day. As usually, they are a great way to explore the island, but do not underestimate the tropical heat. Follow secret jungle trails or just move about the flatter parts of the island at a leisurely pace. Koh Phangan is very hot though, so keep plenty of drinking water at hand.
Long-tail boats are usually moored at the beaches and are an amazing addition to the island experience. With these you can cruise between the bays taking in rich scenery, including cliff formations which can only be accessed by a boat or by hiking. Besides that, they are probably the quickest way around the island. Prices are negotiated with the boats' owners, and usually works out quite well if you're in a group.
Where to stay
No matter which beach appeals to you most, if you come for the Full Moon Party, do arrive early. It means 4–5 days before the party hits the island; otherwise you risk counting the stars by night – literally. Almost all the guesthouses require the minimum stay of at least three nights, with some places not letting you in for less than a week. There is transportation to Haad Rin, where the Full Moon Parties are held, from all the beaches, so it is not so important where you finally settle down.
Families and those looking for some serenity and peacefulness should try the remote Haad Thong Nai Pan Noi with its elegant resorts which bring an air of Samui to Koh Phangan.
Tip: If you fail to find accommodation on Koh Phangan during the Full Moon period, consider staying on Koh Samui which is the closest option.
Activities
With the diving mecca of Koh Tao within an easy reach, there is no much sense in visiting much more modest diving sites of Koh Phangan. Still there are nice spots for snorkelling in the vicinity, including Koh Ma, and you may also sign up for a hiking and snorkelling adventure in the Ang Thong Marine National Park. Waterfalls and worthy trekking trails await those to venture to the island’s hinterland. Climb the highest island’s pick, a 630m Khao Ra, or hire a kayak and reach some hidden beaches and visit Saturday Walking Street market in Thong Sala (the best time to do so is between 6pm and 8pm) for local souvenirs and cheap tasty food.
Legal issues
If you are going to the Full Moon Party not just to party and drink, but to take drugs as well, remember that drugs are completely illegal in Thailand and punishment is severe. To get inspired, watch Bangkok-Hilton and think twice. In any case do not leave drugs in your accommodation and do not carry any with you.