Of the three main destinations in the Gulf of Thailand, the largest and most popular is Koh Samui, and, while it is a massive destination, the other two famous islands in the area are much more beautiful, due in part to the fact that they are somewhat more isolated.
That is why today we explain how to get from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao on a simple, sea-only route, ideal for those who begin their journey through this area in Samui.
There are approximately 60 kilometres between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, and it is only possible to travel by boat, for prices ranging from 12 to 16 euros, and the journey takes between one and one and a half hours.
Considering the proximity of Koh Phangan to Koh Samui, and that Koh Tao is closer to Bangkok, the route we propose is ideal for a trip around the Gulf of Thailand that starts in Samui and then returns to the capital.
There are no airports on either island, so the only way to get from one to the other is by sea. In any case, this is a very easy trip, not only because both destinations have a single main port, but because the boats to go from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao are comfortable, spacious and do not move much.
The first boat from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao leaves at 8.30am, and the next at 12pm. After that, there is usually a boat every hour until 4.45pm. All boats leave from Thong Sala harbour (map), although you should keep in mind that there are different companies, so you should look for the one you have booked.
We recommend that you hire the Lomprayah company to travel to Koh Tao from Koh Phangan, partly because it has the most experience and almost all the daily connections.
You can buy your ticket in advance at 12GoAsia: with them, prices vary between 450 and 600 baht, roughly a variation of 12 to 16 euros. That’s because you can make the trip by catamaran or speedboat, which translates into a small difference in comfort and, instead of an hour, it takes an hour and a half from one island to the other.
We recommend that you choose the one that best suits your time and money, since the difference is not much.
On the trip between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, the boat will drop you off at Mae Haad Harbour, very close to the central Sairee Beach on Koh Tao and right in front of the largest number of diving centres.
