🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
If you've got around five days on the islands, sticking to just one feels like a missed chance, because Phangan, Samui and Tao all sit in the same cluster in the Gulf of Thailand. Speedboats between them take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour and a half. You can buy tickets at the pier or book online ahead of time. This plan starts on Samui (since it has direct flights), then works its way out to Phangan and Tao before looping back, paced to match the ferry timetables each day.
Get to know the island ferries first
The boats are the backbone of this trip. The main operators are Lomprayah (fast catamarans, the most punctual) and Songserm (a little cheaper, a little slower). Both run all three islands every day, several times a day. Seatran and Raja Ferry focus more on the Samui–Surat Thani route. Tickets are sold at the pier or can be booked online ahead of time through sites like 12Go.
- Samui ↔ Phangan — the quickest hop, around 20–45 minutes, several runs a day, tickets roughly 300–400 THB. Lomprayah docks at Thong Sala pier on the Phangan side.
- Phangan ↔ Tao — around 1 hour, landing at Mae Haad pier on Koh Tao. Tickets roughly 400–600 THB.
- Samui ↔ Tao — the fastest is the Lomprayah at around 1 hour 45 minutes, twice a day, departing Nathon pier from around 10:30, last run around 16:00.
- Piers on the Phangan side — most island ferries come in and out of Thong Sala, which is also the island's main town and market.
How to book ferry tickets without getting caught out
During high season (December–April) and around full moon nights, boats fill up fast, so book 1–2 days ahead. Some operators include hotel pickup to the pier in the ticket. If you get seasick easily, pick a seat in the middle of the lower deck and take motion-sickness tablets 30 minutes before boarding.
Book the activities in your Koh Phangan trip ahead
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Days 1–2 · Koh Samui, settle in before you set off
Start on Samui because you can fly straight in. It's the island that has everything ready to go — restaurants, hospitals and several different vibes all on one island. Use the first two days to get into the island rhythm, then hop across to Phangan.
Arrive on Samui · Chaweng–Bophut
Bophut Fisherman's Village · pack up before the crossing
Day 3 · Cross over to Koh Phangan
Take the boat from Samui over to Thong Sala pier — under an hour. Phangan has two sides on one island: Haad Rin is the party town and the birthplace of the Full Moon Party, while the north and west are the chilled side, all yoga and wellness cafes. Pick your accommodation based on which one you are.
Arrive on Phangan · Thong Sala–Haad Rin
Stay safe on Phangan (read this first)
If you're set on the Full Moon Party, check the dates carefully before booking tickets. In 2026 they fall on 29 Jun · 31 Jul · 28 Aug · 26 Sep · 27 Oct · 24 Nov · 24 Dec (dates may shift if they clash with Buddhist holy days). Drink responsibly and be wary of drinks you didn't see mixed. Leave valuables in your hotel safe and carry only the cash you need. Don't mess with the fire shows or fire skipping ropes while drunk — accidents happen every year. The sea is rough at night, so don't go swimming late.
Day 4 · Ferry on to Koh Tao, dive at Koh Nang Yuan
From Phangan it's about an hour's boat ride on to Koh Tao, landing at Mae Haad. Koh Tao is a magnet for divers from all over the world — clear water, plenty of coral, and one of the cheapest places to learn to dive. The one spot you can't skip is Koh Nang Yuan, three little islands joined by a sandbar, with a viewpoint so good it's become the postcard image of Koh Tao.
Arrive on Tao · snorkel tour around the island
Dive safely
If you've never done scuba, start with a Discover Scuba session with an instructor for every one or two divers. Even when snorkelling, wear a life vest if you're not a strong swimmer. Check the weather before getting on the boat — during the monsoon (roughly Oct–Dec) the swell picks up and tours may be cancelled. Never touch or stand on the coral.
Day 5 · Loop back and head out
Plan the last day around your return flight. If you're flying out of Samui, allow for the Tao–Samui boat at around 1 hour 45 minutes, then the transfer to the airport. Morning boats usually leave Tao around 10:30. Double-check the latest schedule with the ferry company before your travel day.
Tao → Samui → home
Rough budget per person (excluding flights)
- Three ferry hops — Samui→Phangan→Tao→Samui comes to around 1,100–1,600 THB depending on the operator and season.
- 4 nights' accommodation — guesthouses from around 500–900 THB/night · mid-range resorts 1,500–3,000 THB/night · full moon nights on Phangan push prices up and often require a multi-night minimum stay.
- Koh Tao diving tour — 500–890 THB + 250 THB Koh Nang Yuan entry fee.
- Motorbike rental — around 200–300 THB/day + fuel (always photograph the bike before you take it, to avoid bogus damage charges).
- Food — local spots run 60–150 THB a meal · beachfront tourist restaurants cost roughly twice as much.
Being honest about room rates around full moon
Room rates on Phangan swing hard with the season and full moon nights. Around full moon some places double their prices and enforce a 3–5 night minimum stay. If you're on a budget and not there for the party, going on weekdays is far better value, or stay on Samui/Tao and just take the boat over for the party night itself.
Want to get to know Koh Phangan better before you go
See the Koh Phangan travel guide →