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How to get from Koh Phangan to Bangkok: All Options

How to get from Koh Phangan to Bangkok: All Options

Bangkok is an incredible city that is filled with unique culture which blends together the best from the past and the present. Overflowing with beautiful landmarks to see, amazing activities to get involved in and delicious authentic food to enjoy, you are truly going to want to check out what the capital of Thailand has to offer. Another great thing about this beautiful place is the fact that it is known for being one of the most affordable cities in the world, which makes it an ideal destination for travellers to explore and stay in whether in a group or solo, as well as being very accessible to get to and around.

If you are looking for the most suitable travel option for you to get from Koh Phangan to Bangkok then you will want to check out all of the routes available on 12Go.

HOW TO GET FROM KOH PHANGAN TO BANGKOK

Throughout this blog post I am going to delve into the details around travelling from Koh Phangan to Bangkok and explain all of the options that are available to you. A great way to find the ideal journey that will suit you is via the online booking platform 12Go, as here you will be able to compare all of the options, times and pricing, and then choose the best one for your travel plans.

At current there are 5 options available for you to make the commute from Koh Phangan to Bangkok, these are;

  • Ferry and bus
  • Ferry and taxi
  • Ferry, van and bus
  • Ferry and flight
  • Ferry, bus and train

I am going to break down these options into further detail so that you can discover which one is best for you in an easier format, before booking them via 12Go.

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Koh Phangan to Bangkok

BEST WAY TO BOOK A TICKET FROM KOH PHANGAN TO BANGKOK

You may not have the time right now to read through this whole article yet you want to find out the best option for you to commute from Koh Phangan to Bangkok and book that trip. Well I have the answer you are looking for and that is by pre-booking your ticket on 12Go. Through this website you are going to be able to compare your ideal travel plans to the transport options available, have a reliable platform to book through and learn more around the key information you will need to know before making the commute. 

However, if you do have time to carry on reading then I suggest you do so, as I am not only going to break down the travel routes and options available, but also go through key points that are great to know ahead of booking and travelling, how to get to your departure station in Koh Phangan and to your final destination in Bangkok, plus the best time to visit Bangkok, how long you will want to spend there and must-do activities that you will want to check out.

Bus Koh Phangan - Bangkok $ 32.19–39.14 11h 45m – 18h 30m
  •   VIP 24 11:00
  •   VIP 32 11:00
  •   Ferry + Van + Bus 14:00
  •   Express 13:00, 14:30
Taxi Koh Phangan - Bangkok $ 368.25–531.91 11h
  •   Comfort
  •   Luxury VIP Van
  •   Luxury SUV
Ferry Koh Phangan - Bangkok $ 45.01 11h 45m – 12h
  •   VIP 08:30, 13:00
Taxi Koh Phangan - Suvarnabhumi Airport $ 368.25–531.91 11h
  •   Comfort
  •   Luxury VIP Van
  •   Luxury SUV
Taxi Koh Phangan - Don Mueang Airport $ 368.25–531.91 11h
  •   Comfort
  •   Luxury VIP Van
  •   Luxury SUV
Koh Phangan Ferry

OPTIONS OF TRAVEL FOR HOW TO GET FROM KOH PHANGAN TO BANGKOK

Here are the options available for you to make the commute from Koh Phangan to Bangkok, with all of them including starting your trip by taking a ferry…

Option 1 – Ferry and bus
There are approximately 6 options for taking the ferry and bus over from Koh Phangan to Bangkok per day, offering four routes which are;

  • Koh Phangan Lomprayah Office to Khao San Lomprayah Bangkok
  • Thong Sala Koh Phangan to Southern Terminal Bangkok
  • Thong Sala Koh Phangan to Mochit Bangkok
  • Thong Sala Koh Phangan to Koh San Montanatip Bangkok

The earliest trip departures at 8.30am with the latest at 2pm, taking from 11 hours and 45 minutes up to 18 hours and 30 minutes in commute time from Koh Phangan to Bangkok. Tickets for taking the ferry and bus option cost between $51 and $70, making it the cheapest way to make the journey with.

Option 2 – Ferry and taxi
Each day you have a handful of options for taking a taxi from Koh Phangan to Bangkok. You will need to take the ferry from Koh Phangan to Donsak Pier in Surat Thani, where you will then be able to take the taxi to Bangkok. Combined with the ferry and taxi, this journey commute will take between 12 hours and 30 minutes to 13 hours and 30 minutes.

The earliest ferry departing from Koh Phangan to Donsak Pier is at 5am with the latest being at 5.30PM. You are able to book the taxi from Donsak Pier to Bangkok for the preferred time of your choice. The cost for the ferry is from $11 up to $34 per ticket, and the taxi costs from $578 to $835 per vehicle depending on which package you book and how many people it is for, meaning that it is quite an expensive way to make the journey from Koh Phangan to Bangkok.

Option 3 – Ferry, van and bus
This journey from Koh Phangan to Bangkok takes 19 hours and 30 minutes in commute time, costing $72 per person. The route will take you by ferry from Koh Phangan to Donsak Pier, where you will then transfer over to a van and then again a bus to complete the trip to Bangkok. At present there is one option for this journey which departs from Koh Phangan at 10pm and arrives at Bangkok for 5.30pm the next day.

Option 4 – Ferry and flight
For this journey option from Koh Phangan to Bangkok, you will need to begin the commute by taking a ferry from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui, where you can then take a flight from Samui International Airport to Don Muang International Airport.

The ferry will take between 25 minutes to 1 hour, with a direct flight taking between 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 35 minutes, making the whole commute travel time of this journey between 1 hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours and 35 minutes. Both of these tickets will need to be booked separately, the ferry costs from $10 up to $29 per person, and the flight costs from $123 to $172 per person.

Option 5 – Ferry, train and bus
You will need to make two changes when making the journey from Koh Phangan to Bangkok via this route. Similar to all the other travel options, you will start by taking a ferry over from Koh Phangan to Don Sak in Surat Thani, before taking a bus to Surat Thani train station, finalising in a train journey to Bangkok. Altogether this commute will take up to 17 hours in travel time and can cost around $68 per person, making it quite an affordable way to go from Koh Phangan to Bangkok, however you will need to book all of the tickets separately.

Taxi in Bangkok

KEY POINTS

Before booking your form of transport from Koh Phangan to Bangkok, these are some great key points of information that are good to know…

Cheapest ticket option available
The most affordable way to travel from Koh Phangan to Bangkok is with the ferry and bus on the 2pm departure from Koh Phangan option which then arrives into Bangkok at 4.30am the next day. When you book an express ticket for this trip, the cost per person is only $51, the purchase for this can be made via 12Go.

Quick travel option available
For the fastest commute time from Koh Phangan to Bangkok you will need to take the journey by ferry and flight, as this travel time only takes 1 hour and 40 minutes if you book the earliest ferry from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui and then a direct flight to Bangkok.

Arrival time at departure stations

Ferry
As all journeys depart from Koh Phangan to Bangkok by ferry, you will need to ensure that for the first part of your trip you arrive at the pier in Thong Sala Koh Phangan and be checked in at least 30 minutes prior to your stated departure time. However, it is always a great idea to arrive an hour before you are set to travel to ensure that you have everything ready before boarding the ferry.

If you have purchased a combined ticket which includes your second, and sometimes third part of travelling, then you will not need to worry about arrival times at the departure stations as this will have been considered within the journey you have booked.

Taxi
When booking your taxi, you will need to state the time that you would like to depart for, so please make sure that you have considered which time you arrive by ferry to Donsak Pier for as if you are late for the taxi pick up time additional costs will occur.

Bus/Van
Travelling with a bus or van as part of your commute from Koh Phangan to Bangkok has a similar arrival time to the departure station as the ferry. You will need to be checked in 30 minutes prior to your leaving time, but I suggest again that you arrive at least an hour beforehand to make sure that you are ready to travel with everything needed.

Flight
If you have booked a flight from Samui International Airport to Don Muang International Airport as part of your trip from Koh Phangan to Bangkok then you will need to arrive and check in 2 hours prior to your departure, as this is classed as a short haul flight.

Train
For taking a train for the final part of your journey from Koh Phangan to Bangkok you will just need to make sure you are ready to board the train at the departure time stated on your ticket. Getting there around 30 minutes prior to this is never a bad decision to ensure that you don’t miss your train.

Luggage allowances

Ferry, bus and van
Most of these options have a 20kg maximum baggage allowance limit with any over this and up to 30kg being charged extra for checked in items, or they ask if you don’t take oversized luggage with you. For these options you may also take a small hand luggage item on board with you.

Flight
Each passenger has 20kg of luggage allowance included in their economy ticket from Koh Samui to Bangkok, however if you book business class or are happy to pay extra, then you can take up to 32kg of checked in luggage with you, both options alongside a small hand luggage bag.

Train
Your bags won’t be weighed before boarding a train as part of your journey from Koh Phangan to Bangkok, although it is asked that you are respectful of other people travelling, so avoiding over packing is always something to think about.

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Bangkok Sky Train

HOW TO BOOK A TICKET FROM KOH PHANGAN TO BANGKOK

The most convenient way to book your ticket for travelling from Koh Phangan to Bangkok is via 12Go, as this online booking platform hosts all the information you will need to  know ahead of your trip. You will be able to view all of the transport options available, departure and arrival times including their locations, plus the price per ticket or vehicle. It also allows you to have a reliable point of contact if you need to make any changes ahead of travelling as well as if any changes on their side that you will need to be made aware of.

Sky Train in Bangkok

HOW TO GET TO YOUR DEPARTURE STATIONS IN KOH PHANGAN

When travelling from Koh Phangan to Bangkok you have a few options of how you can commute to your departure station ahead of making the journey, these are as follows;

  • Scooter hire
  • Car hire
  • Taxi car
  • Longtail boat
  • Bicycle
  • By foot

Over the past few years, Koh Phangan has upgraded its roads which makes getting around a lot easier than previously. Before booking your transport to get to your departure station, ensure that you have made note of what time you will need to arrive there for and then consider this beforehand to see which option will suit you best.

From Pattaya to Bangkok, the sky remains blue.

HOW TO GET TO YOUR FINAL DESTINATION FROM BANGKOK

Bangkok has an incredible public transport system to get around the city via. Being the capital of Thailand you will have no problem navigating from your arrival station to your final destination. There are many options to choose from, such;

  • Boat
  • Tuk tuk (the most authentic form of transport)
  • Motorbike
  • Taxi (great for more private transfers)

However, the best way to commute around the city once you have arrived from Koh Phangan to Bangkok is via Skytrain as there are many stations located throughout. Another great and affordable form of transport to use is their bus services.

Koh Tao to Bangkok

THE BEST TIME TO VISIT BANGKOK

The capital of Thailand is Bangkok which means there are many things to do, see and experience so you will definitely want to visit when you can make the most out of the trip. Even though this amazing city is an all year round destination to go to, there are still certain times more suited to when you will when to book your trip. The suggested months of when it is best to go from Koh Phangan to Bangkok are from November through to and including February.

These are actually classed as their winter months but the temperature is ideal for exploring around the city as it is not too hot, yet there is always sunshine. Throughout the other months the humidity can be quite intense making it sometimes unbearable to do anything, and the main rainfall season is during September and October.

Within the four month period suggested to visit Bangkok, February works out at being the cheapest option as it is not known for being high season, so will be a lot more affordable than the other three months.

Markets Bangkok

HOW LONG TO SPEND IN BANGKOK

With there being so many activities to do, a lot of landmarks to see and culture to get involved in, you will definitely want to spend at least 5 full days in Bangkok. This will ensure that you can completely immerse yourself into their impressive way of life and not miss out on any of the wonderful experiences, delicious food and mesmerising sites.

Being ranked as one of the top three cities to check out in the world, Bangkok has proven itself to be a bucket list destination, so if you can stay longer, then I would suggest doing it.

From Pattaya to Bangkok, the sky remains blue.

THINGS TO DO IN BANGKOK

Helicopter tour
What an incredible way to get one of the best views overlooking the city whilst enjoying an adrenaline pumping form of transport. You are going to be in awe of the amazing views which show off to you the Chao Phraya River and Bridge of Bangkok plus a birdseye view of the brilliant buildings and architecture. 

Boat ride along the Chao Phraya River
Contrary to the helicopter tour, this is a much more relaxed pace to explore through Bangkok via. Also referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’ you will get to float along the Chao Phraya River, which is where all of the canals feed off to, and have a different view of the magnificent buildings, as well as being able to hop on and off as you please if you want to see something more close up.

View The Reclining Buddha in Wat Pho
Your trip to Bangkok would not be complete if you didn’t check out a Buddha so why not do it right and see this iconic landmark, The Reclining Buddha. The popular statue stands at 15 metres tall and is 46 metres long, completely painted in gold. Leading on the way up to the Buddha are 108 bowls which symbolise the 108 positive actions that the Buddha did on his way to becoming perfect.

Visit the Grand Palace
This is one of the most famous attractions within Bangkok and also one of the most beautiful buildings you may ever see. It boasts over 214,000 square metres of grounds to explore through and is definitely a must-do bucket list activity to do on your trip.

Relax with a Thai massage
Exploring around the capital of Thailand can be an energy driven activity in itself, so why not take the time to experience a true authentic Thai Massage which is also going to help you refresh ahead of checking out even more amazing things throughout the city. 

The grand palace in Bangkok, Thailand - a must-visit attraction for travelers from Pattaya to Bangkok.