Koh Phangan is a beautiful island in the Gulf of Thailand, famous for its beaches and vibrant Full Moon parties. It is located off the east coast of Southern Thailand, near Koh Samui. Travelers from Delhi often visit Koh Phangan for a tropical getaway and cultural experience.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Delhi to Koh Phangan. You will learn about flights, trains, buses, and ferry connections, along with practical tips to plan your trip smoothly and comfortably.

Getting from Delhi to Koh Phangan – Main Options

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most popular way to reach Koh Phangan from Delhi. Since Koh Phangan has no airport, you fly to nearby airports and then take a ferry to the island.

• Fly from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi to Surat Thani Airport (URT) or Samui Airport (USM) in Thailand, with one or two stops, usually via Bangkok. Flight time ranges from 7 to 12 hours depending on connections.

• From Surat Thani Airport, take a shuttle bus to Donsak Pier (about 1.5 to 2 hours), then a ferry to Koh Phangan (about 1.5 hours). Combined cost for bus and ferry is around 600 to 900 THB (₹1,400–₹2,100).

• From Samui Airport, take a taxi or shuttle to the ferry pier (15–30 minutes), then a ferry to Koh Phangan (20–30 minutes). This is more expensive but faster and more comfortable.

• Flight fares vary widely, typically ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 one-way, depending on season and airline. Booking 2–3 months in advance can secure better prices.

• Popular airlines include Thai Airways, AirAsia, and Bangkok Airways. Flights are more frequent during tourist seasons but can be limited in monsoon months.

Train + Bus + Ferry

This option is for travelers who want a budget-friendly journey and don’t mind longer travel times. It involves trains and buses within Thailand after flying from Delhi.

• Fly from Delhi to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Flight time is around 4 to 5 hours with direct flights available.

• From Bangkok, take a train from Hua Lamphong Railway Station to Surat Thani Railway Station. The train journey takes 8 to 12 hours depending on train type and class.

• At Surat Thani station, take a shuttle bus to Donsak Pier (about 1.5 hours), then a ferry to Koh Phangan (1.5 hours). Combined bus and ferry tickets are often sold together.

• Train tickets range from 300 to 1,200 THB (₹700–₹2,800) depending on class and sleeper options. Booking via the State Railway of Thailand website or at stations is recommended.

• This route is slower but offers scenic views and a chance to experience local travel. Night trains with sleeper coaches are popular for comfort.

Bus + Ferry

For budget travelers, direct bus and ferry combo tickets from Bangkok to Koh Phangan are available. This is a long but economical option.

• Take a bus from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) to Surat Thani Bus Station. The journey takes about 10 to 12 hours, mostly overnight.

• From Surat Thani Bus Station, transfer to Donsak Pier by shuttle bus (1.5 hours), then take a ferry to Koh Phangan (1.5 hours).

• Combined bus and ferry tickets cost around 700 to 1,000 THB (₹1,600–₹2,300). Tickets can be booked online or at bus terminals.

• Buses vary from standard to VIP with reclining seats. Night buses are common to save daytime and accommodation costs.

• This option is less comfortable and longer but suits travelers on a tight budget and flexible schedule.

Car / Self-Drive

Self-driving is not practical for international travelers from Delhi to Koh Phangan due to distance and border crossings. However, renting a car in Thailand for local travel after arrival is common.

• After flying into Surat Thani or Samui, you can rent a car or scooter to explore nearby areas before taking the ferry to Koh Phangan.

• Driving from Surat Thani Airport to Donsak Pier takes about 1.5 hours via Highway 401, with tolls and rest stops along the way.

• Car rentals in Thailand require an International Driving Permit and local insurance. Costs range from 1,000 to 2,500 THB (₹2,300–₹5,800) per day for cars.

• On Koh Phangan, scooters are popular for getting around, with rentals costing about 200 to 400 THB (₹460–₹920) per day.

• Driving in Thailand is on the left side, and traffic rules differ from India, so caution is advised.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is for first-time travelers from Delhi to Koh Phangan, focusing on ease and comfort.

• Book a flight from Delhi to Surat Thani or Samui well in advance, especially during tourist seasons, to get better fares and seat availability.

• Upon arrival in Thailand, purchase combined bus and ferry tickets at the airport or online to avoid last-minute hassles and ensure smooth transfers.

• Take the shuttle bus from the airport to the ferry pier, keeping your ferry ticket handy for boarding. This connection is well coordinated but can be crowded during peak times.

• Board the ferry to Koh Phangan, choosing a seat on the upper deck for better views and ventilation. Carry light snacks and water for the 1.5-hour journey.

• Once on Koh Phangan, use local taxis or rent a scooter to reach your accommodation. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Grab are available but limited.

• Keep your travel documents, including passport and visa, accessible throughout the journey, as immigration checks may occur during flights and ferry boarding.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a copy of your passport and visa while traveling in Thailand, as local authorities may request identification during ferry or bus transfers.

• Drink bottled water only and avoid street food in transit areas to prevent stomach issues during your journey.

• Book flights and combined bus-ferry tickets online through trusted platforms like Thai Airways, 12Go Asia, or official bus operators to avoid scams and ensure confirmed seats.

• Use app-based cabs like Grab or prepaid taxis at airports and ferry piers to avoid overcharging and ensure safe local travel.

• Pack light and use sturdy luggage, as you will handle multiple transfers including buses and ferries where baggage handling is manual.

• During monsoon season (May to October), expect delays in ferry services due to rough seas; check weather updates and plan accordingly.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Koh Phangan is during the dry season in Thailand, from November to April. Weather is pleasant and ferry services run smoothly.

Monsoon months bring heavy rains and rough seas, causing ferry cancellations and travel delays. Delhi’s winter months are ideal for escaping cold weather to tropical Koh Phangan.

• Avoid traveling during major Thai festivals like Songkran (April) when transport services are crowded and prices rise.

• Monsoon season (May to October) can cause ferry delays and cancellations due to rough sea conditions, so plan extra days for flexibility.

• Early morning departures from Delhi and Bangkok help avoid city traffic and ensure timely connections to flights and trains.

• Peak tourist months (December to February) see higher flight fares and crowded ferries; book well in advance to secure seats.

Arrival at Koh Phangan & What to Expect

You will arrive at one of Koh Phangan’s main piers, such as Thong Sala Pier, which is the primary entry point for most ferries. The pier area has basic facilities and local transport options.

From the pier, you can take local songthaews (shared pickup trucks) or rent scooters to reach your hotel or beach area. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are limited but available in tourist zones. Popular places to stay include Haad Rin, Thong Nai Pan, and Srithanu.

Conclusion

Flying from Delhi to Surat Thani or Samui, followed by a bus and ferry transfer, is the most efficient way to reach Koh Phangan. This route balances speed, comfort, and cost, making it ideal for most travelers.

Plan your journey by booking flights and combined tickets early, especially during peak seasons. Keep in mind seasonal weather and local transport options for a smooth trip. With proper preparation, you can confidently enjoy the beautiful island of Koh Phangan and its unique experiences.