Koh Phangan Ferry is although famous for its Full Moon Parties, Ko Phangan has a lot more to offer visitors than all night dancing. There are a small number of day trip options from Koh Samui, apart from sailing cruises, so at least an overnight stay is recommended.
Ko Phangan is at least ten years behind Samui in terms of development, which lends the island a lot of charm, as well as some would say it's more picturesque than Samui itself. The main tourist beach Had Rin is busiest on Full Moon nights, however is well worth a visit the rest of the month too for its chaotic jumble of bars, clubs, restaurants and handicraft shops. The locals - expats and Thai's alike - are a friendly bunch plus help make the atmosphere a lot more laid back than frenetic Chaweng. Their attitude is that each night is a party night on Had Rin, which pretty much sums it up.
Instead of taking the route from Bangkok direct to Koh Samui using Bangkok Airways there is an additional way to get to Koh Samui and can work out a little cheaper. You can use Nok Air to fly to Suratthani airport then get the bus service to Donsak port where you can catch a ferry to Koh Samui or Koh Phangan Ferry. Speed Boat Services are also available at ferry samui.
Samui Flights
In detail if you got a flight to Surrathani from anywhere in Thailand when you arrive in Surrathani airport there is a bus service to Surrathani town. This will bring you an added bus station where you can catch a bus to Donsak port. You can as well book in Surrathani airport a bus to Donsak port, they will try to sell you a ticket for the ferry, which is your option, but most the time its best to buy it at the port.
If you flew with Nok Air they offer the opinion to buy an all in one ticket all the way to Koh Samui, which includes the ferry. They use the company Ferry Samui which operates the fast ferry service and Speed Boat Services to Koh Samui from Donsak; this is a new service by them.
Overall that it does take longer to do this way, the flight from Bangkok to Samui is about 35mins. Flight to Surrathani is about the same, however then you have a 2 hour bus ride from the airport to Surrathani town. Quite enjoyable ride along with you get to see some real Thailand life. Once in Surrathani you will then need to wait for the bus to Donsak which can occasionally be a few hours at the most. But this gives you a chance to look around Surrathani town, again which is a real Thai town as well as not really catered for the tourist. There are few markets and ample shops, including 7/11's which we all love to see and use. Even a pizzahut in Surrathani!
Samui Ferries
Donsak port is small, and deals with one purpose getting people to Koh Samui. A small restaurant, shop as well as credit card machines are here. There are lots of buses coming furthermore going and lots of cars waiting to board the Koh Phangan Ferry.
Once you arrive in Samui you will land at Nathon port, here you find plenty of taxis to take you wherever on the Island.
You will have a pleasant experience and not too bad journey. I have done it lots of times. Watch your bags, don’t forget your bags on the bus, as well as follow the orders from the Thai's its easier.
Warning: Don’t pay anything additional at any offices that will tell you the boat is full or it’s delayed. A trick they use to get extra money from you to intend of giving you a better service.
<a href=”http://www.ferrysamui.com”>Koh Phangan Ferry</a> is the easiest to travel everywhere in Koh Samui Island. <a href=”http://www.ferrysamui.com”>Speed Boat Services</a> are also available.
