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GETTING THERE PAGE Getting to Koh Pha-Ngan is surprisingly easy, and there are a number of ways to do this.
The information provided here will pretty much apply to departures from Bangkok( 700km away ). I haven't included timetables, as these tend to change and therefore, unreliable - the precise details should be obtained from the various travel agents/booking offices that you book from.By Bus or By Train or take a Bus,Train,Boat Combination ticket, or take a Plane.
By Bus
Buses depart from both Khao Sarn Road and the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok, usually in the early evening.Various bus companys do this route, the most common being 'V.I.P. Buses' and probably slightly dearer than most....although don't expect V.I.P. facilities as seats can often be busted, and the constant cold air conditioning can make for an uncomfortable ride ( take a jumper/blanket and some sellotape for taping up the airvents! ).
Also, be aware and cautious of thefts from bags and money belts as this seems to be a bit of a problem on the buses.A typical ticket with boat connection to Koh Pha-Ngan will cost you about 300 baht.You leave from the port at Surat Thani on the mainland. This is the cheapest way to get to Koh Pha-Ngan and the round trip is approx. 20 hours.
Have a look at thaiworldview.com to get an idea of what the buses look like.
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By Train
Trains to Koh Pha-Ngan depart from Bangkoks 'Hualamphong' Station, usually in the evening, and are much safer and alot more pleasant than taking a bus.
2nd Class seats on the train are similar in price to the Bus, and up from that is the 2nd Class 'Sleeper' service and will cost about 600 baht. This is definately recommended as the beds are comfy and clean, there is a bar on board where you can have a drink and a smoke and if you are hungry, order food.
You will arrive in the morning at Surat Thani, where buses will take you to the port where you can then get a boat to Koh Pha-Ngan...costing approx.80 baht. Travel time is probably the same as by bus, but much more relaxing and generally more enjoyable.
Have a look at thaifocus.com to get an idea of what services and routes the trains offer.Train,Bus,Boat Combinations Train,bus,boat combination tickets are also available from most travel agents/booking offices in Bangkok. They usually cost about 30-50 baht more than buying individual tickets, but its less hassle buying them this way.....just dont lose your tickets, as if you do, you will be expected to purchase new ones at whatever stage of the journey you are at.
By Plane
Planes depart from Bangkok Airport and you can travel with Thai Airways or Bangkok Airways.Thai Airways fly to Surat Thani on the mainland, at which point you'll have to transfer to the port and then catch a 4hour boat ride to Koh Pha-Ngan and an extra 80- 120 baht.
If you fly with Bangkok Airways which fly to Koh Samui, its more expensive but only a 1 hour boat ride to Koh Pha-Ngan and an extra 80 baht. This is the quickest and most expensive way to get to Koh Pha-Ngan from Bangkok with the total journey time being approx. 2.5 hours.
Final note The final stage of travel to Koh Pha-Ngan regardless of initial mode of transport, will always be by boat, either from Surat Thani on the mainland, or from Koh Samui. You will arrive on Koh Pha-Ngan, eventually, at the main port at Thong Sala, or at the smaller port at Hadrin. If the sea looks rough...take the biggest boat available...and if the sea is really bad, the boats will not depart.
Always keep your valuables on you, and make sure you know where the exits, windows and life vests are.
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