PLANE

The closest airport is Ko Samui, which has frequent flights with Bangkok Airways from Bangkok, Krabi, Phuket, Pattaya, Singapore and Hong Kong. Flights from Bangkok can range from 4000-5000 Baht. Transportation to Big Buddha Pier can be arranged at the airport. Ferries depart several times a day and only take about 30 minutes, with the last ferry leaving to Haad Rin at 6:30pm. The next nearest airport is Surat Thani on the mainland. Flights from Bangkok to Surat Thani are cheaper with Air Asia, Nok Air or Thai Airways, costing around 1500-2500 Baht. However, you’ll then need combined bus + boat travel to get to Ko Pha Ngan,which takes several hours and costs around 500 Baht.

TRAIN

An overnight train from Bangkok arriving early morning in Surat Thani is a long journey but a cheaper alternative to flying. You have a choice of general fan seating, the cheapest option, or a fan or air con sleeper train at a slightly higher price. Upon arrival in Surat Thani you will also need to buy a bus and boat transfer to Koh Phangan. Combined train-bus-boat tickets can be bought direct from Hualamphong station in Bangkok, although if your train is late, and you miss the boat you will have to pay extra for the next boat.

BUS

Another cheap alternative is an overnight or early morning bus from Bangkok to Surat Thani or Chumpon. On arrival you need to buy a ticket for another bus transfer to the pier then a boat transfer to Koh Phangan.

Most travel agencies sell an all-in-one travel ticket from Bangkok to Koh Phangan, with bus and ferry ticket included for about 650 Baht. There are also Government buses that arrive directly at the Raja Ferry port. This option saves time and discomfort of changing modes of transportation, but is more expensive at around 1000B.

BOAT

There are several ferries arriving in the main town Thongsala daily from ports in KohSamui, Koh Tao, Surat Thani or Chumphon. The quickest ferry is from Koh Samui and only takes 25 minutes. There is one ferry ‘The Haad Rin Queen’ which runs four times daily from Big Buddha Pier in Koh Samui to another town Haad Rin, Koh Phangan. This boat takes about 45 minutes. You can find boat schedules online or at any travel agent office.

Once on Koh Phangan, Rhythm and Sands is located seaside in Baan Tai, halfway between the main town Thongsala and the Southernmost town Haad Rin. Exclusively for R&S, taxi’s are FREE from 2pm –