Beaches you can only reach by sea
Koh Phangan by boat
Some of Koh Phangan’s best beaches are hard to reach by road, and the islands around it are even better. A boat is the best way to see the island, and the gateway to Ang Thong and Koh Tao.
Updated 5 November 2026 · Prices in Thai baht (THB)
Around the island: the north and east coasts
The north and east coasts are wild and steep. Bottle Beach (Haad Khuad) sits in a deep bay under jungle-covered hills; Thong Nai Pan Yai and Noi are two perfect crescents side by side; Than Sadet has a river and waterfall once visited by Thai kings. By road some of these take an hour of steep driving. By speedboat they are a relaxed loop with swimming stops in between.
Koh Ma and the north-west
Off Mae Haad in the north-west, a sandbar connects Koh Phangan to tiny Koh Ma at low tide. The water around Koh Ma is a protected area with some of the best coral on Koh Phangan, easy snorkelling straight from the boat.
Sunset on the west coast
Koh Phangan’s west coast faces the sunset over Koh Samui and Ang Thong. A late-afternoon private cruise with a swim stop and the sun dropping behind the islands is one of the most memorable things to do on the island.
The best day trips from Koh Phangan
Two day trips stand above the rest. Ang Thong National Marine Park, an hour away, has the Emerald Lake and the famous 360° viewpoint (closed 1 November – 15 December). Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan, an hour north, have the clearest water and the best snorkelling in the Gulf and run all year.
Getting between Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and Koh Tao
Ferries run on fixed timetables from Thongsala. If you have a flight from Samui, a late arrival, a medical appointment or simply a group with luggage, a private speedboat transfer leaves when you want, from the pier nearest to you.
Plan your trip
When to go, and what the sea is doing.
Best time to go
Typical conditions on the Koh Phangan and Koh Samui side of the Gulf of Thailand. The captain checks the sea every morning; if it is unsafe, you choose a new date or a full refund.
| Month | Sea | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | Good | Mostly dry, seas settling after the monsoon |
| Feb | Best | Dry, calm seas, clear water |
| Mar | Best | Dry, calm, very clear water |
| Apr | Best | Hot and calm, best visibility |
| May | Good | Hot, mostly calm, short showers |
| Jun | Good | Mostly calm, some breezy days |
| Jul | Good | Mostly calm, short showers |
| Aug | Good | Mostly calm, some breezy days |
| Sep | Good | Calm to moderate, more showers |
| Oct | Mixed | Rain increases, seas can get choppy |
| Nov | Rough | Wettest month, rough seas; Ang Thong closed |
| Dec | Mixed | Improving; Ang Thong reopens 16 Dec |
Ang Thong National Marine Park closes every year from 1 November to 15 December. The Koh Tao & Koh Nang Yuan trip runs all year.
Sea & weather now
Near Koh Phangan, live from Open-Meteo.
- Air
- …
- Wind
- …
- Waves
- …
Where we go
Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Ang Thong National Marine Park, Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan.
Questions
Good to know.
What are the best boat trips from Koh Phangan?
Ang Thong National Marine Park for the Emerald Lake and viewpoint, Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan for snorkelling, and a private speedboat around Koh Phangan for Bottle Beach, Thong Nai Pan and Koh Ma.
Can I rent a boat with a captain on Koh Phangan?
Yes. Our private speedboats come with captain and crew for half or full days, around Koh Phangan or to Ang Thong and Koh Tao.
How long is the speedboat from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui?
Around 30 minutes, depending on the pier and the sea.
Can you reach Bottle Beach by boat?
Yes. Bottle Beach (Haad Khuad) is easiest to reach by boat; the land route is a steep 4x4 track or a jungle hike. It is a highlight of our private trips around Koh Phangan.
Where is the best snorkelling on Koh Phangan?
Around Koh Ma in the north-west, a protected area connected to Mae Haad by a sandbar. Further afield, Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan have the clearest water.
What is the best day trip from Koh Phangan?
Ang Thong National Marine Park for scenery, and Koh Tao with Koh Nang Yuan for snorkelling. Both leave from Koh Phangan with hotel pickup.
Go there with us
Trips for this island.
PrivatePrivate · Speedboat
Private Speedboat Tour around Koh Phangan
BestsellerDay trip · Speedboat
Ang Thong Day Tour by Speedboat
Clearest waterDay trip · Speedboat
Koh Tao & Koh Nang Yuan Day Trip by Speedboat
Door to doorPrivate · Transfer
Private Speedboat Transfers: Koh Phangan, Koh Samui & Koh Tao
Ready for the islands?
Pick your trip and date in a minute. We confirm by email and WhatsApp.