Day trips · Koh Phangan · Thailand
4 best day trips from Koh Phangan
Where to go when you want a day away from Koh Phangan, and how long it really takes.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: joestump https://www.flickr.com/photos/joestump/, CC BY 2.0
Quick answer
The classic day trip from Koh Phangan is Ang Thong National Marine Park (About 1.5–2 hours by boat). The closest option is Sail Rock dive site, about 15 km away.
Key facts
- Day trips in this guide
- 4
- Closest
- Sail Rock dive site (15 km)
- Most popular
- Ang Thong National Marine Park
Day trips compared
| Destination | Distance | Travel time | How | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ang Thong National Marine Park | 40 km | About 1.5–2 hours by boat | Tour boat or speedboat from Thong Sala | First-timers, Couples, Families |
| Koh Tao | 45 km | About 1–1.5 hours by catamaran | Ferry or catamaran from Thong Sala | Solo travellers, Couples, Beach |
| Koh Samui | 20 km | About 30–60 minutes by ferry | Ferry from Thong Sala or Haad Rin | Shopping, Families, First-timers |
| Sail Rock dive site | 15 km | About 45–60 minutes by dive boat | Dive boat from Phangan | Solo travellers, Couples |
The day trips
40 km · About 1.5–2 hours by boat
1.Ang Thong National Marine Park
An archipelago of around 40 limestone islands west of Phangan with kayaking, snorkelling and a steep climb to a viewpoint over the emerald lagoon on Koh Mae Ko. Trips usually run in the drier months and can be cancelled in rough weather.
- Getting there
- Tour boat or speedboat from Thong Sala
- Best for
- First-timers, Couples, Families
45 km · About 1–1.5 hours by catamaran
2.Koh Tao
A small island known for diving and snorkelling, with Koh Nang Yuan, three islets joined by a sandbar, just offshore. Many dive schools run training dives at sites around the island.
- Getting there
- Ferry or catamaran from Thong Sala
- Best for
- Solo travellers, Couples, Beach
20 km · About 30–60 minutes by ferry
3.Koh Samui
Phangan's larger neighbour has the Big Buddha temple, Fisherman's Village in Bophut, the Na Muang waterfalls and long beaches at Chaweng and Lamai.
- Getting there
- Ferry from Thong Sala or Haad Rin
- Best for
- Shopping, Families, First-timers
15 km · About 45–60 minutes by dive boat
4.Sail Rock dive site
A pinnacle of rock rising from the sea between Phangan and Koh Tao, one of the Gulf of Thailand's best-known dive sites, with a vertical chimney swim-through and large schools of fish.
- Getting there
- Dive boat from Phangan
- Best for
- Solo travellers, Couples
Day-trip tips
- Leave early: most trips are more relaxed with a morning departure and a return before dinner.
- For trips over about 150 km, an overnight stay or an organised tour saves a lot of travelling.
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best day trip from Koh Phangan?
Ang Thong National Marine Park. An archipelago of around 40 limestone islands west of Phangan with kayaking, snorkelling and a steep climb to a viewpoint over the emerald lagoon on Koh Mae Ko.
+How long does it take to get from Koh Phangan to Ang Thong National Marine Park?
About 1.5–2 hours by boat — Tour boat or speedboat from Thong Sala, about 40 km.
+How long does it take to get from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao?
About 1–1.5 hours by catamaran — Ferry or catamaran from Thong Sala, about 45 km.