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Go Backpacking > Destinations > Asia > Thailand > Island Hop – Koh Samui To Koh Phangan

Island Hop – Koh Samui To Koh Phangan

July 26, 2008 By Dave

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The ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan

After a week on Koh Samui's busy and beautiful Chaweng Beach, I checked out of The Sands Resort bungalow, got picked up in an air-conditioned van and transferred to the pier. We had a 20-30 minute wait, then walked the warped wooden planks to the awaiting ferry. The surroundings were gorgeous – sparkling waters and lush green hills.

Backpackers walk the pier

We set off. A boat full of the young and attractive – barely a family, kid or old person from Koh Samui. The tiniest, youngest girls had rolling suitcases heavier than themselves. The wind felt great as we cruised the 50 minutes to Koh Phangan. Unlike my ferry to Koh Samui, we arrived directly at the main pier on Sunset Beach, a few minutes walk from Sunrise Beach where the monthly Full Moon Parties are held.

The young, the beautiful, and the heavily luggaged

I asked a couple of guys walking on the street for a hotel suggestion. They were sleeping at Mellow Mountain Bungalows at the far north end of the beach. Along the way there, I sweltered on the beach, stopping at various resorts – all too costly, though I was tempted by a $30/night place.

View of Haad Rin from my bungalow

I ended up taking the mountain bungalow because it had a porch view of the beach. Probably not the best view as there are some trees in the way, but it offered some privacy in exchange.

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Filed Under: Thailand

About Dave

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 65 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Originally from New York, Dave now calls Austin, TX home. Find him on Instagram and Twitter.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kango Suz says

    July 28, 2008 at 2:14 pm

    Even though it’s not right on the beach, this view is definately worth it!

  2. Kango Suz says

    July 28, 2008 at 7:14 pm

    Even though it’s not right on the beach, this view is definately worth it!

  3. Alberto says

    July 30, 2008 at 11:37 am

    On my last holidays, I went to Koh Samui, to Kamalaya spa resort, they picked me up at the airport and the ride was exhilarating, so much green everywhere!

    What a place!! It wasn’t my first time in Thailand, I go there every two years or so, but I have to say I haven’t seen a hotel like that, it wasn’t only the facilities, it was everything, the staff, the food, the treatments…

    I will come back next year for sure, Kamalaya is one of the best spa resorts I have been to and Koh Samui is a magical place.

    Thanks for your blog.

    Alberto

  4. Alberto says

    July 30, 2008 at 6:37 am

    On my last holidays, I went to Koh Samui, to Kamalaya spa resort, they picked me up at the airport and the ride was exhilarating, so much green everywhere!

    What a place!! It wasn’t my first time in Thailand, I go there every two years or so, but I have to say I haven’t seen a hotel like that, it wasn’t only the facilities, it was everything, the staff, the food, the treatments…

    I will come back next year for sure, Kamalaya is one of the best spa resorts I have been to and Koh Samui is a magical place.

    Thanks for your blog.

    Alberto

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