Home Page / Koh Phangan / Transport
Transport on Koh Phangan Island
Car taxis
Pick-up trucks converted to carry people can be flagged down all over the island. Prices vary. If the vehicle is plying a regular route and stops to pick up passengers along the way fares will be lower. If you hire the whole vehicle for a special trip it will be more expensive. Expect to pay more for out of the way places, or at inconvenient hours. There are also minibuses plying the route between Thongsala and Haad Rin.
Long Tail boats
Some parts of the island, such as Haad Tien and Haad Yuan are still only accessible by boat. Taxi boats leave from Haad Rin sunrise beach when the sea is calm and from Haad Rin pier on sunset side during the monsoon season. Boats don't leave at fixed times, you just have to wait until there are enough passengers. Boats leave for Bottle Beach from Chaloklum.
Motorbike rental
Mopeds are available for rent all over the island and are a very convenient way of getting around. Be sure to check vehicles carefully for damage before setting out, or you may end up being forced to pay for repairs when you bring the bike back. Dirt bikes can be very good fun, but drive carefully and remember to drop down to a low gear before starting on a steep hill. Motorcycle accidents and injuries are so common that the characteristic road burn is known as a 'Koh Phangan tattoo.'
Jeep Rental
If there is a group of you, renting a four wheel drive jeep is cost effective. And the air-conditioning in the cabin provides a welcome relief from the heat and dust of Koh Phangan's dirt roads. Many of the island's roads are steep and heavily eroded. Make sure your car has 4-wheel drive and check to see how it works before setting out. Remember: drive on the left-hand side! Most rental companies don't allow you to take their cars off the island, so check first if you are planning to explore the mainland.
Push bike rental
Mountain bikes are widely available for rent. Bicycle is an easy and pleasant way to get around the flat southern and western areas of the island. Other parts of the island are hilly and there are many fantastic trails to discover. Falls from mountain bikes are just as common as those from motorcycles. It is recommended you keep your arms and legs covered to minimise skin damage in case you take a tumble.
Speed boat
Speed boats can be chartered for day trips to places such as the Angthong National Marine Park, or for a quick crossing to Koh Samui.
