Marianne Martinez
Thong Nai Pan Noi is a small beach and village in the northeast of Koh Phangan, Thailand. It is known for its isolation, tranquil atmosphere, and beautiful scenery. The journey to Thong Nai Pan Noi can be lengthy and expensive, but there are several ways to get there, including flying to Surat Thani and taking a bus and boat combo, or flying to Koh Samui and taking a ferry. The village offers a range of restaurants, bars, and accommodation options, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly bungalows. With its gently curving white sand beach and crystal clear waters, Thong Nai Pan Noi is a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing beach vacation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Koh Phangan, Thailand |
| Transport Options | Ferry, bus, train, scooter, shared taxi, speedboat, plane, overnight bus |
| Transport Time | 10 hours from Bangkok |
| Transport Cost | 300 baht per person for a shared taxi from the ferry pier |
| Accomodation | Panviman Resort Koh Phangan, Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort and Spa, Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas, Buri Rasa Koh Phangan, Sand in My Shoes Beach Loft, The Hill Village, Sandee Bungalow, Longtail Beach Resort, PingChan Koh Phangan Beachfront Resort, Starlight Resort Koh Phangan, The Great Escape Chalets, Nice Beach Resort Koh Pha-ngan, Pen’s Bungalow, Thai Terrace Bungalow, Dreamland Resort, Aesthetic Resort |
| Dining | Ram and Pha Restaurant, That's Amore, 2C Sunset Bar, Tipi Cantina Bar, Rasta Baby, Hacienda Happy Days Restaurant, Valentino Restaurant & Bar, The Beach Club, Luna Lounge Thong Nai Pan Noi, Handsome Sandwiches, The Living Room, Pa Thong, Wisit Burger, Siam House, Siam Beach |
| Activities | Snorkelling, swimming, sunbathing, jungle safari tour, Than Sadet Waterfall National Park, Just for Fun – Canopy Adventure, ATV ride |
What You'll Learn
Fly to Surat Thani and take a bus and boat to Thong Nai Pan Noi
To get to Thong Nai Pan Noi, you can fly to Surat Thani and take a bus and boat to reach your destination. Here is a detailed breakdown of this journey:
Flying to Surat Thani
Firstly, you need to book a flight to Surat Thani Airport (URT). There are several airlines that operate flights to Surat Thani, including Nok Air, Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet. You can compare prices and choose a flight that suits your budget and schedule.
Bus and Boat from Surat Thani to Thong Nai Pan Noi
Once you arrive at Surat Thani Airport, you can purchase a bus and boat combo ticket to Koh Phangan from a tour operator. This is a convenient option as it allows you to arrange your transportation to the island in one go. The bus will take you to the shore, where you will board a boat to Koh Phangan.
The journey from Surat Thani Airport to Thong Nai Pan Noi will take approximately ten hours in total. It is important to note that this mode of transportation may be more expensive than other options, but it offers a direct and relatively faster connection to Koh Phangan.
Exploring Thong Nai Pan Noi
Thong Nai Pan Noi is a charming beach destination located in the northeast of Koh Phangan. It offers tranquil sandy beaches with azure waters, a laid-back atmosphere, and a range of restaurants, boutiques, and spas. The village has a hippie vibe and is known for its community feel.
When visiting Thong Nai Pan Noi, you can enjoy wandering along the beach, swimming in the clear waters, and exploring the nearby town. The area also offers various accommodation options, ranging from basic bungalows to five-star resorts.
Alternative Transportation Options
If you are looking for alternative ways to get to Thong Nai Pan Noi, there are a few other options available:
- Fly to Koh Samui: You can fly to Koh Samui and then take a ferry to Koh Phangan. This option is faster but more expensive.
- Overnight Bus or Train: You can take an overnight bus or train from Bangkok to Surat Thani and then get a shuttle and boat combo from there. This option is the longest but the cheapest.
- Scooter Rental: If you are confident riding a scooter, you can hire one in Thong Sala and ride to Thong Nai Pan Noi. The journey takes about 30 minutes on a winding but well-maintained road.
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Take a train to Surat Thani, then a bus and ferry to the island
To get to Thong Nai Pan Noi by train, you'll first need to take a train to Surat Thani. From there, you can take a bus and ferry to the island of Koh Phangan. Here's a more detailed breakdown of the journey:
Taking the Train to Surat Thani
The train is a great option for those who want to enjoy the scenic route to Surat Thani. You can take an overnight train from Bangkok to Surat Thani, which will allow you to travel in comfort while saving on accommodation costs for a night. The journey by train will take around 12 hours, so it's a good idea to book a sleeper berth and bring some entertainment for the journey.
From Surat Thani to Koh Phangan by Bus and Ferry
Once you arrive at Surat Thani train station, you can purchase a shuttle and boat combo ticket to Koh Phangan from one of the tour operators there. This journey will take around 3-4 hours, depending on the shuttle and ferry schedules. The shuttle bus will take you to the Donsak pier, where you'll board a ferry to Koh Phangan.
Getting to Thong Nai Pan Noi from Koh Phangan
Upon arrival at Thong Sala Pier on Koh Phangan, you can take a shared taxi or pick-up truck to Thong Nai Pan Noi. These taxis usually wait for passengers arriving by ferry, and you can barter with the drivers to get a better price. The journey from the pier to Thong Nai Pan Noi will take around 30 minutes.
Alternatively, if you're confident riding scooters, you can hire one in Thong Sala and make the scenic 30-minute drive to Thong Nai Pan Noi yourself. The roads are winding but well-maintained and not too busy.
Advantages of This Route
Taking the train to Surat Thani and then the bus and ferry to Koh Phangan is the longest but cheapest way to get to Thong Nai Pan Noi. It's a great option for those on a budget or for those who want to enjoy the journey and take in the sights along the way.
Final Tips
When travelling by train, it's a good idea to bring your own food and drinks, as well as some entertainment for the journey. Additionally, if you're travelling during peak season, it's advisable to book your train tickets and accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment.
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Fly to Koh Samui and take a ferry to the island
To get to Thong Nai Pan Noi, you can fly to Koh Samui and then take a ferry to the island of Koh Phangan. This is the fastest way to get to Koh Phangan from Bangkok, but it is also the most expensive.
From Koh Samui, you can take a ferry to Koh Phangan. The Lomprayah High-Speed Catamaran and Seatran Discovery are the fastest options, taking about 20-30 minutes and costing THB 400 and THB 300, respectively. Lomprayah calls at Samui's Maenam Pier twice a day, at 8 am and 12:30 pm. Seatran Discovery has three boats a day, at 8 am, 1 pm, and 4:30 pm, departing from Bangrak Seatran Pier in Samui. Both companies arrive at Thong Sala on Koh Phangan.
There is also the Haad Rin Queen boat, which takes you to the centre of the Full Moon Parties on Koh Phangan. This boat departs from and arrives at Big Buddha Pier in Samui. At the time of writing, there were four departures a day at 10:30 am, 1 pm, 4 pm, and 6:30 pm, with the latest boat leaving Samui at 6:30 pm. The transit time is between 50 minutes and one hour. Tickets for the Haad Rin Queen cost THB 200 and cannot be booked online.
Another option is the Thong Nai Pan Express, which runs only when the weather is good. Depending on your destination, expect to pay from THB 200 to THB 400 per person.
Once you arrive at Koh Phangan, you can take a shared taxi or pick-up truck to Thong Nai Pan Noi. These are usually waiting at the pier to take passengers to their destinations. Make sure to bargain with them—you may be able to get them down to 300 THB from 500 THB.
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Take a shared taxi from Thong Sala Pier to Thong Nai Pan Noi
Once you arrive at Thong Sala Pier, you will find shared taxis that can take you to Thong Nai Pan Noi. The shared taxis are usually parked 100 meters to the left of the pier. They are more affordable than private taxis, with prices ranging from 200-350 baht per person.
When you arrive at the pier, you may encounter local "mafia" taxi hunters trying to secure your ride, but they will likely overcharge you. It is best to look for the van taxis instead, as they have fixed and more affordable prices.
If you are confident riding scooters, you could also hire one in Thong Sala and ride to Thong Nai Pan Noi. The trip takes about 30 minutes, and the road is winding but in good condition.
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Rent a scooter and drive to Thong Nai Pan Noi
Renting a scooter and driving to Thong Nai Pan Noi is a great way to get to this beautiful beach destination in Koh Phangan. Here is a detailed guide to help you with the process:
Renting a Scooter:
Firstly, you will need to rent a scooter. There are many bike hire shops across the island, but some recommended places near the ferry pier include Budget Two and Lala Agency. The rent for a standard 125cc scooter, such as a Honda Click, typically ranges from 200 to 250 THB per day. When renting, you may be required to provide your passport or a cash deposit, which can range from 5,000 to 7,000 THB, depending on the scooter model.
Riding to Thong Nai Pan Noi:
Once you have rented your scooter, it is approximately an 18-kilometer drive to Thong Nai Pan Noi, which should take around 30 minutes. The route takes you through the island's interior and the Namtok Than Sadet National Park. Be cautious when riding, as the roads can be winding and hilly, and you may encounter dogs, sleeping or otherwise, on the road.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Ensure you have the right license: To ride legally, you should obtain an International Driving Permit.
- Wear a helmet: Always prioritize your safety by wearing a helmet when riding.
- Get insurance: Consider purchasing insurance to cover any potential scooter-related accidents.
- Be mindful of the environment: Remember to pick up your trash and respect the natural surroundings.
Why Visit Thong Nai Pan Noi:
Thong Nai Pan Noi is a serene and picturesque beach, offering crystal-clear waters, white sandy shores, and lush hills. It is an excellent choice for families, couples, or groups seeking a tranquil getaway away from the crowds and parties. The beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, and the nearby village offers restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops.
So, follow this guide, and you'll be on your way to enjoying the beauty and tranquility of Thong Nai Pan Noi on your scooter!
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Frequently asked questions
The fastest way to get to Thong Nai Pan Noi is by flying to Koh Samui and taking a ferry from there. You can also fly to Surat Thani and take a bus and boat combo to Koh Phangan. The cheapest way is to take an overnight bus or train from Bangkok to Surat Thani, then get a shuttle and boat combo.
Thong Nai Pan Noi has beautiful beaches, azure and turquoise warm seas, and a peaceful atmosphere. There are restaurants, shops, pharmacies, bars, and spas. You can also go snorkelling, or visit the Ang Thong National Marine Park, Than Sadet Waterfall National Park, or Bottle Beach.
Thong Nai Pan Noi is the more popular and luxurious of the two, with four luxury beachfront resorts. Thong Nai Pan Yai is quieter and has more mid-range and budget bungalows. Thong Nai Pan Noi has a wider choice of restaurants and is better for shopping, while Thong Nai Pan Yai is better for swimming.
