Koh Samui or Koh Phangan: the short answer
If you want to be at the party for several nights in a row and do not mind noise and simple rooms, stay in Haad Rin on Koh Phangan. If you want a comfortable hotel, a quiet sleep after the party and the rest of your holiday on a bigger island, stay on Koh Samui and go to the party by speedboat.
Comparison
| Stay on Koh Phangan (Haad Rin) | Stay on Koh Samui | |
|---|---|---|
| Getting to the party | walk | hotel pickup and speedboat, 20-30 minutes |
| Getting back | walk | boats every hour from 0:00 to 6:00, minivan to the hotel |
| Rooms on the party night | sell out early, prices go up, often minimum stays | wide choice of hotels and villas |
| Sleep after the party | noisy until morning | quiet |
| Airport | none, ferry to Koh Samui or Surat Thani | Samui International Airport |
Why many people stay on Koh Samui
- The rest of the holiday is easier: more beaches, restaurants and hotels, and an airport.
- You do not need to pay party prices for a room in Haad Rin.
- The way to the party and back is organised: a minivan picks you up at your hotel in any area of Koh Samui, the speedboat goes from Bangrak pier to Haad Rin, and boats return every hour from 0:00 to 6:00.
Regular ferries stop in the early evening, so without a night transfer you would have to stay on Koh Phangan. See how to get back to Koh Samui after the party.
How much is the transfer?
One way ฿890, round trip ฿1290 per person (New Year party ฿1190 / ฿1490), including hotel pickup and drop-off. Booking online is free, you pay in cash at the pier. Book a transfer.
Questions
Is it better to stay on Koh Samui or Koh Phangan for the Full Moon Party?
Koh Phangan if you want to walk to the party and stay several nights. Koh Samui if you want a comfortable, quiet hotel and come by night speedboat transfer.
Can I go to the Full Moon Party from Koh Samui and come back the same night?
Yes. With a round trip transfer the speedboats go back from Haad Rin every hour from 0:00 to 6:00 and a minivan takes you to your hotel.
