When I first arrived in Koh Phangan after living in Chiang Mai for 2 months, I was shocked. The taxi prices were so much higher! I was used to paying between 20 baht – 100 baht per average ride, and all of a sudden the prices had jumped to average between 150 baht – 300+ baht. So in USD terms, it was going from about 60 cents-$3 per ride to $4.50-$9 per ride. Which still isn’t crazy expensive, but nonetheless a relatively significant jump.
After the initial shock, I came to realize that compared to the mainland, certain things on the islands are simply going to be more expensive. Taxi fares being one of them.
Typical Taxi Fares in Koh Phangan
Here’s what to expect for taxi fares from Thong Sala Pier (the main pier in Koh Phangan)
- Thong Sala to Haad Rin: 100-150 baht
- Thong Sala to Baan Tai/Baan Kai: 100-150 baht
- Thong Sala to Hin Kong/Wok Tum: 150-200 baht
- Thong Sala to Srithanu/Haad Chao Phao: 150-250 baht
- Thong Sala to Haad Yao/Haad Salad/ Mae Haad: 200-250 baht
- Thong Sala to Chaloklum: 250-300 baht
- Thong Sala to Thong Nai Pan Noi/ Thong Nai Pan Yai: 300-400 baht
- Thong Sala to Than Sadet: 300-400 baht
Extra Tips:
The taxi fares listed above are the minimum price per person. The fares can change depending on the time of day and/or season. (Very early or very late, Low season or High season).
If you are getting on the taxi from the pier right off the boat, they will only leave when the car is full, so you should allow for wait time. If you want to leave immediately or are going alone, the driver will charge more.
Anytime you’re getting a taxi anywhere on the island, it’s important to ask for the price and come to an agreement first before getting on the taxi.
If you’re staying on the island for a while, it’s worth it to rent a motorbike (for about 3000 – 4000 baht per month) or to buy one (for anywhere between 8000 to 25000 baht) because the constant taxi rides will add up to be a big chunk of your expenses and taxis are not as readily available in many locations as you may find in bigger cities.
Happy Travels!
